2021 Audi R8 review
Audi R8 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Highly powerful V10 engine
- Responsive handling
- Luxurious materials used throughout
Cons
- Lack of driver-aid availability
- Very minimal trunk space
- Lack of in-cabin storage
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 20 highway, 16 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Audi R8 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi R8 generation from 2012 to 2023
What is new for the 2021 Audi R8?
- The R8 is available in a new trim called the 5.2.
- Lane Departure Warning, Automated Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Leather & Suede Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 Audi R8 trims
Curious how Audi R8 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities5.2:
- 532-hp, 398-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
- Power Seats
- Leather Seats
- Smart Key
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Traction Control
Quattro:
- Includes all features available on the 5.2
- 602-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
- 4WD/AWD
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Audi R8
1. Supercar performance
The 2021 Audi R8 is a thoroughbred sports car with true supercar levels of performance. A 5.2L V10 gasoline engine powers the entry-level R8 with rear-wheel drive and the top-spec V10 Performance quattro model, which is fitted with Audi's famed all-wheel-drive system. The 532-hp RWD model has 398 lb-ft of torque, powering the coupe from zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds. The V10 Performance quattro ups the ante with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 is completed within 3.2 seconds, meaning you'll have no trouble gaining speed whether you're on the track or on an interstate run.
2. Dynamic and comfortable drive
As you'd expect with its performance pedigree, the 2021 Audi R8 offers a dynamic drive. Its sharp steering and firm suspension let you feel connected to the road. Audi's quattro system adds more grip to AWD models without affecting agility. While the powerful braking system adds to the R8's unflappable yet fun character, and if you want to take it easy, you can do that too. The standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission means the 2021 Audi R8 is both a comfortable cruiser as well as a track machine. It really is a sports car you can use every day.
3. Choice of body styles
The 2021 Audi R8 has low-slung, sports car looks with a choice of two body styles – a two-door coupe and a Spyder convertible with a powered fabric folding hood. In typical sports car fashion, both models have just two seats, but there is 8.0 cu-ft of luggage space in the front trunk, as well as a small rear storage area. Whichever body style you choose, you'll turn heads, whether you're cruising on the boulevards or the highway.
4. A high-grade interior
The interior of the 2021 Audi R8 is crafted from high-grade materials. A simple yet stylish design featuring aluminum, carbon fiber, and leather finishes makes it a comfortable place to be. If you and your passenger want to feel even more special, look out for the available Premium, Diamond Stitch Full Leather and Carbon Exterior packages for the RWD model that add features such as an Alcantara-covered steering wheel and headliner, diamond-stitched leather trim, illuminated door sill inlays, a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system and exterior carbon fiber highlights.
5. Exclusive trim options
If you want to stand out further, the 2021 Audi R8's vast range of color, wheel, and interior trim options means there's an R8 out there to fit your style. Should you still seek a more individual choice, keep an eye out for the 2021 Audi R8 Panther Edition, the Panther Black crystal effect paintwork, full black leather interior, adjustable amplified exhaust, and other distinctive features mark it out as a very special R8. And limited to only 30 coupes, exclusivity is guaranteed.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 Audi R8 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Audi R8 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi R8 64th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi R8Audi R8 features and specs
Curious how Audi R8 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
5.2 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Leather Interior
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Sensors
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
5.2L
Horsepower
532
Torque (ft-lbs)
398
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
21.1
Wheelbase
104.4"
Overall length
174.4"
Width
76.4"
Height
49"
Head room
F 38.5"
Front tires
P245/30YR20
Rear tires
P305/30YR20
Seating capacity
2
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Audi R8 FAQ
The 2021 Audi R8 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 5.2: 14 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- Performance: 13 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
The Audi R8 received a rating of 2 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Audi R8 as 63 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
Here is what's new for the 2021 Audi R8:
- 5.2
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Leather & Suede Seats
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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