2021 Audi RS5 Coupe

With a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, and a quattro all-wheel drive system, the 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe is here to prove to its rivals that it's an Audi to beware of. The 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque delivered by this powertrain launches the compact 2-door coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds - one-tenth of a second faster than the BMW M3 and right on par with the Mercedes-AMG C63. Those competitors come in at around the same price as the 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe - $75,100 - and while the RS5 Coupe does measure up fairly well against them, it's not quite as enjoyable and engaging to drive. It is, nevertheless, still a fun and adroit sports car that boasts an exquisite cabin and oodles of avant garde features and technology.

Powering the 2021 RS5 Coupe is a 2.9-liter 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged gas engine that's been dialed to yield up to 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic ZF transmission commands the power unit's outputs through to a quattro all-wheel-drive system. The RS5 Coupe offers thrilling performance with its quick acceleration times and precise and dynamic throttle responses. It's not the most proficient or engaging sports car in its classification, but it's fun and plenty capable nonetheless.

In terms of it being a sports car, the 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe isn't the most competitive or enjoyable, as its inclination for understeer diminishes driver confidence and it offers a restrained level of driver engagement. With that said, anybody that gets behind the wheel of the RS5 Coupe is still bound to have a genuinely thrilling and pleasant experience - go full throttle and the RS5 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, one-tenth faster than the Sportback. It presents occupants with an immaculate, meticulously designed, and well-built interior that's been nicely outfitted with modern creature comforts, conveniences, and technology.

Unfortunately, though its sloping roofline does add to its suave and athletic flair, it does also cut into the rear cabin's headroom and diminishes trunk space, meaning the RS5 Coupe isn't a very practical vehicle for day-to-day errands. No version of the first-generation RS5, which includes the 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe, has undergone review by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. The fundamentally similar A4 has, however, and it earned the best possible scores. All in all, the RS5 Sportback would be a more pragmatic choice over the Coupe, and if it's a 2-door coupe you're insistent on, the BMW M4 and the AMG C63 are just better options when it comes to the driving experience.

Audi proffers the 2021 RS5 Coupe as a standalone model, and while the Ascari and Black Optic special editions are tempting, they're ridiculously expensive and very limited. All 25 units of the Ascari and 100 units of the Black Optic edition are likely already gone. The RS5 Sportback can be considered more of a Grand Tourer than a bona-fide sportscar, which is why, in that regard, we recommend including some of the optional add-ons Audi offers for it. The Navigation Package is a good pick for the nifty MMI Navigation plus system it installs. The RS Driver Assistance Package comprises a good selection of advanced driver-assistance features that are certainly worthwhile having, too.