What S and RS mean at Audi

Current S and RS models

S vs. RS in one sentence each

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  S is the sporty version of a regular Audi: more power, firmer tuning, still comfortable every day.
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  RS comes from Audi Sport. These are the fastest, most track-capable Audis you can buy.

See the sedan guide or the SUV guide for the regular models.

What you trade for more power

S and RS models are easy to live with, but more performance comes with a few trade-offs. Know them before you choose.

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  Ride: sport tuning usually means a firmer ride than the regular model.
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  Running costs: bigger brakes and performance tires usually cost more to replace.
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  Fuel: more power usually means more fuel used, unless you go electric.
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  Price: S and RS models cost more than the regular version.

The best test: drive the regular model and the S version back to back on the same roads.

Which S or RS model fits how you drive

Start with how you use the car, then pick the performance version of that model.

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  Daily commuter who wants more fun: the S3 (328 hp) or the S5 (362 hp). Both are easy to live with every day.
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  Family hauler with more power: the SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback, the SQ7 (591 hp, three rows) or the SQ9 (591 hp, Audi’s largest SUV).
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  Going electric: the SQ6 e-tron SUV (509 hp) or the S6 Sportback e-tron sedan (543 hp).
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  Maximum performance: the RS 3 (394 hp), the RS 5 plug-in hybrid (630 hp), the RS Q8 performance (631 hp) or the RS e-tron GT performance (up to 912 hp with launch control).

S and RS models in Pittsburgh winters

Every S and RS model comes with quattro® all-wheel drive. Many come on summer performance tires, so plan on a set of winter tires from November to March. quattro® helps you get going, but tires are what help you stop and turn on snow and ice.

Ask us which tires the car you’re looking at has, and we’ll price a winter set with it.

How to test drive an S or RS model

Drive the regular model first, then the S or RS version on the same roads right after. Try a highway on-ramp, a few bumpy streets and a tight turn. You’ll feel the extra power right away, and you’ll also notice how much firmer the ride is. Bring whoever rides with you most, because they’ll feel the suspension difference too. If the ride is too firm for daily use, the regular model with a sport package may be the better fit. Ask us which packages are available on the model you like.