2023 Audi RS5 Review /// Is It Too Good?

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Smash that like button if you enjoyed this video! Do you guys like the RS5 or do you prefer an M3 or C63? Maybe something else? 🤔 Join my Discord - discord.gg/jSX4T3FafU

[@johnkramer565]

M3

[@soarabove337]

Button(s) smashed. With caveats lol, as noted below. There’s a reason I didn’t go M (3/5) & summaries to follow eh?

[@Nahyeahqh4xj]

RS5 everyday super car. Fast, comfortable, brilliant drive. If you own one as I do you won’t want for more. A great car.

[@jonathansquires3114]

You nailed the review James! The RS5 I think is a hidden gem. Great GT car. Not many of them here in Florida! (They are cheaper than in the UK - fully loaded $95k)

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thank you mate! Damn, that's quite a bit cheaper!

[@darkspeed62]

Finally some Audi content from a fellow Brit! love these kinda videos. NGL, the stock Audis do need some cosmetic upgrades tbf but the cinematography was on point my man! Sick video and review!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks mate!

[@ideatum1]

Im not crazy about audi cars, but your cinematography makes me want one lol... Good stuff!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Haha huge compliment! Thanks :D

[@soarabove337]

Lol indeed a compliment. Alas, take an Audi home for the wkd & then do the same w a M. I can’t abide what I’m giving up in 1.3s on a closed racetrack for daily livability for the next x yrs lol.

[@DougBaxterMusic]

Great review. I have the 2018 model, and it is epic. Civilised when driven normally, but brutal when required. Fully specced, it is a fantastic place to be for a cross country drive!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks, Doug! Great car :D

[@soarabove337]

I left a 19 for a 21. CPO & all of that jazz (bc Audi is gonna Audi ahem) & it’s even better.

[@ph8077]

Dynamically the M4 & M3 pips it...but I'm totally happy with my decision to buy a 2023 RS5 coupe with all main extras as a daily driver. There's something simply legendary about the RS logo that the M cars can't hold a candle to!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yeah man, great car! Especially for a daily :D

[@henryesparza8663]

i traded a 2018 m4 comp for an rs5 sportback. no regrets

[@soarabove337]

too funny bc I am NOT an Audifista… but after my own M3 & testing new Ms, I somehow wound up in my third Audi. Edit: you’re obviously right that on any given track on any given race day, M is likely > RS, for the cars we own. Alas, live in them every day for 2-600 days… 🙄 M 🤦‍♂️.

[@soarabove337]

@@henryesparza8663I’m personally with you & see my note to OP bc I think you’re on the right track: “bailing on an M??!!?!” Lol, yeah. There’s a reason for that. 😛

[@OBELISK3210]

As a bmw a mk2 golf man from a child, Audi ever since the rs5 released have definitely been one of my favourite cars I think they’re the balance between performance & comfort & a road presence something a few bmw models lack, same for rs6 a absolute animal.

[@kacze1999]

Im very impressed how good the video looks and how professionally yet friendly you can talk about the car. Very good video, keep it up, man.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks :) means a lot.

[@conorcahill5422]

Seems Audi sees great potential in you as a car reviewer and very complimentary of them to send over a high spec RS model for you to try out! Even if you happen to like models of their main rivals in Germany lol. Definitely do more of these reviews man! Turns out there's much more to you than just climbing a big ass crane! ;) Who knows? Might we be looking at the next Richard Hammond, but without the big ass crashes? 🤣

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yeah, I'm really appreciative! Haha thank you mate

[@soarabove337]

I tested Ms (3/4/5) & AMG (63 & 53) and I know they’re not listening to this particular channel, but I couldn’t part with my $ after turning in my AR QV, so I went w RS5.

[@Foregrlz]

​@soarabove337 what truly sold you on rs5 over M4 and E53 amg?

[@theurbandon5902]

I've just come over from the climbing channel! Lad this is fantastic 👍 I honestly wasn't expecting such well put together and professional review. You have a bright future and I wish you all the best

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks so much! 🙌

[@raykemp2006]

This video sold it for me. Went for the 2 door in grey.😊

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yes! Glad it helped :) enjoy the car!

[@soarabove337]

I’d have gone for the SB… bc that’s the route I chose lol. But it’s been a few mos & my 21 has just clicked 26k mi 🇺🇸, so I thought I’d check back in.

[@BoraxStellaris]

4:33 this problem you also have with many monitors which are colored in piano black, too. It only looks great in the beginning and after a few days you see every fingerprint, scratch, dust and so on. 😖 5:25 you´re absolutely right. a built-in tablet would look so much better...smoother... more aesthetic in this kind of sports car. I think you´ll need a head-up display like a fighter pilot ! 💯😃👍

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Haha yep! I have one and it's always dusty 😂 thanks for the comment!

[@soarabove337]

@@JamesKingstonCarsI have to disagree with ya both: I absolutely *hate* fingerprints all over & am pleased to report I’ve none… well, to report lol. It’s far better than my Alfa QV, for example… and I’m even bending the rules here bc my QV didn’t have a touchscreen: my RS5 does & I’m quite surprised (astonished, even) how clean it looks after 26k mi. Far easier to keep clean than my 6-hr drive back home from taking delivery of the QV, for one example. 🤷‍♂️

[@bavaria46]

Great video, good to see you back testing cars 😃 you’re a natural ☝️

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks so much! Lots more to come :)

[@soarabove337]

I mean, I liked your comment n all… but if he’s not autoX-ing a car, is he reeeeally testing it? is all sort of thing. 😉 🤙

[@tilenvidmar9074]

I really don’t like that central pop up screen ,should be retractable like in old rs6. And why do the need 2lcd side by side? To have double navigation? I really like the option with classic gauges and integrated central screen like maseratti

[@JamesKingstonCars]

I agree! Manufacturers are doing some weird stuff with the central screens at the moment. Hopefully it's just a bad experiment and they go back to the nicer built-in ones. Thanks for the comment 😁

[@soarabove337]

Agreed & my old (ANCIENT!, even) CTS was all about a center-stack pop-up: it was super-new & super-clean back in the day. Alas, spills n sneezes n even dust tend to abide by gravity & it turned out “not so clean” lol. Idk if Audi was the first to “tack on a display”, but I do wonder aloud if they had the best execution of the same?

[@jasonlewry3307]

Always admired the climbing through covered eyes….. but now you do car reviews too! Brilliant content, filming and editing. Talented man indeed. Try a new Cayenne with 700 odd horses…I’d like to see that trotting round the new forest! Great channel, keep it coming..and happy new year. 😊

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thank you so much mate! Hopefully I can get my hands on some Porsche's soon! Happy new year to you too :D

[@thoopra]

Didn’t know you had a separate car channel! Heck yeah! Subbed!🔥

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks mate!!

[@constinit]

Wow! Great cinematography, came from the main channel.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks so much!

[@juancmorenor]

You are one of the best ! and I am quite sure you will get soon a Porsche! Take care and happy 2023!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thank you! You too :)

[@QuickStix26]

I do also like screens that are built into the dash. Carmakers have seem to have gone away from that.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yeah, no idea why!

[@aaronsmith1280]

I love this vid bro just as good as your climbing ones

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks Aaron!

[@andrewholland5311]

you got it right, i have one, the best car i've had so far. just so fast, looks great.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks mate! Great car :)

[@bogdanpetrovic2811]

Brother these colors are sooo clean, your editing skills are crazy!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

I appreciate that!

[@jamesdarrigo8277]

I'm loving the sportback version of the RS5. Great review!!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks James!

[@soarabove337]

25k mi here & coming from AR Guilia QV… missing a thing or two on the viscerality, I suppose… but not having to worry on the x5 mph exit ramps is brilliant.

[@xclusivept]

Great review !

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks!!

[@mackzim]

Can't wait for mine to arrive in a just a few weeks. It's an amazing car and I prefer it a lot over the RS7 actually.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Congrats! It is a great car. What colour did you go for?

[@mackzim]

@@JamesKingstonCars i was torn between daytona and nardo grey, went with daytona because i think nardo will soon be outdated. Today i got my pick up date for Ingolstadt. 02.02.2023. Long 1 month wait now.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Daytona is a really nice colour! Yeah, Nardo seems to be everywhere now and pretty common on more "normal" cars. Haha not long now!!

[@soarabove337]

@@mackzimhey man, it’s been a few months, so I’m checking in. Did you get it? Have you put miles on it? What are your thoughts so far? You’re amongst friends here (I rather think lol) & we’d love to hear your own feedback. My own will follow below. 🤙

[@brazeagle]

Really great video. I noticed it is WINTER out there and you are driving with OEM summer tires. Can you tell me if you really feel safe that way? reason I ask is because I just purchased a 2023 RS5 Coupe with dynamic... and sport exhaust with 20 inches wheels on 275x30ZR20 and I need to drive it from the dealership about 400KM in temperatures of -2C...will it be okay in your opinion? Thanks a lot.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks!! Yeah, it's pretty normal in the UK to run summer tires during the winter. It just doesn't get cold enough here for it to be an issue. I think it'll be fine because of the Quattro system. Just don't go crazy haha

[@soarabove337]

⁠@@JamesKingstonCarslol I’m with you bc: my trip TO Denver sucked bc of ice & snow (and sub 0C temps), but then when I got there… it *snowed*. My AR QV on PS SCs really wasn’t going to cut it lol. Great (horrible) stories, those lol.

[@soarabove337]

@@JamesKingstonCarsworth noting: if I would have rolled up to Denver in something less cool, idk how it all turn out. But I don’t personally see how my RS5 would have been “less cool” & I’m SURE af it would have stopped /or/ gotten me tf out of the way of the snowplow trolley quicker than the QV lol. Eh here again:.. great story if you live it, not so much on yt later haha.

[@mattmanley7118]

What’s the difference with this one and the 2018 just the wider flatter grille? Love the V6 Actually

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Small design changes on the front and rear bumpers, bigger grille, newly designed side sills and new front/rear lights. All pretty standard changes for an LCI 👍 and yeah the engine is great!

[@mattmanley7118]

@@JamesKingstonCarsthank you for responding! New subscriber here! I figured they were small changes as I drive the 2018 version in Forza Horizon 5 😅 without the adaptation of hand controls and my jump reflex I probably will never drive a real car. I have cerebral palsy, but I’m a big Audi fan!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

@@mattmanley7118 Of course, Matt! I appreciate the sub :) there's another Audi video coming this Sunday!

[@mattmanley7118]

@@JamesKingstonCars most excellent

[@soarabove337]

@1:38 I get it that Munich isn’t listening, but still gonna say: the absolute bend-all, be-all on a track is not worth the 2-7 yrs most of us are going to daily drive the vehicle. It’s why I bailed on M years ago… it’s not the “infotainment screen”, it’s the daily use of the car… where sure, infotainment is A thing, but it’s not THE thing lol. Plz save your track-attack versions by simply adding mad performance to an already otherwise great car.

[@johninnh4880]

I think the word you are looking for is "Planted". I have a 2023 RS5 and traded in my Infiniti 2018 AWD Red Sport which I put in both front and rear LSDs in it and that was "Planted". The RS5 feels about the same. I have not driven it on ice yet but suspect it will. It was the same in the snow and slush so the RS5 should be the same on ice too.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Planted is the word :D super planted!

[@Sanderless]

EXTREMELY underrated channel!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thank you so much!!

[@robw2486]

Happy New Year. I am glad you are moving to a more 'safe occupation'. You are a young man; you want to live a long life.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Happy New Year, Rob!

[@Hoserzzz]

The fact that they have heated and massaging seats but no ventilation in 2023 is the soul reason I'm not interested in this generation. A Mk8 Golf R has ventilated sport seats but we can't get it in a $100k audi?

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Hahahah true. I want ventilated more than heated

[@jonathansquires3114]

Excellent review!! The 2018-21 model was soooo much better - a proper full carbon diffuser and small MMI screen with no touch but a scroll control wheel with writing capability. .

[@TJW04]

Stunning car, you should review a Jaguar F-Type. Would love to see your thoughts on the SVR!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

I'd love to! Hopefully we can get some more press cars soon :)

[@MrRayKemp]

I took the new F-Type out before the RS5 ... no contest. Both lovely cars, but the RS5 just drives so much better. The F-Type is the old fashioned heavy back end. ;-)

[@JieYang0213]

Hope to buy one next year!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yes!

[@roorider]

Great video!!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks Roo!

[@henryesparza8663]

i went from a 2018 m4 comp to rs5 sportback, although the m4 was noticeably faster up top. the rs5 is better for every day use and the interior is a lot more comfortable.

[@soarabove337]

Yeah & yours is a good short-word soundbite summary: I actually wonder if I’d have just kept my M3 & mod’d it, wouldn’t it be faster still?… than my RS5? Now I’ve got a peaceful daily driver (32.2 MPGs on a 2k trip) that can compete against a new Vette @ the light lol. 🤷‍♂️

[@Mbr1]

Great video

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Cheheheeers

[@tomwardrup5836]

M3 or RS5 Sportback (4 door Version of the 5). Which would be your choice?

[@JamesKingstonCars]

This is a tough one because I don't love the new M3 like I love the old one. The F80 was a stunning looking car from every angle but I just can't say the same about the G80. Even though I haven't driven one yet, I'd still go for the M3 just because it's clearly the better drivers car (even my F80 was more enjoyable than this RS5) and maybe I could mod it a bit so it looked a bit better 🤣 What would you go for?

[@tomwardrup5836]

@@JamesKingstonCars Developing a short list now, and these 2 along with the M850i and the Cadillac CT4 Blackwing are on my list. Also considering the Lexus LC500. Have not driven any of them yet, so we will see where this goes. Thanks for your input. Very helpful.

[@spagolli94]

I had an F80 M3 and have an RS5 Sportback now. I agree 100% with James’ comments above. The M3 is a much better drivers car but the new one is just, um, not exactly beautiful. The RS5 is much more comfortable (and better looking) but is not nearly as responsive, dynamic, or connected as the M3. As a daily driver or road trip car, the RS5 is better. As a canyon carver or weekend track day car, the M3 is better. Not sure if this matters or not, but I rarely got compliments on the M3. But with the RS5, I get compliments almost every day.

[@RandomGuyOnTheWeb]

Cant decide wether to buy the CLS 53 AMG or the RS5 Sportback. Recently i said to myself it has to be the CLS, but after watching your video I kinda want the RS5 more (again) 😂

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Haha now that is tough! The CLS interior is gorgeous (if it's the latest one) but I can't comment on much more than that as I haven't driven one! Not the worst problem to have though :D

[@RandomGuyOnTheWeb]

@@JamesKingstonCars Yeah, the CLS interior is indeed gorgeous (2022 facelift). But the RS5 has more power and is more agile. Can't decide what's more important to me 😅

[@soarabove337]

@@RandomGuyOnTheWebok gents, the full gestational period appears to have at least arrived… if not passed us… I was coming from an AR QV, so I tested M, AMG, and RS as a replacement for my daily. I’m curious how your own search went & what you decided on?

[@Account1746]

Love my B9 A4

[@eprohoda]

mr,Wow! really outstanding video-work,ave a good day- 🤝

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thank you!

[@jungleboi6544]

What happened to Audi flat bottom steering wheel

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yeah that would be nice!

[@babysynego]

Audi is the most chill race car lol they plant themself so when accelerating.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

It's true! No drama haha

[@MrShainys]

Done subs bro..gdjob..rs5 🔥

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks man!

[@LinTree25]

You should try Porsch

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Hopefully soon!

[@mmm4638]

does it eat oil like all the other ones? did oil change on one and there was oil in the intake tubes..............w t f

[@JamesKingstonCars]

I'm not sure as I only had the car for a week. It's a new car so it can't be that bad right? 😁

[@extracheese713]

James ❤️ ❤️❤️

[@JamesKingstonCars]

:D

[@adamtyrell4227]

Beautiful car 👍

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yup!

[@fabriceduchenne7237]

🤓 Hi 🌍 Thank You So Much & LOVE AUDI ✅

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kurdistan2002]

Hi, James, I love you very much❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JamesKingstonCars]

🙏

[@An.Individual]

The video title is wrong, that is a Coupe not a Sportback.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Totally missed this! Thanks for letting me know 👍

[@ph8077]

Sportback will be my next car when I hit 35 in 3 years...officially waiting to die at that point.

[@spencerbond]

So good! Makes me want a grown up car lol 😆

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Haha thanks man!!

[@증평개미]

My Dream car~❤

[@JamesKingstonCars]

It's so nice!

[@ph8077]

I feel very fortunate that it's my _reality_ car.

[@onkelmarvin8360]

In Denmark the price of this car is around 2.000.000 Danish Crowns...............that´s 240.000 Pounds...........and NO............I`m NOT kidding.........🤔

[@JamesKingstonCars]

WTF 🤣

[@onkelmarvin8360]

@@JamesKingstonCars Hey James Kingston. I totally understand your reaction.........it`s actually beyond " Crazy ".......it`s " Ludicrous ".......😁 I`ll give you another example. I`ve been watching a lot of reviews lately, on The Bentley Flying Spur. I Love that car, it`s beautiful, stylish, comfortable, fast, and according to the reviews, the standard model is 150-160.000 Pounds. If you want to put a little bit of " Extras " on it, it quickly becomes 220.000 Pounds. That car in Denmark will cost you.......( And hang on to something Mate ).........between 400-500.000 Pounds..........and like I wrote in my initial comment........I`m NOT kidding. We make a joke in Denmark, when buying a new car........we buy ONE car.........but we pay for TWO cars.......😁 It`s always been like that, and I`m 55 years old. I also Love The Audi RS 5, so thanks for a great review Mate..........take Care.........🤗

[@joaogomez209]

I love that british accent »A glass of booooataaa».

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Haha thanks!

[@luisarnold1480]

Join the Audi gang - then get it tuned by 034!

[@JamesKingstonCars]

:D

[@stephenandrews8806]

Please change the screen 😢 and you have a buyer

[@JamesKingstonCars]

:D

[@elijahverchon6229]

I hope in 2025 the 2021s get 4k cheaper aka 56k* under 35k miles

[@JamesKingstonCars]

I hope everything gets cheaper as the prices are stupid at the moment!

[@funny7]

you can get an 2018 s5 for a 1/3 of the price of the new rs5 and its 90% the same car, absolute bargain

[@JamesKingstonCars]

True!

[@Account1746]

I’m Finna splooge

[@Dilly_Dil1y]

Shame about the back seats. I’ll save some money and get the rs3 😍

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Yep, that would be my choice too!

[@jennakeating6950]

The pops and bangs 😍 (although the RS3 sounds sexier in my opinion)

[@JamesKingstonCars]

Soooo good haha. RS3 sound is defo better!

[@colin-hanlon]

Looks peachy…….but needs a flat bottom steering wheel

[@JamesKingstonCars]

That is true!

[@ph8077]

Nah from 2022 the round wheel was the only option...it looks & feels great too & this is from someone that replaced my F-Type round wheel because that car REALLY needs the flat-bottomed version.

[@kobebryant5135]

wtf with those huge ugly steering wheel??? the a5 sline quattro has a better smaller proper one LOL

[@LinTree25]

BMW >

[@JamesKingstonCars]

😜

[@sskriegsberichter]

B9 RS5 worst Audi design by far.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

You reckon?

[@ChrisRogersTheAngryChef]

Audi doesn't make this car. I've been trying to buy one for a month, stop giving these companies accolades for cars they do not produce! It's over a year old now and I have never seen one on the road in Los Angeles- their largest market on the planet. They make a few to loan to the press and never make them for resale. Every company does this now and it is disgusting. Go buy a Supra manual, Z, GR Corolla, 86 or Type R... You can't buy them! They don't exist.

[@JamesKingstonCars]

I'm just reviewing the car for what it is... They're not super common in the UK but I've seen a few. I think mainly because the RS5 is pretty expensive and its rivals tend to be better in most ways. Weird comment from you but thanks for the algorithm boost 👍