DRIVEN + VIDEO: Audi's All-new RS5 — Did The Four Rings Build A BETTER GT Than The C63 And M4?

If you've piloted the last-gen Audi RS5, there's a good chance that you have a good idea what the all-new Audi RS5 is like. Of course there's going to be some changes but, overall, from what I have been reading and seeing there's one thing carried over.

Audi has built a great grand touring car.

This is what separated it from the competition last go around. While the then BMW M3 felt a bit more high strung and performance oriented, the RS5 was an excellent long distance cruiser.

Now the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 appear to be neck and neck and the newcomer, the RS5, doesn't seem to keep pace — not literally. It's obviously a fast car; however, it doesn't have the character and drama associated with it as the other two. According to this review, Audi has outclassed the other two in the GT department. That means it's more refined and comfortable rather than being a rough neck sports car.

Is that such a bad thing?

What say you, Spies?

Audi has delivered another stunningly quick RS model, and one with sharper looks and a more lavish interior than ever. It’s just a shame it isn’t more fun to drive. You could never accuse it of not having enough power, but it’s delivered with so little drama or accompanying noise that it feels a little sterile. The BMW M4 and Mercedes C63 both combine passion and performance better. The RS5 claws points back as a super-fast tourer, but for many enthusiasts, that misses the point of this kind of car.

templar19d - 7/23/2017 7:16:11 PM

+2 Boost

I lament the loss of the all motor V8 and a manual option. It's funny though, the basic A5 still has a manual option. Audi got it backwards, it's the enthusiastwho want the manual not the budget minded. I plan on keeping the R8V10 and TTRS, both manual transmissions.

countguy - 7/23/2017 8:19:15 PM

0 Boost

Better than the M4, slightly less than the C63S

Firewombat - 7/24/2017 2:57:32 AM

+1 Boost

At this point I think it's probably a better GT car, in which case why not go for the S5?

TomM - 7/24/2017 6:46:46 AM

+1 Boost

There comes a point in time when most realize that the difference between competing vehicles - which are generally produced using the competition as a basis - is actually so minute as to be comical at times. THe difference of .01 second is actually the difference between drivers more than cars and ALL of these cars produce satisfying result depending on what YOU expect out of them. It has already been mentioned that the BMW was more high strung and performance oriented - and IF THAT is what you want - then the AUDI is a miss. THe statement above that the BMW and Mercedes combine passion and performance better ALSO is a reason to not choose the AUDI.

Having said that - it all comes down to whether you are comfortable with a second tier Luxury sports sedan(AUDI) - instead of having the real thing with BMW and Mercedes - which are a class above. Since the cost of the cars are similar - it is hard to justify the AUDI - which should be less expensive.So yes - the CORVETTE is a better choice for performance that any of the three - and costs less. THere are Camaro and Mustang models that compete in the performance category too. It depends on what you are looking for - but the thing is - this AUDI does not cover any new ground - it is not obviously superior to its competition - which it would have to be for the TITLE of this thread to be TRUE - so the answer is NO.

cidflekken - 7/24/2017 12:15:19 PM

+4 Boost

There are probably only two areas where the RS5 would surpass the M4 and C63S: off-the-line acceleration and interior (mainly M4). Audi executes themselves have self-proclaimed that the RS5 is more GT than sports car.
There is a video done by the CarWow Channel just recently. The RS5 bested the M4 and C63S in acceleration from stop. But was completely outclassed by both in a rolling acceleration comparison. And I would bet that the RS5 would fall last when taken to a track.

cidflekken - 7/24/2017 12:51:30 PM

+3 Boost

Here is the CarWow video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpRLb9Rf1do&t=0s

cidflekken - 7/24/2017 12:52:23 PM

+2 Boost

Sorry, I meant "Audi executives themselves have self-proclaimed the RS5 is more GT than sports car".

Firewombat - 7/24/2017 1:55:42 PM

+2 Boost

I'm actually interested, can you give us an example where "Audi executives themselves have self-proclaimed the RS5 is more GT than sports car"? Only asking because that would seems quite defeatist considering the advertising done so far as well as the market this car is aimed at.

cidflekken - 7/24/2017 2:33:12 PM

+2 Boost

Link here. First paragraph where the RS5 is described as the "gran turismo of the RS models".

https://www.slashgear.com/2018-audi-sport-rs-5-coupe-first-drive-review-a-go-anywhere-grand-tourer-26489547/

F1_Driver - 7/24/2017 3:57:16 PM

+3 Boost

It doesn't matter what Audi executives call it, Audis are NOT drivers' cars.

Firewombat - 7/24/2017 4:19:39 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks @cidflekken I suppose I understand where you're coming from but in the same paragraph the quote is that, in Audi Sport's opinion, this is the GT car of the RS line-up because it has “elegant aesthetics with high everyday usability”. There's no mention that this was not meant to compete head-to-head with the C63 or M4. Either way, if they've conceded that the car simply can't keep up with the two cars it competes with on purpose, specification, and price then my opinion stays the same, why not buy the S5?

iamdabest1 - 7/24/2017 11:54:03 PM

+1 Boost

i personally love audis , and I dont track my cars so im sure an RS5 would be enough to suit most peoples daily needs. the ONLY reason i wouldnt get this car over an m4 or c63 is because they lease like shit, and i cant afford to pay 1200-1300 a month for an 80k car. id rather an m4 for the usual $800's
had they leased the same, i definitely would love to try an rs5 over an m4 just for the sake of trying something new.

MDarringer - 7/25/2017 9:43:40 AM

0 Boost

The Mercedes AMG models tend to be very American muscle car in their appeal. They have the too-much-engine-for-the-car feeling that is essential to being a muscle car. The C Class AMG is especially delightful.

The BMW M models--to me--aren't as "muscle car" in their personalities.

Personally, I'd take an AMG over an M any day of the week. They feel more alive and far less clinical.