In-depth reviews

Audi R8 review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

The R8 is comfortable and refined for a two-seater supercar, although you'll need to pack lightly if you're planning a road trip

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.5 out of 5

Practicality, comfort and boot space Rating

2.5 out of 5

Price
£135,140 to £171,245
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A mid-engined two-seater is never going to represent the last word in practicality, but the Audi R8 is usable every day. It’s roomy for two inside, although the driving position feels a little high-set when compared with close rivals from Porsche and McLaren.

Elsewhere, the cabin has plenty of handy storage, including a couple of cup-holders, large glovebox and shallow, lidded cubby on the transmission tunnel. There’s also a spacious 226-litre parcel shelf behind the front seats, which can be had with a handy luggage-retaining system. The R8 has a deep, 112-litre boot in the nose, but it lags well behind the Porsche 911, which also has the added benefit of folding back seats.

A lack of storage detracts from the R8's everyday usability, but the supple suspension, smooth gearbox and decent refinement with the sports exhaust switched off means it's comfortable. You sit lower than in a TT, and the car is wider, but the R8 is just as easy to manage at low speeds – much like its predecessor.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    5.2 FSI [540] V10 2dr S Tronic RWD
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £117,225

Most Economical

  • Name
    5.2 FSI [570] V10 Performance 2dr S Tronic RWD
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £131,725

Fastest

  • Name
    5.2 FSI V10 Quattro Performance 2dr S Tronic [C+S]
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £149,025
Executive editor

Paul was employed across automotive agency and manufacturer-side sectors before joining Auto Express in 2020 as our online reviews editor. After a brief sojourn at a national UK newspaper, Paul returned as executive editor where he now works closely with our commercial partners.

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