CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 25.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 50
Average Price: Around £32,000

Audi RS5 (2017-2025) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Superb all-weather performance	Not the driver's car it could be
Practical Sportback model	Turbocharged engine is short on character
First-rate interior quality	Thumpy ride over poor surfaces

Quick Summary

The Audi RS5 (2017-2025) is a fast, secure, and handsome all-rounder that combines impressive straight-line performance with everyday practicality. Powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 444bhp, it delivers forceful acceleration and responsive power delivery. The addition of quattro all-wheel drive provides exceptional all-weather stability and security, whilst the optional five-door Sportback variant offers enhanced practicality over the traditional two-door coupe. The cabin is exceptionally well-appointed, featuring high-grade materials, excellent build quality, and intuitive MMI infotainment with a Virtual Cockpit digital display.

However, the RS5 never quite reaches the dynamic heights of the BMW M4, lacking the agility and responsiveness that keen drivers crave. The turbocharged V6 engine, whilst powerful, sacrifices the character and musicality of its naturally-aspirated V8 predecessor. The ride can feel thumpy over poor road surfaces, and running costs are substantial, with fuel consumption dropping into the low 20s under spirited driving and insurance groups reaching 42-47. Despite these shortcomings, the RS5 slots seamlessly into most lives as a comfortable, civilised, and capable performance car.

Best for: Buyers seeking a fast, secure, and practical performance car with all-weather capability; those who value interior quality and everyday usability; and drivers prioritising stability and confidence over outright driving engagement.

Not ideal for: Keen drivers seeking the sharpest handling and most rewarding driving dynamics; enthusiasts who value engine character and musicality; or budget-conscious buyers concerned with fuel economy and running costs.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the RS5 if: You seek a fast, secure, and practical performance car with exceptional all-weather capability; you value interior quality and everyday usability; or you prefer stability and confidence over outright driving engagement.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling and rewarding driving dynamics, desire engine character and musicality, or are concerned with fuel economy and running costs.

Competitive Position: The Audi RS5 (2017-2025) is a capable performance car that excels in all-weather security and interior quality, but falls short of rivals in dynamic engagement. Whilst the BMW M4 Coupe offers superior driving dynamics and the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe delivers more engine character, the RS5 compensates with quattro all-wheel drive stability and the practical five-door Sportback option. For buyers prioritising comfort, security, and practicality over outright driving thrills, the RS5 represents a compelling choice, though keen drivers will find more rewarding alternatives from BMW and Mercedes-AMG.

Read our full Audi RS5 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.