2018 Audi R8 review
Audi R8 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Performance
- Comfortable ride
- Beautiful interior
Cons
- Lack of modern driver assist systems
- Narrow seats in Plus package
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 22 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Docile when it needs to be and a beast when you want it to be—the Audi R8 is a thoroughly modern supercar
Fast, luxurious and gorgeous to look at, the 2018 Audi R8 is the ultimate modern supercar. Thanks to its powerful V10 engine, it accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 3 seconds, and its all-wheel drive, wide tires and highly tuned suspension let it grip corners equally well. Its exotic good looks are available in coupe or a convertible Spyder model.
Given its striking looks, stellar performance is expected. But the R8’s civility is a welcome surprise. The suspension is supple in day-to-day driving, the climate control has no problem keeping the interior cool or warm as required, and the seats are comfortable for short and long hauls. For the 2018 model year, Audi added Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard equipment, upping the convenience levels considerably. The R8 RWS, a rear-wheel drive model, was also added to the lineup.
About the only complaints are the lack of modern driver assistive systems, and we wish the performance-oriented Plus package didn’t sacrifice quite so much comfort in exchange for extra power and speed.
All Audi R8 years
What is new for the 2018 Audi R8?
- The R8 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Quattro and RWS.
- R8 trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Full Leather Interior features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Plus trim now comes with Soft Top as standard equipment.
2018 Audi R8 trims
Plus:
- 602-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
- 610-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Parking Sensors
5.2:
- Includes all features available on the Plus
- 532-hp, 398-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
- Power Seats
RWS:
- Includes all features available on the 5.2
- No significant upgrades found on the RWS
Audi R8 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Audi R8
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.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2018 Audi R8 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Audi R8 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi R8 64th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi R8Audi R8 features and specs
5.2 4WD/AWD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Leather Interior
- Leather Seats
- Power Seat(s)
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
5.2L
Horsepower
532
Torque (ft-lbs)
398
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
21.1
Wheelbase
104.4"
Overall length
174.3"
Width
76.4"
Height
49"
Head room
F 38.5"
Front tires
P245/35YR19
Rear tires
P295/35YR19
Seating capacity
2
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Audi R8 FAQ
The 2018 Audi R8 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Quattro: 14 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- 5.2: 14 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Plus: 14 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
The Audi R8 received a rating of 2 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Audi R8 as 63 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
Here is what's new for the 2018 Audi R8:
- Quattro
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Full Leather Interior
- Traction Control
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