Enthusiasts often debate the best sports cars, and for a moment, the Audi RS5 wasn’t available in the US market, which was a real loss. Having experienced the RS5, it’s clear why it’s considered a truly exceptional vehicle. Let’s revisit what makes the 2016 Audi Rs5 a standout, hoping Audi brings it back to the forefront.
Timing can be crucial in car reviews. For the 2015 Audi RS5 test drive, it followed shortly after experiencing a BMW M4 convertible in ideal, sunny conditions. The M4 impressed with its precision, power, and sheer excitement – everything a sports car should be. It’s a car that’s impossible to find boring, especially with the top down, offering a thrilling and stylish experience.
However, on paper, the 2016 Audi RS5 actually holds the edge. Its 4.2-liter V8 engine delivers 450 horsepower, surpassing the BMW M4’s 425 horsepower from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6. The RS5 also presented compelling options at a price point under $80,000 (for the coupe version tested), while a loaded BMW M4 could reach $96,000.
The aesthetics of the RS5 are also striking. Its broad, sleek, and muscular design exudes power without being overly aggressive. The shimmering white test model gave off a sense of robust sophistication. The grille is prominent and assertive, yet the Audi emblem maintains a balanced proportion with the sharp headlights. Inside, the RS5 boasts a sporty yet comfortable cabin – Audi is renowned for industry-leading interiors – and the infotainment system is user-friendly, a contrast to some competitors.
Driving the RS5 should, in theory, be consistently thrilling. With a zero to 60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds, it promises exhilarating speed. It even includes sporty features like an electronically activated rear spoiler and a flat-bottom steering wheel, hinting at serious performance.
Yet, the initial driving experience in dry conditions didn’t fully ignite that thrill. Despite attempts to push the car on a sunny Saturday, the soulful connection seemed absent. The V8 engine’s power felt somewhat muted. It was adequate, but lacked a truly resonant roar. Even in “dynamic” mode, the RS5 felt surprisingly tame. This was in stark contrast to the BMW M4, which delivered a more engaging experience under similar conditions.
However, the perception of the RS5 transformed dramatically when the weather shifted.
Sunday brought a thunderstorm, and with it, a revelation about the RS5’s capabilities. In a downpour, the RS5 became a different machine altogether. While managing a rear-wheel-drive car in such conditions could be challenging, the 2016 Audi RS5, equipped with quattro all-wheel-drive and a responsive seven-speed automatic transmission, truly excelled in the wet. It offered an unparalleled sense of surefootedness, especially for a high-performance vehicle. Typically, driving a powerful, performance-tuned car in poor weather can induce anxiety, but the RS5 inspired confidence.
Audi’s heritage in rally racing is evident in the RS5’s all-wheel-drive system. These cars are inherently designed for challenging conditions, in contrast to BMWs, which traditionally thrive on dry, smooth roads. When rain pours, the RS5 truly comes into its own. While it might not have delivered the expected excitement on a sunny day, navigating torrential rain on a route north of New York City in the RS5 instilled immense confidence.
Even without driving recklessly in the deluge, engaging the automanual mode and using the steering wheel shift paddles while maneuvering through the storm was rewarding. Each successful turn amplified the feeling of control and security. By the drive back, the desire for the rain to stop and the clouds to clear had vanished – the rainy conditions were actually enhancing the driving experience.
Ultimately, the 2016 Audi RS5 stands out as an exceptional luxury performance car, particularly in adverse weather. It’s also a car that’s easy to live with day-to-day. While it might not be the top choice for those in perpetually sunny locales, for drivers in regions with more varied climates, like Seattle, the Audi RS5 is an ideal choice. It’s a practical sports car that doesn’t compromise on performance, especially when the weather turns.
