Audi RS 4.2 FSI V8 RS5 450PS
Audi RS 4.2 FSI V8 RS5 450PS
What is it?
AUDI’S birthday present to itself. New range-topping RS5 marks the 30th anniversary of the original Audi Quattro and gets a host of go-faster goodies including a 450PS 4.2-litre V8, a clever four-wheel drive system with a centre differential and adaptive suspension. Priced at £57,480.
What’s hot?
- If there’s an easier way of going quickly, we’ve yet to try it
- Quattro system sends all 450PS to the tarmac, whatever the weather
- Clever differential adds agility by sending up to 85% to the rear
- Mighty V8 has a lovely bassy rumble, does 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds
- Adaptive dampers provide a decent ride in comfort mode
- Subtly muscular looks are well-judged
- Seven-speed twin-clutch paddleshift S tronic semi-auto shifts quickly
- If you’re careful, it can return 26mpg combined
- Drive select system allows you to tweak steering, throttle and gearbox…
- …allows several characters, from sports car to cruiser
- Quality is beyond reproach throughout
What’s not?
- Doesn’t involve like a BMW M3 as you always feel a step removed
- Steering feels artificial, regardless of the mode you put it in
- Adaptive dampers are too firm in Dynamic mode
- Good though S tronic is, there should be a manual option too
- Fuel economy drops through the floor if you use the performance…
- …and with CO2 emissions of 252g/km, running costs will be high
- First year depreciation will be savage
- Most people will be more than happy with the £16,000 cheaper 349bhp S5
What you need to Know?
| P11D Value: | 57,480 |
| Monthly Rental*: | 928 (CH)/£1090 (PCH) |
| Tax Band when posted: | 35%, 35%, 35% |
| Monthly BiK: | Click link for BIK |
| Engine: | 4.2 V8 |
| CO2 Emissions: | 252g/km |
| Power/torque: | 450PS/430Nm |
| Economy: | 26.2mpg |
Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
Like the original Quattro, the RS5 has the ability to provide incredible performance whatever the weather – and whatever the driver. It’s unbelievably fast and easy to drive. What’s more, that rumbling V8 gives it plenty of character, too. Yes, you do feel a step removed from the action and yes a BMW M3 is still sharper. Thanks to myriad settings, you really can tailor the RS5 to how you want to drive it – and few cars on the road offer such a breadth of talent as a result.
