Highlights
- 40,443 miles from new
- Two owners
- 4.2-litre V8
- Quattro all-wheel drive
- Dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission
- High specification
The Appeal
There was a time when Audi really didn’t produce any performance machinery. Then the Ur Quattro came to prominence in the 80s, and all of a sudden it was like the Ingolstadt engineers had been let off the leash and there was no stopping them. The RS2 was the first of Audi’s new ‘RS’ performance line, and ever since the two-letter moniker has denoted the most advanced, powerful vehicles in the Audi arsenal.
Fast forward a few decades and Audi’s RS models are as well known and revered as BMW’s M cars or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG line. And the RS5 is the big coupé in the range – offering superb grand touring capability, incredible performance and beautifully appointed interiors.
Here we have a very fine example – benefiting from the same barrel-chested V8 that was fitted in the first generation R8 supercar. Mated to a dual-clutch, paddle-shift transmission, it offers keen drivers a charismatic and magnificently finished way to traverse vast distances. With low mileage and a high specification, there are many reasons to love this handsome vehicle…
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in August 2014
- Two owners from new
- Current owner from May 2016
- MOT to September 2023
- The car has passed every MOT test
- 40,443 miles from new
- Complete with a number of invoices for services and maintenance
- Full Audi health check in February 2023
- Last service in December 2022 at 38,788 miles
- Full Audi Service History
The Interior
- Four seat coupé layout
- Electrically adjusted, heated front seats with memory function
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Factory fitted sunroof
- Light grey leather upholstery
- MMI infotainment screen
- Satellite navigation
- DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity
- Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
- Parking sensors
- Dual zone climate control
- Carbon trim
The light grey leather upholstery is presented in very good order, with no notable damage or significant wear we could see. Deep sports seats really hold the occupants in place, offering a figure-hugging yet comfortable way to enjoy the RS5’s performance. As far as we could see, the carpets are also in good order, with no serious threading or wear apparent.
All of the trim, driving controls and switchgear elements are in excellent condition, giving evidence of the car’s low mileage. There may be the odd minor mark or blemish, but we didn’t see anything that indicated significant wear or damage. The vendor doesn’t report any issues or faults with any of the car’s functions.
As a coupé with a large rear hatch, the RS5 offers a practical amount of boot space. The boot is finished with smart dark grey carpet, and we didn’t see any staining or deterioration.
The Exterior
- Metallic blue paintwork
- Automatic xenon lights and LED DRLs
- Optional 20-inch wheels
Finished in Audi’s iconic metallic blue, this RS5 is a very handsome beast. The paint looks to be in pretty good order too – there’s the odd swirl and some minor scratches and chips here and there, but only what we would consider commensurate with the age and mileage of the car.
The widened track and accompanying bodywork, along with that lowered ride, gives the car a mean, hunkered down look. That smoothly swooping bodywork all appears to be in fine fettle, with no dents, corrosion or damage in evidence.
Similarly, the trim shows nicely, with the classic RS silver mirror caps in place, an electrically deployed rear spoiler and subtle body kit. The badging, glass elements and light lenses all look to be in fine condition too, with no cracking, chipping or UV damage we could see.
While the car scones as standard on forged 19-inch wheels, this example is wearing optional 20-inch ten-spoke alloys. Finished in a shimmering silver, they present very well, with no notable kerb damage or lacquer peel we could discern. They are well shod in a matched set of Continental tyres.
Taking a moment to look underneath, the floor and sills look straight and clean, with no damage or corrosion in evidence. Likewise, the drivetrain components we can see appear to be in good order, with no obvious issues.
The Mechanics
- 4,163cc naturally aspirated V8
- Seven-speed ‘S-tronic’ automatic paddle-shift transmission
- Quattro all-wheel drive system
- Drive Select system offering multiple drive modes
- Sport differential
- Multi-link front and rear suspension
Not many mid-size coupés can claim to be fitted with the engine from a genuine supercar, but the RS5 is one of them. With the first generation R8 donating its heart, the RS5 pushes rather punchy 444bhp to all four wheels. Having said that, the Sport Differential system allows up to 85% of the engine’s torque to be delivered to the rear.
The result of all this power and clever technology is a car that offers sure-footed road-holding and excellent dynamic qualities, as well as a 4.6 second 0-62mph charge.
The vendor does not report any mechanical issues or problems, and the car benefits from a recent service in December 2022 as well as a full Audi health check, carried out in February 2023.
Summary
Powerful, with discreet but purposeful styling, a handsome and well-appointed interior and low mileage, this RS5 would make for a great high-performance daily.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
