Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI 525 V10 2dr

For The R8 has everything you would expect from a supercar – staggering performance and brilliant handling – plus some things you might not, such as decent refinement and everyday usability.

Against The R8’s cabin is starting to show its age; most of the switchgear and instruments are borrowed from defunct Audi saloons. A Porsche 911 is a more practical and fuel-efficient alternative.

• Performance

  5 out of 5 stars

  The R8 comes with two engines: a 4.2 V8 or a barnstorming 5.2 V10 engine. Even the V8 is blisteringly fast, powering from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. The V10 really is something else, though. It pulls like an express train no matter how many revs are on the dial. The optional S tronic semi-auto offers lightning quick shifts.

• Ride & Handling

  5 out of 5 stars

  Thanks to bags of traction and immense cornering grip, the R8 can be driven safely as well as quickly. The suspension is taut, resulting in minimal body roll, yet the ride is fluid and extremely comfortable on all versions except the hardcore V10 Plus. The steering also impresses, because it’s accurate and packed with feel.

• Refinement

  4 out of 5 stars

  Both engines sound terrific, but the V10 sounds particularly musical when you treat it rough. Both units quieten down when cruising, although there’s still more engine boom at motorway speeds than in a Porsche 911. There is less road noise than in the Porsche, though.

  • Buying & Owning

    4 out of 5 stars

    If you’re doubting whether an Audi badge can cut it in the supercar fraternity, then don’t – the R8 is as desirable as cars come, and that’s reflected in its rock-solid resale values. On the flipside, running costs will be astronomical, with fuel, tyre and insurance costs all putting a big dent in your bank balance. Still, if you can afford to buy an R8, you’ll probably have the wherewithal to run it.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    The quality of the engineering is hard to fault – even in this rarefied class. The tightness of the panel gaps and the fit and finish provide evidence of scrupulous attention to detail, while Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system and both the V8 and V10 engines are well proven. The R8’s cabin isn’t quite as classy as a Porsche 911’s, though.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Four airbags and every conceivable electronic driver aid come as standard, but the best safety devices are the huge levels of grip and massive braking power. Security is every bit as good as any top-of-the-range Audi, making life difficult for thieves.

    • Behind The Wheel

      4 out of 5 stars

      Although many of the controls are pinched from regular Audi saloons, everything is easy to use and the low-slung driving position is spot-on. A flat-bottomed steering wheel and a slotted aluminium gate for the gearshift emphasise the sporty theme. A central control panel gives access to the sat-nav and entertainment menus, but it’s a little slower to respond than the latest systems.

    • Space & Practicality

      3 out of 5 stars

      You'll need to watch your head as you slide behind the wheel, but once you're in, there's plenty of leg and shoulder room. While that steeply slopping bonnet provides a good view of the road ahead, we suggest ordering parking sensors to help you judge reverse parking. No one buys a supercar for its practicality, but the R8 is better than most. At a push, you can get a couple of sets of golf clubs behind the seats, and a reasonably big suitcase will fit under the bonnet.

    • Equipment

      4 out of 5 stars

      The R8 comes with all the essentials you'd expect in a car costing this much money, including a leather interior, climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels and a sat-nav. However, there are still plenty of optional extras to choose from, such as ceramic brakes and Audi’s Magnetic Ride system.