Audi R8
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a supercar that delivers legendary performance without the typical compromises? The Audi R8 might be exactly what you’re looking for. This mid-engine masterpiece combines breathtaking speed with remarkable everyday usability, making it one of the most accessible supercars on the market. It’s the car for people who want serious performance credentials but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or practicality entirely.

From the moment you see it, the R8 commands attention. Its sharp, angular design and distinctive LED headlights give it an unmistakable presence that rivals like the Porsche 911 or McLaren 570S struggle to match. But the real magic happens when you fire up that naturally aspirated V10 engine. The sound alone is worth the price of admission, delivering a spine-tingling symphony that few engines can replicate. Inside, you’ll find a driver-focused cockpit that feels more like a fighter jet than a traditional car.

Driving the R8 is an extraordinary experience. The legendary V10 delivers explosive power while maintaining surprising refinement for daily driving. It handles with precision and poise, giving you confidence on twisty roads while remaining comfortable enough for longer journeys. The quattro all-wheel drive system provides exceptional grip in all conditions. While it comes with a substantial price tag, you’re investing in one of the most iconic supercars ever created, with a naturally aspirated engine that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s turbocharged world.

What's the Audi R8 Like to Drive?

The Audi R8 is built for one thing: pure, unadulterated performance. The standard V10 engine produces around 540 horsepower, while the Performance variant cranks out an incredible 610 horsepower. Both versions feature a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 that revs to 8,700 RPM, delivering a soundtrack that’s simply intoxicating. The standard R8 rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while the Performance model shaves that down to a breathtaking 3.2 seconds. Top speeds exceed 200 mph, putting it firmly in supercar territory.

What sets the R8 apart is how it delivers this performance. The mid-engine layout provides perfect weight distribution, while the quattro all-wheel drive system ensures you can use every bit of that power safely. The steering is razor-sharp and communicative, giving you complete confidence when pushing hard. The carbon-ceramic brakes provide incredible stopping power, while the magnetic ride suspension adapts to road conditions instantly. It’s a car that feels equally at home on a racetrack or motorway, combining race-bred performance with surprising everyday usability.

How Comfortable Is the Audi R8?

Step inside the R8 and you’re greeted by a cockpit that perfectly balances luxury with purpose. The interior feels appropriately special, with high-quality leather, carbon fibre, and aluminium creating a premium atmosphere. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys, though they’re clearly designed with performance in mind. The driving position is excellent, with all controls falling naturally to hand. The flat-bottomed steering wheel feels perfect, while the instrument cluster provides clear, easily readable information.

The Virtual Cockpit display is crisp and customizable, allowing you to prioritize the information that matters most. Climate control is effective, and the premium sound system delivers excellent audio quality when you’re not listening to that glorious V10 soundtrack. Storage space is limited but adequate for a supercar, with small compartments for essentials. The cabin is surprisingly refined for such a focused machine, with good insulation from road noise at cruising speeds. While it’s not as spacious as a grand tourer, it offers enough comfort for weekend trips or daily driving when needed.

The Audi R8 stands as one of the greatest supercars ever created, offering an intoxicating blend of performance, usability, and that legendary naturally aspirated V10 soundtrack. It successfully bridges the gap between track-focused exotica and everyday usability in a way few competitors manage. The build quality is exceptional, the performance is breathtaking, and the driving experience is utterly compelling. The main considerations are the substantial running costs and limited interior space for passengers. It’s not the fastest supercar available, but that misses the point entirely. The R8 is about the complete experience, the emotional connection, and the joy of driving. With production having ended, values are likely to remain strong, making it as much an investment as a purchase. If you want a supercar that you can genuinely use and enjoy every day, the R8 should be at the very top of your list.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Audi R8?

As you’d expect from a high-performance supercar, the R8 comes with premium running costs. Fuel economy averages around 19-22 MPG in real-world driving, though enthusiastic driving will see this drop significantly. Insurance costs are substantial due to the car’s performance and value, typically falling into the highest insurance groups. Servicing costs are high, with major services potentially costing several thousand pounds, particularly if carbon-ceramic brakes need attention.

The initial purchase price reflects the R8’s supercar status, with used examples starting from around £80,000 for older models and exceeding £150,000 for recent Performance variants. However, the R8 tends to hold its value relatively well compared to some competitors, particularly given that production has ended. Maintenance should only be entrusted to Audi specialists, and genuine parts can be expensive. Despite the high costs, many owners find the experience worth every penny, especially with flexible car finance options making ownership more accessible than outright purchase.

Is the Audi R8 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a mid-engine supercar, the R8 is surprisingly practical. The front boot offers 226 litres of storage space, which is enough for a weekend away or weekly shopping. The space is well-shaped and easily accessible, making it more useful than many rivals. Inside the cabin, you’ll find reasonable storage for phones, wallets, and other essentials, though space is understandably limited given the car’s focused nature.

The R8 works remarkably well as a daily driver compared to other supercars. The ride quality is compliant enough for city driving, while the all-wheel drive system provides confidence in various weather conditions. Ground clearance is sufficient for most situations, though you’ll need to be careful with steep driveways. For couples or individuals who want a supercar they can actually use regularly, the R8 strikes an excellent balance. It’s far more practical than many used Audi cars in the sports car category, making it a genuine alternative to more traditional high-performance vehicles.

The Audi R8 represents the pinnacle of Audi’s engineering prowess, combining stunning performance with remarkable everyday usability. It packages one of the greatest engines ever created, exceptional build quality, and genuine supercar performance into a surprisingly accessible package. The naturally aspirated V10 provides an emotional connection that turbocharged alternatives simply cannot match.

You choose the R8 because you want a supercar that doesn’t compromise your daily life. Its combination of blistering performance, exceptional refinement, and practical usability make it unique in the supercar world. It’s perfectly suited for both spirited weekend drives and comfortable long-distance touring. If you’re looking for a supercar that offers the complete package, the R8 should be at the top of your consideration list, offering excellent value in today’s market.