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Audi RS 5: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi RS 5 is the highest-performance version of Audi’s A5, a luxury performance car sold in the U.S. as a coupe, convertible, and four-door Sportback. It is known for combining serious power and standard all-wheel drive with a polished cabin and everyday usability.
The RS 5 has always been the most serious performance member of the A5 family without becoming a stripped-down weekend car. Early U.S. models used a high-revving V8, while the second generation switched to a twin-turbo V6 with stronger everyday pull. Across both generations, the lasting formula is confident all-wheel-drive performance wrapped in a comfortable, well-finished Audi.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives the RS 5 confident traction when its strong engine power reaches the road.
- The second-generation twin-turbo V6 delivers 444 horsepower, giving the RS 5 serious speed without sacrificing its daily-driver character.
- The Sportback carries passengers and cargo more easily than a typical sport coupe, with 21.8 cubic feet of cargo room in 2025.
- The cabin combines a polished feel with modern displays, including the 10.1-inch touchscreen fitted from the 2021 refresh onward.
- Its suspension and brakes are tuned for performance, but the overall package remains suited to regular commuting and longer trips.
Who it's for
The RS 5 fits someone who wants one car for commuting, longer trips, and quick back-road drives. The Sportback is especially well suited to a buyer who needs useful passenger and cargo space but does not want a conventional-looking family car. Older coupes and convertibles make more sense for shoppers who value style and a more focused two-door experience.
Audi RS 5 lineup
The RS 5 generally centers on one core model rather than a long trim ladder, and the 2025 lineup lists only the Base trim. That means the main distinction across its history is body style rather than trim level. Pick an older coupe for the classic two-door shape, or an older convertible for open-air driving and the character of the first-generation V8. The four-door Sportback, introduced in the U.S. for 2019 and left as the only version for 2025, is the practical choice for easier passenger access and more useful cargo space.
Audi RS 5 generations
From 2013 to 2025, the RS 5 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — F5/B9 arrived for 2018, following the 1st Generation — B8.5 (2013–2015).
2nd Generation — F5/B9 (2018–2025)
The second-generation RS 5 replaced the earlier V8 with a 444-hp twin-turbo V6, an eight-speed automatic, and standard all-wheel drive. It began as a coupe, added the four-door Sportback for 2019, and received refreshed styling and a touchscreen-based cabin for 2021.
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2025
The coupe leaves the U.S. lineup, making the Sportback the only RS 5 body style. Garage-door controls move into the rearview mirror.
2024
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, front and rear parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel become standard.
2023
Matrix LED headlights become standard, while the powertrain and body-style lineup carry over.
2022
The coupe and Sportback carry over without a significant lineup-wide update.
2021Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling and lighting arrive, along with a new 10.1-inch touchscreen that replaces the previous display and console controller.
2019
The four-door Sportback joins the U.S. lineup alongside the coupe. A digital instrument cluster and navigation also become standard.
2018New generation
The redesigned RS 5 coupe debuts with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, an eight-speed automatic, and standard all-wheel drive.
1st Generation — B8.5 (2013–2015)
The first U.S. RS 5 arrived in facelifted B8.5 form with a 450-hp 4.2-liter V8, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and standard all-wheel drive. It started as a coupe, with the Cabriolet joining the lineup for 2014.
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2015
A limited-run RS 5 Coupe Sport edition joins the lineup. The regular coupe and Cabriolet receive only minor option changes.
2014
The RS 5 Cabriolet joins the U.S. range, creating a full-year lineup with both coupe and convertible body styles.
2013New generation
The RS 5 reaches the U.S. for the first time with a 450-hp V8, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, standard all-wheel drive, and facelifted styling.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi RS 5.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Audi RS 5?
The Audi RS 5 is the most performance-focused member of the A5 family. Depending on the era, it came as a coupe, convertible, or four-door Sportback, always pairing strong power with all-wheel drive and a polished cabin.
What body styles did the Audi RS 5 come in?
Used RS 5 models appear as a two-door Coupe, a Cabriolet convertible, or a four-door Sportback with a rear liftgate. The Sportback joined the U.S. range for 2019 and became the only U.S. version for 2025.
Is the Audi RS 5 a hybrid?
No. The RS 5 models covered here are gasoline-powered. First-generation cars use a 4.2-liter V8, while the second generation uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6.
Does every Audi RS 5 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every RS 5 described here has Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. It helps send power to all four wheels for stronger traction in acceleration and poor weather.
Does the Audi RS 5 have a V8 or a V6?
It depends on the generation. U.S. models from the first generation use a 450-hp 4.2-liter V8. The second generation switched to a 444-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with an eight-speed automatic.
How practical is the Audi RS 5 Sportback?
The Sportback is the practical RS 5. It has four doors, seating for five, and a large rear liftgate. The latest version has 21.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 35.1 inches of rear legroom.
Is the Audi RS 5 suitable for daily driving?
Yes. The RS 5 is designed as a fast daily driver rather than a stripped-down track car. Its all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, finished cabin, and Sportback cargo area make it easier to live with every day.
What are the main differences between RS 5 generations?
The first U.S. generation is known for its high-revving V8 and coupe or convertible body. The second generation uses a torquier twin-turbo V6, adds the Sportback, and brings newer cabin and touchscreen technology.
Audi RS 5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi RS 5.
4.4
Audi RS 5
(189 reviews)
“We have now had 2 Audis and they both have been excellent vehicles. We were a different brand of car company before but those cars have made us change our mind and we will probably always have an Audi going forward.”
“While not as powerful as some of its competitors, the RS5 is just as fun to drive on the road and will not beat you up on long trips.”
“In my humble opinion Audi RS5 is the best car for the money in the world today! Period! I have chosen Audi RS5 because I do not think that there is a car today that comes close to the performance, styling and overall value offered in this vehicle in this price range and it will still be relevant 10 years from now. Love it!”
“It is worth the experience I feel everyday I step into the car from starting the engine to taking it out for a drive no matter what the occasion. The feeling I get knowing it's mine, I own it, it matches my personality, as well as the quality, design, safety, and brand name behind it.”
“Tight quick turning; rotates well in corners; nimble size; got a Spare so road trips possible...!”