Used 2015 Audi RS 5

Automotive history is filled with cars that are beautiful to behold, but not so nice to drive. The 2015 Audi A5 is a noteworthy exception, because this high-performance luxury coupe is just as thrilling to drivers as it is to oglers. The exterior and interior styling belong in a museum of fine art. Yet from behind the steering wheel, the A5 coupe and convertible are even better. Whether you’re driving the 220-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 of the S5 with 333 horsepower, or the 4.2-liter V8 of the RS 5 with 450 horsepower, there’s plenty of power in reserve. Ride, handling, braking, steering and over-the-road manners are everything you might expect, and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) makes short work of inclement weather.

Get in and get comfortable – easy to do – and the Audi A5, S5 and RS 5 all reward you with excellent balance, poise and a comfortable ride. Credit the extensive use of aluminum in the A5’s structure, which helps keep the weight to a reasonable level, while simultaneously ensuring a rigid chassis. If you want more than the A5’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder can deliver, the S5 Coupe offers a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive, delivering blistering speed and over-the-road competence, but in a way that’s accessible even if you’re not an expert racing driver. If that’s not enough, the RS 5 offers a 450-horsepower V8 engine, certain to grab and hold your attention.

Interior design is often a compromise between form vs. function. Yet somehow, Audi has managed to blend striking design with easy day-to-day usability. In front are leather seats, offering excellent support without sacrificing accessibility, while the driver-oriented gauge cluster and center stack lend a sporty feel. The S5 ups the luxury and sport quotient, with Nappa leather and a selection of different dash inlays, including carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, stainless steel or gray birch. While Audi’s MMI system works well, and the other controls are easy to use, what really sets this interior apart are design and exquisite attention to detail.

Audi’s combination of an oversize grille and sleek, flowing lines creates a design that stands out without looking forced or overbearing, and the 2015 A5 Coupe is a fitting poster child for the brand’s design aesthetic. The bold grille and LED headlight accents create an unmistakable face, while the finely tailored sheet metal, expressive fenders and sleek profile give the A5 an undeniable distinction. The lovely flowing curves along the sides, precise creases and crisp detailing finish it off perfectly.

3.0-LITER SUPERCHARGED V6
All the engines in the A5 lineup are terrific, but we really like the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the S5, with 333 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque, snappy response, silky smoothness and commendable fuel economy. With either the 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed Tiptronic automatic, it suits the S5 perfectly.

SUPERMODEL EXTERIOR
In case we haven’t said it enough already, we love the way the Audi A5 looks. Still fresh even though it first hit the road in the 2007, its stunning good looks are one of the major reasons for considering the purchase.

The standard Audi A5 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and quattro AWD. There’s also 3-zone automatic climate control, tilt/telescope steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and 10-way adjustable power leather seats. The 10-speaker audio system includes Bluetooth and iPod integration, and the standard A5 even comes with automatic headlights and windshield wipers. Audi S5 models add Alcantara seating, keyless entry and ignition, and of course a supercharged V6 engine. The high-performance RS 5 models replace that with a V8 engine, unique front and rear styling treatments, and the ability to inspire envious stares wherever you go.

Option packages include high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED taillights, an S line competition package that adds black exterior mirrors and Alcantara interior to the A5, and a variety of wheel packages. Navigation is a stand-alone option, which many buyers may appreciate, although including Audi Connect allows searches using Google Earth, providing realistic terrain imagery, as well as the ability to send destinations from any browser directly to the car. The Black Optic Plus Package includes 20-inch wheels on A5 and S5 models, and a carbon-fiber engine cover on RS 5 models.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that’s standard in the Audi A5 is as good as it gets for a "base" engine, especially with 220 smooth horsepower, standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or quattro AWD, and your choice of a 6-speed automatic or an 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual control. However, we’re particularly fond of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the Audi S5, with its 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough, and you don’t mind a fuel-economy penalty, the RS 5’s 4.2-liter normally aspirated V8 puts out 450 horsepower. Maybe it’s a little old-school, but really, who cares?

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
220 horsepower @ 4,450-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (FWD, automatic), 22/32 mpg (AWD, manual), 20/29 mpg (AWD, automatic)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
333 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 18/28 mpg (Coupe, S tronic automatic), 18/26 (Cabriolet, S tronic automatic)

4.2-liter V8
450 horsepower @ 8,250 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000-6,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (Coupe), 16/22 mpg (Cabriolet)