2018 Audi R8 review

What We Like

Driving: It should come as no surprise that the Audi R8’s capabilities as a driver’s car tops our list of likes. And what’s not to like? The V10 engine is amazingly powerful and sings a beautiful song. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transmits that power to the drive wheels with race-car quickness, and the suspension helps make the driver look like a hero. Around town, the R8 is equally at home, delivering a smooth ride and a level of day-to-day livability that’s surprising for an exotic car.

Comfort: It used to be that exotic cars like the R8 traded comfort for performance, but that’s no longer the case. The R8’s smooth ride, comfortable seats and excellent climate control are a revelation for those who think you have to suffer for performance. It’s even relatively quiet on the highway. Granted, the Plus package includes seats that are too narrow for many drivers, but there’s an easy solution: Get an R8 without the Plus package.

Interior: Audi has earned a reputation for class-leading interior quality, and the R8 is no exception. Aesthetically it’s beautiful, blending luxury car sensibilities with the kind of race-car inspired design you’d want in an exotic, and trimmed with the highest quality materials. There’s also no shortage of space for tall drivers, and enough cargo space for a weekend getaway for two.

What Needs Improvement

Driver assist systems: One place the R8 comes up short is in advanced driver assist systems. That could be forgiven under the guise of “it’s an exotic driver’s car,” but considering how good the R8 is on the road, those systems could broaden the car’s appeal even further were they available.