2018 Audi RS5 review
Audi RS5 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Powerful acceleration
- Nimble handling
- Top-notch infotainment system
- Polished cabin
Cons
- Limited storage in cabin
- Muted engine sound
- Only available with automatic transmission
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
High-performance grand tourer that pampers
The 2018 Audi RS5 is a high-performance sedan with aggressive aesthetics and a luxurious cabin. Audi fully redesigned it for 2018, installing a new 2.9L V6 TFSI® twin-turbo engine with eight-speed automatic transmission under the hood. It packs a punch, sprinting you from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Its exterior styling features racing details, a wave-design shoulder line, flared box fenders, and a wider, flatter grille. Inside the well-appointed cabin, you’ll find the hallmark wrap-around dashboard, Audi’s standard smartphone interface, and a broad range of available advanced driver-assistance features.
All Audi RS5 years
2018 Audi RS5 trims
Curious how Audi RS5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 444-hp, 443-lb-ft of torque 2.9L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Sunroofs
- View our Audi RS5 inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Audi RS5
1. Powerful twin-turbo engine
Craving a car that gets you up to highway speeds in a blink of an eye? The 2018 Audi RS5 packs an acceleration punch with its twin-turbo 2.9L V6 engine. It can propel you from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, but also delivers high performance down low in the rev range, too. You’ll also get rapid, sharp shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission.
2. Excellent driver aids
The 2018 Audi RS5 offers a wide range of driver aids to help you navigate the road with more certainty. Rear cross traffic assist, vehicle exit assist, pedestrian and vehicle collision warning, and a parking system with four front and four rear sensors come as part of the standard offerings. You can also take things to the next level with available driver-assistance tools, like a top-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and active lane assist.
3. Four drive modes
The 2018 Audi RS5 gives you options when it comes to how your car performs and handles with four distinctive drive modes. Auto works well for a comfortable, smooth ride on both highways and in urban streets. Comfort mode softens the acceleration and makes the brakes a little gentler for a more relaxed driving character. Dynamic mode offers a spirited driving character with quick reflexes from the stability control system. You can customize settings for the engine, suspension, and steering feel in Individual mode.
4. Well-finished cabin
The well-finished cabin might make you linger a few extra moments after reaching your destination in the 2018 Audi RS5. It’s decked out in luxurious leather, carbon fiber, and satin-finish metal accents that make it feel like a high-end space. The bolstered sport seats offer support without compromising comfort on long drives. Plus, you’ll barely hear noise from the wind or tires in the well-insulated cabin.
5. Easy-to-use tech systems
Audi’s intuitive infotainment system is even easier to use on the 2018 RS5’s colorful and vibrant seven-inch screen (or available 8.3-inch high-resolution display). Voice control, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, two USB ports, and a garage door opener with a three-channel remote transmitter come standard in the tech offerings.
While a 10-speaker stereo is standard, you also have the option to upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 3-D sound and 19 speakers for a more dynamic audio experience.Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2018 Audi RS5 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
Audi RS5 features and specs
Curious how Audi RS5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 4WD/AWD 2D Coupe
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Leather Seats
- Manual Transmission
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.9L
Horsepower
444
Torque (ft-lbs)
443
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.3
Wheelbase
108.9"
Overall length
185.9"
Width
73.4"
Height
53.5"
Leg room
F 41.3"/R 32.7"
Head room
F 39"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P265/35YR19
Rear tires
P265/35YR19
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Audi RS5 FAQ
The 2018 Audi RS5 Base offers 18 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway. It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.
Research other vehicles
- Used Audi buying guide
- 2019 Audi RS5 review
- 2021 Audi RS5 review
- All things EV
- 2018 Ford Focus Electric review
- 2025 Honda Prologue review
- 2025 Honda Ridgeline review
- 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid review
- 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid review
- 2016 Lincoln Navigator review
- 2017 Lincoln Navigator review
- 2018 Lincoln Navigator review
- 2016 Mazda CX-5 review
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.


