The Audi R8 V10 Performance easily earns high scores, and not just because it's a performance powerhouse. Its athleticism doesn't come at the expense of refinement or drivability, and its lustworthy status is upheld through craftsmanship and technology.
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.
Pros
Blissful, high-revving V10 engine
Responsive and athletic handling
Comfortable ride and gorgeous interior
Cons
Many of Audi's latest advanced driver safety aids aren't available
Limited storage even for a sports car
What's new
Limited-edition, ultra-high-performance GT trim level debuts
2023 will be the final year for this generation R8
Second R8 generation was introduced for 2017
Overview
Last chance for a last dance. The 2023 Audi R8 is the end of the line for the glorious naturally aspirated 10-cylinder-powered supercar, but its farewell is far from quiet. Audi is reviving the R8 GT as a special-edition model, with only 333 units to be produced worldwide and 150 of those headed for U.S. shores.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi R8 performance 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Executives have telegraphed the current R8's end for several years, as the brand moves purposefully toward an all-electric future. The R8's successor, whatever its eventual name, is expected sometime in the next two to three years and will use fully electric power.
For its 2023 swan song, the special-edition R8 GT is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 that makes 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and all of that power is sent to the rear wheels. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.3 seconds and keeps pulling up to a top track speed of 199 mph. This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with even quicker shifts, and the suspension comes with a carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and ceramic brakes are also standard. The exterior is bedecked with all manner of carbon-fiber air ducts, winglets and spoilers.
We're sad to see the R8 go. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on the R8's performance, comfort and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Audi R8 V10 Performance easily earns high scores, and not just because it's a performance powerhouse. Its athleticism doesn't come at the expense of refinement or drivability, and its lustworthy status is upheld through craftsmanship and technology.
How does the R8 drive? The Audi R8 V10 Performance delivers the performance expected of an exotic sports car. Acceleration is otherworldly, reaching 60 mph in only 3.0 seconds. Handling is also unflappable, and the brakes are consistent and trustworthy.
What's surprising, though, is how easy it is to explore its incredible capabilities and how pleasant it drives when you're not dropping the hammer. Besides the power, braking and grip, the R8's steering contributes a lot to the overall experience, with appropriate effort at low and high speeds, quick responses, and a decent amount of feedback.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the R8? Comfort doesn't suffer as a result of the R8's impressive performance capabilities. The ride quality is appropriately stiff but not jarring. It has just enough compliance to filter out harsh impacts, and the standard R8's adaptive suspension should give an even broader range. The interior is also praiseworthy for its ability to keep road and wind noise at bay, allowing you to enjoy the glorious V10 growl.
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How’s the interior? The sleek, understated design blends with high technology for a modern cabin that's easy to acclimate to. Getting in doesn't require any contortions, but the low seats and roofline, combined with a wide side sill, will require a bit more effort from taller occupants. For the average-size driver, the aggressive seats and cockpit will fit like a tailored suit, but larger occupants might feel as if things have shrunk a bit in the wash.
The R8 gives the sensation of a more spacious coupe, with a simple dash and no central infotainment screen. Functions typically operated through touchscreens are moved to the instrument panel and controlled by numerous steering wheel controls.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? Audi's MMI infotainment system remains one of the best in the industry for its wide array of functions and ease of use. Some people, though, may be initially thrown off by having almost all functions run through the instrument panel instead of secondary screens. Many of the latest advanced driver assist features are absent, but in an engaging sports car like this, they're not missed.
Storage
6.0/10
How’s the storage? Sports cars aren't regarded for their practicality, and mid-engine cars typically come up shorter than others in this area. Cargo room and interior storage are limited in the R8, but there's enough space to stow bags for a weekend getaway for two.
The narrow but deep front trunk holds about 8 cubic feet and can accommodate a small carry-on suitcase or a couple of duffel bags. There is also a narrow shelf behind the seats, but it's not quite as accommodating as the one in the Porsche 911. Interior storage is scarce, with a few small bins and shallow pockets to store your personal items.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy for the all-wheel-drive R8 at 15 mpg combined. We averaged 19.9 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route. That's a good sign, but driving efficiently requires extraordinary restraint (our overall average was a more dismal 13.3 mpg). Other sports cars are more frugal with fuel.
Value
8.0/10
Is the R8 a good value? The R8 isn't cheap. But as a wise person once said, "You can sleep in a car, but you can't drive a house." What you get for the money is one of the most technologically advanced sports cars that'll make you feel like a million bucks. That's a great ROI. All materials are top-shelf, and the R8 feels as if it was carved out of a single block of aluminum. Every button and knob has a solid weight and movement to it, which showcases the best of what Audi can do.
Wildcard
10.0/10
The Audi R8 may get points deducted for convenience and seat comfort, but the payoff in performance and entertainment far outweighs those factors. Sports cars like this are built to exhilarate, and the R8 delivers with a heady dose of acceleration and ultra-confident handling.
The Audi R8 is more of a stealth fighter among its flashier exotic kin, even with its 10-cylinder engine exposed under glass. Its design looks refined and purposeful, and the R8 would be equally in its element parked in front of an opera house or rolling through the paddock of a racetrack.
Which R8 does Edmunds recommend?
If you're the collecting type, the limited-edition R8 GTshould make a sparkling addition to any garage. Otherwise, go for the R8 V10 Performance RWD. You get the glorious 10-cylinder chorus along with the rear-drive model's more playful handling, and it costs less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart too.
Audi R8 models
The 2023 Audi R8 is a two-seat mid-engine sports car available as both a coupe and convertible. The latter is dubbed the R8 Spyder and uses a power-operating soft top. The R8's trim levels are the R8 V10 Performance RWD, which is rear-wheel-drive, and the R8 V10 Performance Quattro, which is all-wheel-drive. All other features are identical for both the coupe and convertible. Topping off the lineup is the limited-edition ultra-high-performance R8 GT, a rear-wheel-drive model with the same spirited V10.
R8 V10 Performance RWD
Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 engine now making 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque paired to seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include:
20-inch wheels
Power-folding, heated mirrors with auto dimming
Auto-deploying rear spoiler
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Heated seats
Digital instrument panel
Navigation system
Wireless charging pad with signal booster
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Automatic high beams
Front and rear parking sensors
The RWD model is also available with a few packages and options, including:
Carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar
Dynamic steering
Diamond-stitch leather package
Premium package
Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
Faux suede interior treatments
Extended leather upholstery
Dynamic package
Carbon-ceramic brakes
Upgraded leather upholstery
Nappa leather-wrapped racing seats with fixed backrests
Sport exhaust package
Carbon exterior package
R8 V10 Performance Quattro
Besides including the Dynamic package as standard equipment, the R8 Quattro gets a power increase (602 hp, 413 lb-ft). It also has:
All-wheel drive
Fixed rear spoiler
Sport exhaust system
Upgraded brakes
Upgraded headlights
Carbon-fiber accents
Optional fully adjustable sport seats
Upgraded leather upholstery and faux suede headliner
R8 GT
Makes the same power as the Performance Quattro models, but does so in a rear-wheel-drive package that combines the best of both worlds. Other features include:
Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel
Revised transmission with different gear ratios and quicker shifts
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
20-inch, 10-spoke forged wheels in high-gloss black
Bucket seats finished in leather and Dinamica
Bang & Olufsen sound system
Carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar
Carbon-fiber front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper elements, rear diffuser and gooseneck rear wing
2017 Audi R8 V10 plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM)
Went to buy new Ferrari, saw R8 and saved over $150,000, and got same performance.
Most reliable and easy to drive exotic
5 out of 5 stars
JimKelly, 08/22/2021
2020 Audi R8 performance 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM)
I’ve driven many GTRs (FBO to 1500HP) and even a 2019 Nismo. The handling, refinement and sound of that V10 is something that separates the R8 from the rest.
Big V10!
4 out of 5 stars
Shichen Cai, 05/03/2022
2021 Audi R8 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM)
Beautiful machine, incredible daily driver. It’s fast but still comfortable. FYI Audi added a rev limiter to 2021 and newer models. If you want to rev that big V10 for the crowd, buy a 2020.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Audi R8, so we've included reviews for other years of the R8 since its last redesign.
Few cars combine performance, prestige and pure driving pleasure quite like the Porsche 911. It's a formula that has made it iconic for decades. Behind its benchmark character is a car that's as easy to drive on a city street as it is a racetrack, a trait it shares with the R8. The 911 comes in a wide range of trims and customization options, although you'll need the 911 Turbo if you want to match the R8's performance.
The BMW M8 may be five letters away in the alphabet from its Audi rival, but it actually packs more punch than the R8 in its top power output. It generates 617 hp from its twin-turbo V8 and comes with most of the same performance features: all-wheel-drive, adaptive suspension, agile handling. The BMW also offers a twist, a coupe-style sedan body if you simply must have four doors. It also provides a more user-friendly infotainment system. But while it may offer extraordinary power, it's got a muted personality compared to the R8's raucous V10.
Acura discontinued the NSX for 2022 but it's still worth considering. This mid-engine coupe uses a 600-horsepower turbocharged V6 hybrid for ridiculous power and speed. From 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, the NSX is one of the quickest cars we've tested. Its aerodynamic body, finely tuned suspension and uniquely calibrated transmission make it a surgical tool for racetrack sessions, yet it's also comfortable in the daily hustle and has respectably upstanding fuel economy. It lacks the R8's thunder, but the NSX is a special car in its own right.
The 2023 Audi R8 is a two-seat mid-engine sports car that serves as the brand's halo vehicle. It's part of the second-generation model that debuted for the 2017 model year. Thanks to its naturally aspirated V10 engine — an absolute rarity in today's world of high-performance turbocharged V8s — and either rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configuration, the R8 is an absolute blast to drive. We would be remiss if we didn't mention the drop-top Spyder configuration, which allows you to enjoy the sun and whip up your hair while also letting loose up to 602 hp.
Changes may be on the way to the faithful R8, including under the hood, but we don't expect that to dramatically impact the driving style of one of Audi Sport's greatest hits. The interior may lean too utilitarian for some, particularly as rivals such as the Porsche 911 become infused with more impressive tech every year, but the trusty R8 delivers where it counts: on the road.
What changes are expected for the 2023 Audi R8?
Audi has not officially stated what's in store for 2023. However, there are strong hints that either a powertrain update or a full redesign is coming. Like most other manufacturers, Audi is turning its focus toward electric vehicles, and it may use this final R8 generation as a bridge between its V10 roots and its battery-powered future with a V8-powered hybrid motor. Don't be surprised if light styling updates accompany a new powerplant for this trusty sports car.
Edmunds says
The second generation of the Audi R8 is one of our favorite sports cars, and it will take some doing for a V8 hybrid to match the pure tonal excellence of its well-known V10. That said, we're happy to give Audi a fair shake.
FAQ
Is the Audi R8 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 R8 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 R8 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the R8 has 8.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi R8. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Audi R8?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi R8:
Limited-edition, ultra-high-performance GT trim level debuts
2023 will be the final year for this generation R8
To determine whether the Audi R8 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the R8. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the R8's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Audi R8 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi R8 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 R8 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 R8 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 R8 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi R8?
The least-expensive 2023 Audi R8 is the 2023 Audi R8 performance 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $158,600.
Other versions include:
performance 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) which starts at $158,600
performance 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) which starts at $209,700
GT 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) which starts at $249,900
If you're interested in the Audi R8, the next question is, which R8 model is right for you? R8 variants include performance 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), performance 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), and GT 2dr Coupe (5.2L 10cyl 7AM). For a full list of R8 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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