The Best & Worst Part of Every 2024 Audi RS Model

Intro

Audi marks their highest performance products with the revered RS badge. We love them. You love them. Everybody loves them. They may not be the volume selling models, but if you are looking for the ultimate Audi performance vehicle, then you need one with those two letters on the back. For 2024 Audi has a stout five car, and one SUV, RS lineup. There is a lot to like about these vehicles but a few things that we think could be better. With that in mind we looked at the entire 2024 Audi RS lineup and listed the best and worst aspects of each one. Read on to see if you agree with our assessment.

RS 3

Best: Engine Sound

There is an awful lot to like about the RS 3 so picking just one was not easy. But this little car with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine makes all the right sports car sounds. And thanks to the unique engine, it sounds aggressive but distinct from just about every other performance car out there.  

Worst: No Manual Transmission

The 7-speed dual clutch transmission in this car is wonderful. And there is no question it makes the car faster. But how much fun would this little super sedan be with a true manual transmission to play with? We wish the RS 3 at least gave us the option of rowing our own gears.

RS 5

Best: Style to Match Acceleration

The Audi RS 5 is a lovely looking car. The same can be said for most Audi vehicles, but the RS 5 has this svelte but muscular look about it that we love. And the best part is it has the blistering performance to back up those aggressive looks. It is the complete package.

Worst: Obnoxious Exhaust Pops

The style of the RS 5 may be a bit restrained but the exhaust sure isn’t. Not that we mind a sweet-sounding exhaust. In fact, we think it is critical to the overall enjoyment of a performance car. But the RS 5 has been tuned to provide exhaust farts on the overrun that boarder on the childish. This might be fine on a Volkswagen, or even in the smaller RS 3, but it sounds a bit out of place on a higher-end Audi.  

RS 7 Performance

Best: Performance and Comfort

The Audi RS 7 Performance has incredible performance. After all, it does have 621 horsepower under the hood. It will get to 60 mph in about 3 seconds and won’t stop until 190 mph. But at the same time, it is not tuned for the racetrack like some rivals. And that is great because this car will spend a lot more time on the street than it will on the track. This car leans on the luxury and comfort side of the equation. It is the best of both worlds.

Worst: High Base Price

The 2024 RS 7 Performance starts at $127,800. That price puts it above the BMW M5, Cadillac CT5-V, and Mercedes-Benz E63 S. We are not saying the RS 7 Performance is not worth the price. But the Audi is certainly not a bargain in the segment.

RS 6 Performance

Best: Sports Car Performance, Wagon Practicality

The Audi RS 6 Performance can run with or out run any other Audi RS model. Yet, it has the advantage of station wagon practicality. There is room for you, your significant other, your kids and your dog. It is the perfect package for the family that needs extra space to go with the extra pace.

Worst: RS Sport Suspension a Little Stiff, Not as Roomy as SUV

The sport suspension on this car can be a little stiff. And that might be fine with you, but your family might appreciate something a little softer. And while the wagon body is far more practical than a sedan, it is not quite as spacious as a full-blown SUV.

RS Q8

Best: Urus Matching Performance for Half the Price

The Audi RS Q8 can hang with a Lamborghini Urus in just about every performance metric you wish to use. However, the Lambo will set you back at least $100K more. That is an awful lot of money to put a raging bull badge on the nose. It is not everyday that you can call a $125K SUV a bargain, but the RS Q8 makes a strong case.

Worst: Less Dynamic Than RS 6 Performance

Life is all about tradeoffs. The RS Q8 has the outright speed, but it can’t defy the laws of physics. It sits up higher and therefore does not have the same buttoned-down feel of the RS 6 wagon. In your day-to-day travels, you may never notice the difference. But if you started to push these two vehicles back-to-back, you would.  

RS e-tron GT

Best: Rollercoaster-esque Launches

The RS e-tron GT will accelerate so quickly it can give you motion sickness. Especially since there is no engine noise to prepare you. And the torque hits you instantly, which is like nothing a gasoline powered car can provide. It is a thrill ride every time you launch it.

Worst: EV Range

The RS e-tron GT has an EPA-estimated range of just 232 miles. That is quite a bit less than other competitors. And if you get addicted to that launch experience your range will be even less. Audi will no doubt improve the range of this car in subsequent years. But for 2024 a range of just over 200 miles is a bit disappointing.

Images: Audi