The 2015 Audi Rs5 arrived for testing just after an exhilarating week spent with a BMW M4 convertible, a tough act to follow. The M4 is undeniably a benchmark sports car – precise, powerful, and thrilling, setting a high bar for any competitor. It excels in all areas expected of a performance vehicle, delivering an engaging driving experience that’s hard to forget. The open-top experience of the M4 convertible further amplified its appeal, creating a sense of freedom and excitement that resonated deeply.
On paper, the 2015 Audi RS5 coupe seems even more potent. Its naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine produces a robust 450 horsepower, surpassing the BMW M4’s 425 horsepower output from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. Moreover, the RS5 could be equipped with desirable features while remaining under the $80,000 price point. (This review focuses on the coupe version, though a convertible is also available). In contrast, the test BMW M4, loaded with options, reached a significantly higher price of $96,000.
Visually, the 2015 Audi RS5 makes a strong statement with its broad, sleek, and muscular design. The shimmering white test car exuded a modern, athletic vibe. The grille is large and assertive, finished in black, perfectly complementing the sharply styled headlights and the iconic Audi badge. Inside, the RS5 cabin showcases Audi’s renowned interior expertise – sporty yet comfortable, with an infotainment system that is intuitive and user-friendly, a known Audi strength compared to BMW’s system at the time.
All these elements suggested that the 2015 Audi RS5 should deliver consistent thrills. A 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds promises exhilarating speed. Sporty touches like an electronically activated rear spoiler and a flat-bottom steering wheel further emphasized its performance intentions.
However, the initial experience behind the wheel of the 2015 Audi RS5 on a sunny Saturday left something to be desired. Despite anticipation, the expected soulful driving experience didn’t quite materialize. The powerful V8 engine felt strangely subdued. The power delivery, while present, lacked a certain urgency, almost feeling reminiscent of a less performance-oriented car. The exhaust note, while adequate, wasn’t the full-bodied roar expected from a V8. Even in “dynamic” driving mode, the RS5 felt surprisingly tame. The M4, in contrast, had none of these shortcomings, offering immediate engagement and excitement.
But then, the weather changed, and so did the character of the 2015 Audi RS5.
Sunday brought a thunderstorm, transforming the driving conditions completely. Suddenly, the RS5 became a different machine. In the downpour, the rear-wheel-drive BMW M4 would have been a handful to manage. However, the 2015 Audi RS5, with its legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system and smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, truly shone in the wet conditions. It became the most surefooted high-performance car experienced in such challenging weather. Typically, driving a powerful, performance-tuned car in heavy rain can induce nervousness, but the RS5 instilled immense confidence.
Audi’s heritage is deeply rooted in rally racing, and its vehicles have long been associated with all-wheel-drive. While BMWs are often in their element on dry, winding roads, the 2015 Audi RS5 reveals its true capabilities when the weather turns foul. It’s in these conditions that the RS5’s all-wheel-drive system provides unparalleled grip and control. While it might not have been as initially engaging as hoped in perfect weather, the RS5’s performance in heavy rain, navigating flooded parkways, was remarkably confidence-inspiring.
Driving in automanual mode, using the steering wheel shift paddles to navigate the deluge, the 2015 Audi RS5 felt increasingly capable and rewarding with each successful turn. By the time the drive was heading back towards the city, the desire for the rain to stop and the clouds to clear had vanished. The “old” RS5, the one experienced in sunny conditions, was no longer wanted.
In conclusion, the 2015 Audi RS5 stands out as an exceptional luxury performance car, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Its everyday usability is also a significant advantage. However, for those residing in perpetually sunny climates like Los Angeles, the RS5 might not fully deliver the desired level of excitement compared to rivals in dry conditions. But for drivers in regions prone to rain and challenging weather, such as Seattle, the 2015 Audi RS5 offers a compelling blend of performance and all-weather confidence.
