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2021 Audi R8 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Audi R8 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Highly powerful V10 engine
  • Responsive handling
  • Luxurious materials used throughout

Cons

  • Lack of driver-aid availability
  • Very minimal trunk space
  • Lack of in-cabin storage

Mileage (EPA estimate)

13 city, 20 highway, 16 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

All Audi R8 years

What is new for the 2021 Audi R8?

  • The R8 is available in a new trim called the 5.2.
  • Lane Departure Warning, Automated Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Leather & Suede Seats features are now available as options on select trims.

2021 Audi R8 trims

Curious how Audi R8 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

5.2:

  • 532-hp, 398-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
  • Power Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control

Quattro:

  • Includes all features available on the 5.2
  • 602-hp, 413-lb-ft of torque 5.2L
  • 4WD/AWD

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Audi R8

1. Supercar performance

The 2021 Audi R8 is a thoroughbred sports car with true supercar levels of performance. A 5.2L V10 gasoline engine powers the entry-level R8 with rear-wheel drive and the top-spec V10 Performance quattro model, which is fitted with Audi's famed all-wheel-drive system. The 532-hp RWD model has 398 lb-ft of torque, powering the coupe from zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds. The V10 Performance quattro ups the ante with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 is completed within 3.2 seconds, meaning you'll have no trouble gaining speed whether you're on the track or on an interstate run.

2. Dynamic and comfortable drive

As you'd expect with its performance pedigree, the 2021 Audi R8 offers a dynamic drive. Its sharp steering and firm suspension let you feel connected to the road. Audi's quattro system adds more grip to AWD models without affecting agility. While the powerful braking system adds to the R8's unflappable yet fun character, and if you want to take it easy, you can do that too. The standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission means the 2021 Audi R8 is both a comfortable cruiser as well as a track machine. It really is a sports car you can use every day.

3. Choice of body styles

The 2021 Audi R8 has low-slung, sports car looks with a choice of two body styles – a two-door coupe and a Spyder convertible with a powered fabric folding hood. In typical sports car fashion, both models have just two seats, but there is 8.0 cu-ft of luggage space in the front trunk, as well as a small rear storage area. Whichever body style you choose, you'll turn heads, whether you're cruising on the boulevards or the highway.

4. A high-grade interior

The interior of the 2021 Audi R8 is crafted from high-grade materials. A simple yet stylish design featuring aluminum, carbon fiber, and leather finishes makes it a comfortable place to be. If you and your passenger want to feel even more special, look out for the available Premium, Diamond Stitch Full Leather and Carbon Exterior packages for the RWD model that add features such as an Alcantara-covered steering wheel and headliner, diamond-stitched leather trim, illuminated door sill inlays, a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system and exterior carbon fiber highlights.

5. Exclusive trim options

If you want to stand out further, the 2021 Audi R8's vast range of color, wheel, and interior trim options means there's an R8 out there to fit your style. Should you still seek a more individual choice, keep an eye out for the 2021 Audi R8 Panther Edition, the Panther Black crystal effect paintwork, full black leather interior, adjustable amplified exhaust, and other distinctive features mark it out as a very special R8. And limited to only 30 coupes, exclusivity is guaranteed.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2021 Audi R8 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

2
Average

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 R8

Audi R8 features and specs

5.2 2WD 2D Convertible

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • 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
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Full Leather Interior
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

5.2L

Horsepower

532

Torque (ft-lbs)

398

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

21.1

Wheelbase

104.3"

Overall length

174.3"

Width

76.4"

Height

48.9"

Head room

F 38.5"

Front tires

P245/30YR20

Rear tires

P305/30YR20

Seating capacity

2

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Audi R8 FAQ

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