Timeless Beauty for an Exceptional GT

The initial Audi A5 was immediately hailed for the sheer beauty of its design, penned by Walter DaSilva. The Audi S5, the first sports variant, didn’t compromise this stunning aesthetic. However, its performance wasn’t quite on par with rivals like the 420 hp BMW M3 E92 V8. As a result, Audi introduced the RS5 4.2 V8 in 2010 to compete directly with the Mercedes AMG C63 V8 and the BMW M3 V8 E92. It’s designated as the RS5 V8 B8, and B8.5 after its facelift in September 2011. It was available as both a coupé and a cabriolet. It seemed hard to improve upon the lines of the superb A5 and S5, yet the Audi RS5 manages it, achieving a rare balance of sportiness and elegance. The flared wheel arches, the aggressive front and rear bumpers, and the gorgeous 20-inch wheels underscore this magnificent silhouette. Such a design would have been perfectly at home on a prestigious Italian model like a Maserati—it possesses a distinct Latin flair. Today, we find its design has aged far better than that of its contemporary rivals. The same holds true for the interior styling, which retains its appeal and is of excellent quality. Yet, the Audi RS5 is currently undervalued compared to its competitors, particularly the BMW M3 V8 E92. In this review, we’ll explain why we believe this is unjustified and why its value could rise significantly, making it a sound youngtimer investment.

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The R8’s V10, Minus Two Cylinders

The naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 is derived from the R8 block, but here it’s tuned to 450 horsepower. It is, in fact, based on the Lamborghini V10, amputated by two cylinders. No turbo, no supercharger, no downsizing. This is a highly noble and sophisticated engine: FSI direct injection, continuous variable timing on both intake and exhaust. The result: this engine redlines at an incredible 8,500 rpm! The substantial displacement provides ample low-end torque and exceptional high-rev extension. Compared to the M3 V8 E92 block, this FSI V8 is torquier at low revs and only marginally less fierce at the very top of the rev counter than the BMW engine.

The sound might be a bit too filtered for some within this luxurious cabin. But the variation in musicality across the entire rev range is intoxicating. The way the power is delivered at high revs is equally compelling, motivating you to push the engine purely for the pleasure of it. To complement this, the S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox is highly consistent with the rest of the car’s philosophy: easy to drive fast. It is fast and smooth, typical of a good modern dual-clutch transmission. Admittedly, this type of gearbox does filter the raw mechanical pleasure, unlike a manual. The RS5 was only offered with the S-Tronic (unlike the S5 V8, which offered a choice of manual or S-Tronic). Performance is excellent, even slightly better than the BMW M3 V8 E92, with a 0 to 62 time of 4.5 seconds.

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On the Road

Audi sports cars, outside of the R8, are often prone to understeer, leading to a perception that they are GTs that lack agility or sportiness. This characteristic is often attributed to Audi’s signature Quattro transmission. Yet, the RS5 surprises on this point. It boasts a sufficiently sharp front end and a Quattro system capable of behaving almost like a rear-wheel-drive car. This makes it one of the most enjoyable RS Audis to drive aggressively. While it may not be as nimble as its contemporary, the BMW M3 V8 E92, it remains a pleasure to drive dynamically, offering disconcerting ease to drive fast. An overzealous driver will encounter fewer scares in the RS5 and will often be faster through corners. However, the expert driver who loves playing with the limits of grip might find this behavior a little too easy.

How did Audi manage to combine this dynamism in such a heavy, four-wheel-drive car? Firstly, by better mass centralization, with the engine-gearbox unit positioned slightly further back than in the previous generation RS4, for example. Secondly, the Quattro transmission introduces interesting developments, such as the ability to dynamically distribute torque massively to the rear axle. This is primarily what gives it that nearly rear-wheel-drive sensation. Audi also offered an optional Quattro Sport differential (a form of torque vectoring) to increase cornering agility. This option is highly recommended for those prioritizing cornering capability.

Ceramic brakes are recommended for drivers who plan to drive aggressively in the mountains or on the track, as the car is heavy and can quickly overwhelm the endurance of the steel brakes. The car is heavy primarily because its construction largely relies on steel, save for the front and rear fenders. Comfort and silence make this car a remarkable GT. The dynamic suspension is highly effective, even with the 20-inch wheels. Sound insulation is excellent. Therefore, covering long distances in this car is a highly pleasant experience, even by 2025 standards. This compromise of comfort, ease, sportiness, and high-caliber mechanical pleasure positions the Audi RS5 V8 as a very appealing proposition for someone not seeking a pure, radical sports car but who will appreciate its exceptional versatility.

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Daily Usability and Road Trips

With its comfort and S-Tronic gearbox, this car is perfectly suited for daily use as well as road trips. This is where its versatility, unlike other highly or overly valued youngtimers, truly shines. The only restriction will be the fuel consumption, which is commensurate with the engine’s mechanical prestige. It will certainly not be suitable for someone who needs to commute long distances daily.

The cabin is very pleasing due to its presentation and build quality. It has aged gracefully. The equipment is comprehensive, and the seats are very comfortable. A Recaro bucket seat option was available, adding exclusivity without sacrificing comfort (though rear legroom is slightly reduced). The trunk is very large, suitable for both daily needs and vacations. Despite this comfort and practicality, the sensation of driving an exceptional car is very much present.

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Reliability and Maintenance Costs

This generation is arguably one where Audi pushed design and manufacturing quality to its highest point. Consequently, there are few nasty surprises. The FSI V8 is reliable. Its known weakness is the build-up of carbon deposits due to direct injection, which does not wash the intake valves during injection cycles. Consequently, cleaning additives are ineffective. Various carbon-cleaning procedures are necessary to restore lost power.

The timing system uses chains, eliminating the need for regular belt changes. The chains are located at the back of the engine block. This means that if there is a (rare) timing system failure, the engine must be removed for repair. The system is also complex, involving four chains. Since a timing failure can ruin your investment, ensure the timing chain is not noisy, especially when cold. The previous generation of Audi V8 (in the S4 and RS4 B7) was known for timing chain reliability problems and exorbitant repair costs. This RS5 V8 engine has fixed this flaw.

Check for oil consumption. There should be no blue smoke.

The S-tronic gearbox is reliable. It uses the same principle as the VW Group’s DSGs.

Maintenance costs are high. We’re talking about a high-performance V8, a dual-clutch gearbox, and a heavy car. This means the gearbox requires an oil change every 40,000 miles. The V8 needs occasional intake valve carbon cleaning (sometimes every two years walnut cleaning). The frequency of oil changes and the quality of the oil must be scrupulously respected. Fuel consumption is high, and high-octane fuel is preferred. Depending on the driving style, consumables (brakes, tires) can suffer due to the car’s heavy weight.

Overall, the car is reliable, but maintenance costs are steep. The complexity of the mechanics and the difficulty of accessing accessories that can fail, like in any car (power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor), makes interventions costly.

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Investment Perspectives

Rarity

No official figures have been published by Audi, but the most common estimate for the worldwide production of the Audi RS5 V8 (B8 generation, 4.2 naturally aspirated engine, 2010–2015) is around 10,000 to 11,000 units across all body styles (coupé and cabriolet). In comparison, its main rival, the BMW M3 V8 E92 and E93 (coupé and cabriolet), saw a production of 56,200 units. Even the first-generation Audi R8 (Type 42, 2006–2015, V8, V10, coupé, and Spyder) was produced in larger quantities, approximately 26,000 units.

Therefore, the Audi RS5 is a genuinely rare car. This is confirmed by how infrequently one sees them on the road. The exceptional elegance of its lines gives it a real road presence. Combined with its performance and high level of finish, this car presents a certain exclusivity.

Value Evolution

From 2015 to 2018, the Audi RS5 V8 experienced a sharp initial depreciation.

Between 2020 and 2023, there was a stabilization phase at relatively low values, depending on mileage and condition.

Since 2024, the value has been stable and even slightly rising for high-quality examples. We believe that despite its relatively high maintenance costs, it will attract attention as a youngtimer, and thus its value should trend upwards for the best, low-mileage examples. The RS5 is the last of its kind with a naturally aspirated V8, and it will eventually draw collectors.

Market Liquidity

Market liquidity for the RS5 V8 is considered good, but it is heavily dependent on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, and service history.

The average time to sell a low-mileage example in very good condition is between 15 and 45 days. This time frame increases significantly for higher-mileage and less-well-maintained cars. Even for the coupé, there is a seasonality to the market, with a resurgence in activity during spring and early summer.

Multiple used car platforms list second-hand Audi RS5 V8s, indicating good market availability.

RS5 V8 or BMW M3 V8 E92?

What the BMW M3 E92 gains in sheer sportiness, it loses in comfort and accessibility. The biggest differentiator is the type of transmission, which explains the difference in sportiness versus ease of use between the two. The Audi’s Quattro is simply the most easy to drive fast system, regardless of driving conditions. Even though the RS5 V8’s Quattro is particularly sporty (for an Audi), it is not as fun as the simple rear-wheel-drive + limited-slip differential setup of the BMW M3 E92. Both boast high-revving naturally aspirated V8s.

Ultimately, your expectations should dictate your choice more than the financial aspect. The Audi is more versatile, comfortable, and easier to exploit. It might also appear more “luxurious” in its styling and perception. Conversely, the BMW M3 is more common but more aggressively sporty at the expense of comfort. Both are excellent choices! The BMW’s value for good examples has risen faster, and the Audi is lagging on this front. However, it is beginning to pique the interest of collectors and is rarer than the BMW M3 E92. There is a high probability that it will catch up in terms of collector value. This is why we are featuring it in this review.

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Buying Advice

When choosing your specific car, be aware that the value of these vehicles dropped quite low in the early 2020s. Consequently, some have passed into the hands of owners who could not afford to maintain them properly. Often, these cars were sold on from owner to owner, each avoiding necessary expenses. Avoid these examples with a difficult-to-trace history. Prefer a car that has been held by its most recent owner for many years. This point is crucial because the Audi RS5 V8 demands meticulous maintenance to preserve its inherent reliability.

You should genuinely choose a car in excellent condition. As these cars are destined to become collector vehicles, they must be very well preserved.

Regarding mileage, it is not necessarily an issue, as these engines are very robust. However, the wear on the seats, steering wheel, and pedals will allow you to guess whether the high mileage was accumulated on the highway or in the city. In the former case, the car should be well preserved, and high mileage is not a problem, provided the price is consistent.

Concerning the mechanics, demand a documented service history with invoices stamped by Audi or a recognized Audi specialist. Check for no blue smoke (a sign of excessive oil consumption). The timing chain should be silent. Ensure there are no leaks. The S-tronic gearbox must be smooth. Remember it needs an oil change every 40,000 miles.

Try heavy braking: if you feel a vibration in the steering wheel during braking, a brake disc is likely warped (this applies mainly to models equipped with steel brakes, which are heavily stressed by the car’s weight).

Bring someone with you when you visit and test drive the car you’re eyeing: We strongly advise you to ask a friend to accompany you. When the configuration you’ve been dreaming of finally appears (after weeks of patience), you risk becoming too emotionally involved and overlooking certain clues or signs that indicate it’s not a good deal. Your friend, who is not the buyer, will be able to remind you to be wary of these signs, which sometimes mean you should wait for the next opportunity, even if it means being patient for longer.