Aston Martin Vanquish vs Audi RS5
What's the difference?

Aston Martin Vanquish

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2026 price

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Audi RS5

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2021 price

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Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

2021 Audi RS5

By Stephen Ottley

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Imposing presence
Immense power
Plush interior

Potent engine
Supermodel looks
Premium and polished interior

Dislikes

Somewhat thirsty
Too fast for the road
Average warranty coverage

Tight rear seat in Coupe
Gearbox can feel fidgety at speed

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Summary

What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish a luxury car? Everything.

Its over-the-top performance and opulence makes its very existence the definition of a luxury car. Nobody on the planet has any need for this car, you only buy the Vanquish because you want it - and that makes it one of the most luxurious vehicles on sale today.

Its very existence is tied directly to what’s under the bonnet, the last V12 remaining in Aston Martin’s showroom, and the fact that some customers can simply not bring themselves to drive anything without 12 cylinders.

So, what’s it like driving the apex of luxury? Read on to find out…

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2021 Audi RS5 Summary

Audi's A5 Coupe and Sportback have always been good looking cars. Yes, yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but seriously, just look at one and tell me it's not handsome.

Happily, the just-updated RS5 doesn't just build on the looks of its more sedate sibling, but on the performance, too, adding near-supercar speed to those supermodel looks.

Sounds like a pretty good match, right? Let's find out, shall we?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish 2021 Audi RS5

Verdict

The definition of luxury is having something you want, rather than something you need. And the Vanquish is definitely something you don’t need, but will desperately want once you’ve experienced it. It’s opulence on wheels, the kind of car you buy mostly because you can. Because owning a V8-powered Aston Martin wouldn’t cut it in your circle of friends. Or because you just want the very best things in life, cost be damned.

Verdict

Good looking, good to drive, and good to simply sit in, the Audi RS5 range ticks plenty of premium boxes. Whether you can live with the practicality pitfalls of the Coupe is up to you, but if you can't, might I suggest taking a wander over to our RS4 Avant review?

Aston Martin Vanquish vs Audi RS5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Aston Martin Vanquish vs Audi RS5
What's the difference?