Quality, style, and high expected residual values are all traits with which the brand is identified, adding to the reputation of the Audi name. The fact that actual owner experience frequently presents a much different picture begs the question, then.
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Audi RS5 reliability
Out of 30 brands, Audi placed 21st overall in our 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction poll. Owners of the automobiles told us after the results that the internal build quality is great but that the external build quality is less impressive. Owners were also dissatisfied with Audi’s high maintenance expenses and slightly subpar aesthetics, which is unfortunate for a company with such a reputable reputation.
Owners who participated in our 2020 brand survey said that 20.0 percent of the problems they encountered were during the first year of ownership. On the bright side, they enjoy their cars’ comfort, sat-navs, and engines, and we anticipate that RS5 customers will feel the same way.
Is an Audi RS5 a reliable first vehicle?
Have you ever had a secret that you desperately wanted to share with someone or with everyone? “Pssssst! With this four-door sporty hatchback, I could live happily ever after!” Yes, the 2021 Audi Sportback is as swift as many sports cars and handles turns with ease. However, it also has a comfortable ride, like a moving contemporary sculpture, can accommodate five people, and has 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space under its sloping door. What could you possibly ask for in a car? This performs all tasks.
The 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback (also available as a true two-door coupe) manages to cross so many lines so successfully in the world of four-door “coupes,” you may easily overlook it. People frequently remain with traditional sedans, coupes, and even hatchbacks because they know and enjoy them. Many of them appear to be uninterested in learning about an automobile that combines the greatest features of all three. The majority of pseudo coupes are bigger than real coupes, they don’t really nail “the appearance,” and they typically have poor rear access and seating options. Additionally, the most of them are more expensive than their siblings. The 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback is superior than most because of the following.
How Quick Is the Audi RS5 Sportback?
This motor almost sounds like a V-8, so the question is reasonable. The ensuing 0-60 sprint only needs 3.6 seconds to reach a quarter-mile time of 12.0 seconds at 114.3 mph. The Audi RS5 Sportback is just as quick to 60 mph as the 503-hp twin-turbo V8-powered 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, and it is only 0.1 second slower at the quarter-mile mark, according to a short review of sports vehicles we’ve recently tested. The RS5’s 14.8- and 13.0-inch vented and drilled brakes also provided outstanding and reliable stopping from either 100 or 60 mph. The durability of the brake hardware was demonstrated by numerous 106- to 107-foot 60-0 stops. But when you’re just driving around town, you’d never guess the RS5 can be such a rocket when you want it to.
How Does the RS5 Sportback Handle?
The 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback’s figure-eight time of 24.1 seconds is also noteworthy because it once more matches that Aston Martin Vantage perfectly. Finding the grip limits (0.98 g) is made simple by the RS5’s adjustable dampers, all-wheel drive, and sophisticated RS-specific rear differential, but more importantly, you can do so in a very confident and non-threatening manner. We discovered an incredibly capable and enjoyable automobile on our miniature “racetrack in a bottle.” We value the RS1/RS2 modes’ flexibility, and we chose Sport for all options except “balanced” steering. The engine like revving a lot, and upshifts happen quickly and smoothly. Additionally, the transmission was very clever in downshifting to the right gear when entering turns.
The brakes are excellent and can take a beating repeatedly. The car’s ability to slightly drift on the skidpad is cool, and the all-wheel drive and smart diff let you to accelerate quickly with wide-open throttle. Overall, the 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback is extremely assured without even a hint of disaster; it’s a great entry-level supersedan. Once more, if you choose Comfort or Auto from the numerous drive modes, you’d believe you were operating a high-end car.
Styling Updates
The 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback has a lot of new exterior features, but you have to know what to look for. A large portion of it is modest, only enhancing what has been in effect since 2019.
The grille of the car is pulled apart and compressed somewhat. The Audi RS5 Sportback maintains the same techno-organic gesture with its flowing “Coke bottle” character line that stretches from stem to stern despite the bigger fender blisters. This RS5 Sportback also benefited from the exclusive, expensive, yet comprehensive Black Optic Launch Edition package (100 coupes and 325 Sportbacks), which includes, among many other useful features, black exterior trim and accents and red brake calipers mounted behind fender-filling 20-inch wheels fitted with high-performance summer tires. It appears significantly more intimidating, particularly in this Daytona Gray metallic color, and it is executed without hassle or complication. This is one of those fantastic automotive designs that, from a distance, appears straightforward and attractive but, as you go closer, becomes more intricate and well-thought-out.
Inside the RS5 Sportback
The front seats of the RS5’s standard honeycomb-stitched Nappa leather sport seats are heated and supportive. Now, every seat has heat. The variable-rate steering is managed by the launch edition’s faux suede flat-bottom steering wheel. Additional features from the launch edition include a 360-degree camera system, navigation plus, Audi Connected Prime/Plus (six months free), matte carbon inlays, a particular interior package, an exhaust system designed for sports cars, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition. The new MIB 3 infotainment system, which comes standard with the 10.1-inch touchscreen, offers a wide range of linked capabilities and is simple to use. While Android Auto doesn’t require a USB connection, Apple CarPlay does.
Front and rear headroom are almost comparable, measuring 37.8 and 37.0 inches, respectively, despite the RS5 Sportback’s sloping roof. Other four-door coupes cannot be described in the same way. Access to the back is not hampered by the size difference between the front and back doors.
Jack of All Trades
The 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback’s excellent design allows it to blend the advantages of a sport sedan, “coupe,” and hatchback without seeming ludicrous. Its engineering feat that it rides like a grand tourer and performs so well is amazing. Usually, attempting to satisfy everyone’s needs will lead to failure. To their detriment, the 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback accomplishes this in an appealing package that is likely to fly under most purchasers’ radars. If having a car that can do it all is a priority for you, this category-defying performance vehicle is well worth your attention.
How valuable is an Audi RS5?
The AMG engineers won’t allow the Porsche team enjoy themselves to the fullest. If you want an E-Class sedan and want to minimize depreciation, you must choose the Mercedes-AMG E63 with its twin-turbo V-8 that rules the autobahn. That’s a price we’re prepared to pay. After five years, projections for retained value are 46.3 percent.
The E-Class won our 2021 Car of the Year award in large part because to the contribution of the E63. In addition to demonstrating the depth of the E-Class portfolio, the E63 offers an exhilarating driving experience as it tears over a canyon road. There’s even
Audi RS5 Sportback – 46.4 Percent Retained Value
The greatest Audi A5 Sportback to drive is the least depreciating model, similar to the E-Class sedan. That is the RS5 in this instance. After five years, choosing the performance variant with its 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 implies keeping 46.4 percent more of your initial investment than if you had chosen the regular A5 Sportback (42.5 percent).
When we took an RS5 Sportback to our test track, we were really impressed. In addition to reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, the Audi’s all-wheel drive system, adjustable dampers, and rear differential combine for a car that is both capable and entertaining. For a somewhat safe investment, not bad.
Audi S6 – 46.6 Percent Retained Value
The mid-level sporty Audi A6 model, the S6, can be chosen if you want an Audi that is one size larger without sacrificing anything in terms of preserved value. Our IntelliChoice friends predict that after five years, the S6 will retain 46.6% of its initial value.
After testing the S6, we felt that it was an underestimated and unconsidered choice among high-performance luxury sedans. The cabin is tastefully equipped, its styling is understated but attractive. Even if the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 (the same engine found in the aforementioned RS5) skilfully conceals the S6’s weight and the transmission is fast, there is a tendency for understeer when driving at the limit. You should probably try out the Audi A6 if you’re considering an E63.
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 – 46.7 Percent Retained Value
The only base model vehicle to make it onto our list of the top 10 best luxury automobiles for resale value is the Mercedes-Benz CLA250. Five years after purchase, the CLA250, the least costly and least powerful model of the coupe-like subcompact luxury car from the German automaker, has a 46.7% retained value.
Although we were impressed by the CLA250’s handling and superb level of construction during our test drive, it is obvious that this is no little S-Class. Unwanted tire and wind noise can be heard inside, and the 2.0-liter turbo-four and dual-clutch automatic can seem abrupt and unrefined.
Mercedes-AMG A35 – 47.8 Percent Retained Value
Value and performance go hand in hand with the A-Class, the CLA’s more traditionally built rival. After five years of ownership, you should be able to recoup about 47.8% of the Mercedes-AMG A35’s original sticker price if you decide to sell it.
The A35 is a cute little sport sedan in its own way, despite AMG not using the CLA45’s 382-hp turbo-four to power an A-Class. With its 302 horsepower four-cylinder engine, the A35 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and emits plenty of snaps and crackles from its exhaust. AMG’s all-wheel-drive system aids in cornering prowess.
BMW M235i Gran Coupe – 48.0 Percent Retained Value
Which version of the quirky BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe made our list? Care to guess? Unexpectedly, it’s the speedy one. After five years of ownership, the 301-hp M235i is expected to retain 48.0% of its original value.
However, there are better alternatives than this drab little oddity. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was designed by BMW on a FWD-based crossover architecture, and this is evident in how it drives. It’s quick enough, but there’s no real engagement. In addition, the narrow trunk and poor outside sight make it difficult to enter and exit through the back doors.
Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan – 49.5 Percent Retained Value
Only slightly larger than the A- and CLA-Class cars, the C63AMG’s take on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class features twice as many cylinders and more swagger. The C63, which is at the top of the C-Class lineup, has the highest value retention rate of any Mercedes sedan at 49.5% after five years.
The C63 is one of our favorite creations from the keepers of the three-pointed star, so this is fantastic news. The C63 is the smallest sedan equipped with the powerful twin-turbo V-8 from AMG, and it is a bullish brute that can punish any canyon road. Before Mercedes-AMG releases the next-generation four-cylinder hybrid model, purchase a C63 if you want V-8 growl in a German compact luxury sedan.
Lexus ES300h – 51.0 Percent Retained Value
The Lexus ES deviates from the norm with a version that has a different focus among a list full of performance vehicles. the ES300h hybrid, possessing by a significant margin the highest resale value of any luxury four-door. IntelliChoice anticipates that an ES300h will hold an amazing 51.0 percent of its original value after five years.
The ES has a lot of positive qualities as well. It’s a roomy, relaxed luxury sedan that might not have the characteristics of a Porsche or a Mercedes-AMG offering, but those who prefer comfort to canyon-carving abilities will like its plush ride and opulent interior. Additionally, it is the most economical vehicle in its segment, with 43/44 mpg city/highway.
Lexus IS350 – 52.7 Percent Retained Value
We are not surprised to find a Lexus among the top premium vehicles with the lowest depreciation due to Toyota’s reputation for dependability. Choose the Lexus IS350, which is anticipated to retain 52.7 percent of its original purchase price after five years of ownership, for the highest value retention.
Even if the IS350 and its 311-hp V-6 can’t match the quickest compact sport sedans, it’s still a viable option. With the redesign in 2021, Lexus maintained its dependable nature and pleasurable driving experience while enhancing ride quality and adding touchscreen technology.
BMW M3 – 56.5 Percent Retained Value
The BMW M3 has the highest resale value among all luxury vehicles. IntelliChoice predicts that the renowned performance model of the BMW 3 Series will hold on to 56.5 percent of its original value after five years of ownership.
Despite its unattractive exterior (really, BMW, what were you thinking when you designed that grille? ), the new G80 generation M3 has excellent handling. It will reach 60 mph in Competition mode in 3.5 seconds. The M3 is, however, entirely focused on handling. Compared to previous M3s, the front end is astonishingly grounded, and the dynamic balance is more neutral. It may be the best M3 yet as long as you don’t need to see it; grip and overall performance are excellent.
Is the RS5 a quick vehicle?
Since we were young children, we have all known that any vehicle with a 0-62 mph time that begins with a three is a dangerous traffic light grand prix weapon. It was once the domain of ultra-exclusive, rarefied exotica, but thanks to developments in four-wheel drive and turbocharging, even mid-size fast coupes may now clock a respectable time.
Such a vehicle is the new RS5. It is incredibly speedy, reaching 62 mph in in 3.9 seconds. In fact, they are faster than certain modern sports cars that are designed with the driver in mind. No one is going to tell us that spending half as much on a car this fast is a terrible choice, even though the RS5 isn’t as exotic or perhaps even as desirable as any of others.
It’s also not an unusable vehicle. If you have more patience than the Dalai Lama, you can get 32.5 mpg from it and it has room for the entire family. It also has a big-ish boot. If Audi continues its recent success, we might even get speedier models in the future. The RS5 Plus may cross off a few more supercars from its list.