Review of the Audi RS 5 Coupe

The Audi RS 5 Coupe is a two-door high-performance sports coupe that's fast and stylish. Coming with a V6 engine that's incredibly fast and a classy interior, the RS 5 Coupe is oriented for those who want a performance-based lease car. 

Rivals to the RS 5 Coupe include the BMW M4 Coupe, Lexus RC F Coupe, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, and Alfa Romeo Giulia. 

Our Audi RS 5 Coupe review covers:

• Aggressive exterior with a large grille and air intakes 
• Classy interior that's comfortable and has loads of tech 
• 465-litre boot 
• A 2.9-litre V6 engine 
• Three trim levels 

Pros:

• Rapid straight-line acceleration 
• High-quality interior 
• Plenty of equipment as standard 

Cons:

• Not as fun to drive as rivals 
• Expensive to run 
• Rivals offer a better all-round experience 

The RS 5 is based on the regular A5, but unlike its counterpart, it looks like it's been hitting the gym and hasn't eaten a carbohydrate in years. Up front, there's an aggressive large grille bordered by large air intakes. On the side, there are large wheel arches, and at the rear, it has a bulky rear bumper. 

If you're considering leasing the RS 5 Coupe, you probably don't care about interior space. However, you'll need it at some point. There's ample room in the front for two six-footers, while a pair of adults can fit in the rear after climbing behind the front seats. 

Boot space comes in at 465 litres for the RS 5 Coupe, which is more than the BMW M4 Coupe and Mercedes E-Class Coupe. There's a wide load area, which makes loading a suitcase a breeze, and you can also fold the rear seats 40/20/40 for bigger items. 

Inside the cabin, you won't have too many complaints. There's a classy look and feel; it comes with leather upholstery as standard, and all features have been built to last. It's certainly better than the interior of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and is on par with the Mercedes E-Class Coupe. 

On the dash, you get a 10-inch infotainment system that has a DAB radio, Bluetooth, Smartphone mirroring, and sat-nav. The screen displays sharp graphics and is sensitive to touch, but it can only be accessed through the screen or buttons and is without a rotary controller like in the BMW M4 Coupe. 

You also get a 12.3-inch digital drivers display that shows all the required information and can be upgraded with an optional head-up display (standard on the Vorsprung trim). 

Three trim levels are available: Coupe, Carbon Black, and Vorsprung. 

Coupe has 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, privacy glass, sports seats, fine Nappa leather upholstery, three-zone electronic climate control, a leather steering wheel, LED interior lighting, a 10-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, RS sports suspension, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, and keyless go. 

Carbon Black adds to this with 20-inch five-segment-spoke gloss black alloy wheels, a carbon black styling pack, exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black, and Audi rings and lettering in glossy black. 

Vorsprung has 20-inch matt grey alloy wheels, a black styling pack, a panoramic sunroof, an extended LED interior lighting pack, a head-up display, RS sport suspension with dynamic ride control, and matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and dynamic indicators. 

Under the bonnet, you get a powerful 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. 

Coming with 450bhp, the V6 engine propels the car from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and tops out at 155mph. This is ridiculously fast and matches the BMW M4 Coupe Competition and the Alfa Romeo Giulia range-topper. 

Although you're probably not worried about fuel economy, we've got to give it a mention. It comes in at a combined 28 - 30 mpg, so expect to spend a fair bit of time at the pump. 

Around town, the RS 5 Coupe is much better with everyday life than some of its rivals. It rides well around town, and the handling is fairly easy to manoeuvre. 

When you increase the speed, which I'm sure you will, the RS 5 Coupe is superb in straight lines. The V6 propels it off the mark ridiculously fast, and the four-wheel drive system keeps it stuck to the road at all times. 

On twister roads, the RS 5 Coupe falls short of its rivals. Although you can choose between driving modes on the Vorsprung trim, in general, its steering at high speeds is heavy and artificial-feeling. You can't really feel any connection with the front wheels, which isn't great for a performance-based car. 

Prices for the new Audi RS 5 Coupe start from £74,365.00 OTR* or to lease from £949.78 per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Audi RS 5 Coupe? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.