Audi RS5 Maintenance & Running Costs UK: True Costs Over 5 Years

The Audi RS5 is a car that combines everyday practicality with serious performance. Whether you are looking at the sonorous V8-powered B8 model or the newer twin-turbo V6 B9, it’s a desirable choice in the high-performance coupé and saloon market. But while it looks relatively understated compared to rivals, running an RS5 in the UK is not a budget exercise.

If you’re considering ownership, it’s essential to understand the true running costs of an Audi RS5 over five years. From servicing and fuel to tyres, insurance, road tax and depreciation. This guide breaks down what you can expect to spend so you can budget realistically before taking the plunge. Learn more in this post about Audi RS5 maintenance.

Servicing & Routine: Audi Rs5 Maintenance

Servicing an RS5 is more costly than a standard Audi A5. Audi recommends variable servicing intervals, but many owners prefer fixed schedules to keep these cars in top condition.

Minor service: around £350–£450 at an Audi main dealer or £200–£300 at a trusted independent.
Major service (including spark plugs, filters, gearbox oil where applicable): £700–£1,000 at a dealer or £500–£750 at a specialist.
Additional items: brake fluid change every two years (£100–£150) and S tronic/Tiptronic gearbox service every 40k miles (£400–£600).

On average, expect to spend in the region of £600–£900 per year in servicing costs if using a mix of main dealer and independent garages. Keeping up with routine maintenance is crucial not only for reliability but also for protecting resale value.

Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs for RS5 owners.

B8 V8 RS5 (2010–2015): official combined economy of 26 mpg (UK), but most owners report closer to 21–23 mpg (UK) in real-world driving.
B9 V6 RS5 (2017–present): official combined economy of 30 mpg (UK), though real-world returns are typically 25–27 mpg (UK).

At 8,000–10,000 miles per year and current UK petrol prices (£1.55 per litre) the annual fuel spend is:

Around £3,100–£3,500 for the V8 RS5.
Around £2,600–£3,000 for the V6 RS5.

Driving style makes a huge difference to the fuel economy. Steady motorway cruising can improve fuel economy, while joyful B-road driving or track use can drop figures into the low teens.

Insurance & Road Tax

The Audi RS5 sits in insurance group 44–47, depending on model year and trim. In the UK, premiums typically range from £1,000–£1,800 annually for drivers in their 30s or 40s with a clean record. Younger drivers or those in high risk postcodes can easily see premiums exceed £2,000.

Road tax is another notable cost:

B8 RS5 (V8): £615 per year due to high CO₂ emissions.
B9 RS5 (V6): £570 per year, though newer WLTP-tested cars may vary slightly.

It’s worth noting that modified RS5s often attract higher insurance premiums, so declaring all changes is essential.

Tyres, Brakes & Consumables

The RS5 is heavy and powerful, so it eats through tyres and brakes faster than standard models.

Tyres: The RS5 typically uses 19 or 20 inch tyres. Premium brands like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Pirelli P Zeros cost £250–£300 per tyre, or £1,000+ for a full set. Expect 12,000–15,000 miles per set with mixed driving.
Brakes: OEM front discs and pads cost £900–£1,200 fitted and rears around £600–£800. Carbon-ceramic options are far more expensive.
Other consumables: Batteries (£200–£300), wipers (£40–£60) and fluids add to the yearly spend.

Factoring in tyres and brakes, budget around £1,200–£1,800 every two years on wear and tear.

Repairs & Common Issues

While the RS5 is generally reliable, there are however certain issues are worth budgeting for:

Rocker arm failures (seen on some V6 B9 models): repairs can cost in the region of £2,000–£3,500.
Carbon build up on intake valves (especially V8 models): walnut blasting every 60k miles costs £400–£600.
Suspension wear: control arms, bushes and dampers are common wear points. Replacements can run £800–£1,200.
Electronics: water ingress through blocked sunroof drains or electrical glitches can lead to bills of several hundred pounds.

Owners who service at independents and stay on top of preventative maintenance generally avoid catastrophic bills. Setting aside £1,000 annually for unexpected repairs is wise.

Depreciation & Resale Value

Depreciation is one of the largest hidden costs when it comes to performance cars.

B8 V8 RS5 (2010–2015): Many have already hit the bottom of their depreciation curve. A well kept example (£18,000–£25,000) should hold value reasonably well.
B9 V6 RS5 (2017–present): Prices from £30,000–£50,000, expect depreciation of £3,000–£4,000 per year over five years as this is a newer model.

Cars with full Audi or specialist service history, low mileage and no accident damage command the strongest resale values. Limited-edition trims such as Black Edition or Vorsprung will depreciate less over time due to rarity.

Conclusion

So, what are the true running costs of an Audi RS5 in the UK over five years? Adding together servicing (£3,500–£4,500), fuel (£13,000–£17,000), insurance (£5,000–£9,000), road tax (£2,800–£3,000), tyres/brakes (£3,000–£4,000) and depreciation (£15,000–£20,000). You’re realistically looking at £42,000–£55,000 in ownership costs before any unexpected repairs.

That sounds high compared to rivals like the BMW M4 or Mercedes-AMG C63. For buyers who budget carefully and keep up with maintenance, the RS5 can be a thrilling and reliable daily driver that balances luxury with genuine performance.

If you want the best long-term experience then prioritise maintenance and go for a car with full service records, use a trusted independent specialist when possible. With the right care, the Audi RS5 delivers a superb ownership experience that justifies its running costs.