The B9 RS5 (US-market 2018-2020, coupe and Sportback) replaced the B8's naturally-aspirated V8 with a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 (444 hp) and an 8-speed automatic — a switch that frames much of the conversation. Owners broadly rate it as a fast, beautifully-built, do-everything car (the Sportback adds five-door practicality), with two recurring critiques: there is no manual option, and the steering is typically light unless the car has the Competition package's sport/dynamic steering. …
Library / Audi
Audi RS5 (B9)
81 sales analyzed · 4 topics from real Bring a Trailer & Cars & Bids comments.
“imagine how extra cool if Audi offered it with a 3rd pedal.”Sarki · Sep 13, 2024
- Brilliant all-rounder — but no manual, and light steeringownership-experienceOwners praise the B9 as a phenomenal, box-checking car, but two consistent caveats come up: Audi never offered a manual (a frequent wish), and the steering is on the light side as with most modern Audis — the Competition package's sport/dynamic steering is cited as the fix that makes it feel precise. …
- The 2018 rocker-arm concern — revised for 2019mechanicalThe one model-specific mechanical item is a rocker-arm issue on early 2018 cars; Audi revised the part, and 2019+ VINs (and later-build 2018s) use the updated arms. Owners with affected-era cars report high-mileage trouble-free running and consider the concern overblown — but it's still worth confirming build date / revised parts on a 2018. …
- Color and the Sportback's everyday appealvalue-and-marketA large share of the discussion is about presence and practicality: standout colors (Sonoma Green Metallic draws constant attention) and the five-door Sportback body, which owners describe as the version that turns heads while staying usable every day. Spec and color materially shape desirability here. …
- Buying: confirm CPO/warranty and check the Carfaxbuying-adviceBecause many B9s are recent and dealer/CPO-serviced, the priorities are confirming remaining warranty/CPO coverage in writing, obtaining full service records, and scrutinizing any Carfax damage entries — buyers routinely press sellers for specifics on reported incidents and repairs. …