Audi RS 5 Coupe 2022 Review

The 2022 Audi RS 5 has been the cream of the A5 crop since the blistering, V8-powered first-generation coupe was unleashed onto the local market in late 2010.

Sadly for many, though seen as a step forward by others, the original 331kW/430Nm naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 was replaced in 2017 by a Porsche-engineered 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with the same 331kW – but, at 600Nm, a fair bit more turbo-enhanced torque – which still more than manages to maintain the rage in the mid-level sports car segment.

Compared to its primary competitors, the 2022 Audi RS 5 Coupe carries a tidy pricing advantage. At a list price of $157,991 plus on-road costs, the RS 5 significantly undercuts the BMW M4 Competition xDrive (from $174,500) and Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe (from $179,868).

At update time, Audi cut prices and increased kit for its RS hot rods and its standard equipment levels are impressive, including 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, a sunroof, Nappa leather trim, heated and massaging RS front seats, 755W Bang & Olufsen sound system, self-parking capability and a head-up display.

The RS 5 also paints a close-to-complete picture with a well-packed bag of safety tricks: high- and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) including pedestrian avoidance, lane departure warning and lane keeping abilities, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection (but no active assist), front and rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring and front, side and rear parking cameras.

There are still plenty of boxes to tick, however, with our test car wearing almost $40,000 worth of options, including $13,600 ceramic brakes, the $11,200 ‘carbon and black styling package’, a $4900 carbon-fibre roof, $1200 carbon-fibre engine cover and $4400 adaptive dampers. None of which are essential, but the lesson is it’s easy to blow the budget if you aren’t careful.

The restlessly eager 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in the 2022 Audi RS 5 delivers through a conventional eight-speed torque-converter gearbox – unlike the seven-speed dual-clutch auto used in the original 2010 V8 version – but it’s quick-shifting and urgent nonetheless and there are times, particularly during upshifts, when you’d swear it’s a DCT.

With the maximum 600Nm of torque coming in at a comparatively low 1900rpm, the initial acceleration isn’t far short of astonishing, even vertigo-inducing for an unprepared passenger, though that’s what tends to happen in a car capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.9sec.

It’s all kept well in check by the RS 5’s rear-biased quattro driveline, sport rear differential and torque vectoring.

Some commentators, with a degree of justification, might decry the lack of aural bellicosity in today’s RS 5, particularly compared with some of its more loud-mouthed rivals like the C 63, but that doesn’t mean it’s mild-mannered, for there’s always a sense of urgency about it.

Particularly in either of its sport settings, it fires up with an urgent bark, then tends to mellow out at higher revs up to the 6400rpm redline, releasing a satisfying thump from the dual tailpipes during upshifts.

But if showmanship’s your bag, maybe the Audi RS 5 Coupe, even though it’s no shrinking violet, might not suit.

It’s relatively easy on fuel too: 98RON is advised but an E10 mix is satisfactory and, on test – admittedly with a fair bit of open-road work – we managed an impressive 9.8L/100km, which is close to the official combined claim of 9.4L/100km.

Some pundits reckon the 2022 Audi RS 5 remains separated from the driver in terms of communicating what’s going on in the chassis and steering but, given its ability to deliver remarkable grip, sharp and linear steering responses and explosive acceleration without any dramatics, that’s being more than a little unfair.

On wet surfaces, in particular, it’s a formidable force.

Ride quality needs to be considered in relation to road performance and here there’s an undoubted firm edge.

The RS 5 is an ultra-rapid sports coupe, not a sublime limo, and the experience is accordingly more about on-road surety, the enfolding security of the seats and the thrill of mounting G-forces.

The instrument display is pure current-era Audi. There’s a decent-size colour screen sitting above the central air vents and a large cowl shrouding the multi-view display containing the main instruments and the Audi virtual cockpit sat-nav that can be viewed in Google Maps or standard form.

Finding the fuel gauge is not easy. Rather than being on display constantly, it requires toggling through the system before eventually showing up on the screen.

Getting in and out of the RS 5 Coupe’s back seats is best attempted by the young and agile although once in place there’s adequate room for two adults. The individual seat cushions hold passengers well and headroom, knee-room and shoulder-space are quite acceptable.

The Audi RS 5 Coupe’s boot is pretty decent, too. It will hold more than 400 litres of luggage and is quite deep into the bargain, although power activation of the lid is, surprisingly, an optional extra.

The reality is, if you want to mix the RS 5’s athletic prowess with a more accessible interior, there’s always the five-door Sportback version.

The 2022 Audi RS 5 remains an enticing performance coupe that bridges the gap between the very fast and the hyper-fast.

That it will carry four grown-up passengers – and their luggage – in comfort is a bonus not always available in high-performance coupes, yet it’s one that doesn’t compromise the driver experience.

If the price gives you sticker shock, the good news is that the very capable Audi S5 Coupe and Sportback offer many of the attributes of their bigger brothers for about $46,000 less.

But if you have to have that RS badge (and those flared guards) then the RS 5 is a formidable all-weather weapon.

How much does the 2022 Audi RS 5 Coupe cost?
Price: $157,991 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 331kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 214g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)