Audi has built some of the most exciting and desirable cars on the road. From rally-bred legends to sleek luxury sedans and fire-breathing performance wagons, the brand has a well-earned reputation for combining style, innovation, and everyday usability.
With its signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system, turbocharged five-cylinders, and stunning design language, Audi has crafted machines that stir the soul and feel just as at home in the mountains as they do on the autobahn.
Today, we’re celebrating Audis we’d love to have in our garage. Some are iconic. Others are underrated. But every one of them reminds us why Audi continues to be a standout in the world of performance and precision engineering.
How We Chose These Audis
This list isn’t about resale value or reliability rankings. Instead, it’s all about the cars that made us sit up, take notice, and think, “I’d love to own that.” We looked at models that shaped Audi’s performance legacy, introduced new tech, or simply hit the sweet spot between power and personality.
Yes, it’s subjective, but that’s kind of the point. These are the Audis that made an impression on us, whether it was because of a jaw-dropping engine, unforgettable styling, or a place in automotive history.
You might have different favorites, and that’s fair. But if you love Quattro, turbo fives, and high-revving V10s, we think you’ll see why these cars made the cut.
Audi Quattro
The Audi Ur-Quattro changed everything. With turbo power and all-wheel drive, it dominated rallying and set a new benchmark for performance on any surface. Even the road version was a revelation, offering grip and confidence few cars could match.
Audi followed it up with the Sport Quattro — a lighter, shorter, and more powerful version built for Group B. With 302 horsepower and just over 200 units made, it became an instant collector’s item and sealed Audi’s place in performance history.
Audi S4
The original S4, known as the Ur-S4, debuted in 1991 as the performance version of the Audi 100. Available as a sedan or wagon, it came with either a 4.2-liter V8 or a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-five.
While the V8 had more power out of the box, the five-cylinder engine became a tuner favorite, with some builds pushing past 700 horsepower. Both versions featured Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive, making them fast, capable, and ahead of their time.
Audi S2
Built from 1991 to 1995 on the Audi 80 platform, the S2 was a compact companion to the S4. Available as a coupe, sedan, or wagon, it packed a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-five making 225 horsepower.
With Quattro all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the S2 offered sharp performance in a practical, understated package, earning it a loyal following among enthusiasts.
Audi RS2
Built in collaboration with Porsche, the RS2 was Audi’s first RS model, and boy, it didn’t hold back. With Porsche-tuned suspension, brakes, and styling details (including 911 mirrors), this wagon was a serious performer.
Its 2.2-liter turbo five-cylinder made 311 horsepower, launching the RS2 from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds. That was blistering in 1994, and it still holds up today.
Audi TT
Audi may have built the TT on the same platform as the VW Golf, but it’s still a fantastic sports car, even if it doesn’t have rear-wheel drive. Base-model TTs had a 150-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engine and FWD, but we’d opt for the 180-horsepower Quattro version or the later 3.2-liter VR6-powered model.
It won awards left, right, and center, and its popularity led to two more generations before it was discontinued in November 2023. The later cars are definitely better, but the first one is iconic and, arguably, better looking.
Audi S3
Audi’s first-ever S3 launched in 1999 as a punchy, three-door hot hatch based on the A3. Under the hood was the now-legendary 1.8-liter 20-valve turbo four-cylinder, producing 207 horsepower at launch and later bumped to 222 with variable valve timing.
Though it wore a Quattro badge, the all-wheel-drive system was actually a Haldex setup—shared with the VW Golf R32—which sent power to the rear only when needed. Compact, quick, and sharp-looking, the original S3 helped kick off a new era of turbocharged performance hatches from Audi.
Audi RS4
Launched in 1999, the first Audi RS4 was a high-performance wagon based on the B5 A4 platform. It used a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6—similar to the S4’s—but tuned to produce 375 horsepower. With Quattro all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, it offered supercar-level speed in a family-friendly package.
Audi kept the RS4 spirit alive through multiple generations, with the 2006–2008 model adding sedan and convertible options. The current RS4, introduced in 2018, sticks to its Avant roots and packs a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 good for 445 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It’s still one of the most thrilling ways to haul groceries.
Audi RS5
Among Audi’s most stylish efforts, the RS5 coupe from 2010 stands tall. Built on the A5 platform, it struck a perfect balance between sleek design and everyday performance, with sharp lines, flared arches, and an aggressive stance that still turns heads.
Under the hood was a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 pushing out 445 horsepower—more than the BMW M3 of the time. With Quattro all-wheel drive and a sonorous engine note, the RS5 proved Audi could build a coupe that didn’t just look the part, but drove like a proper contender too.
Audi RS6 (C6)
Audi went completely off the rails—in the best way—with the second-gen RS6. Launched in 2008, this wagon was fitted with a monstrous twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V10 that cranked out 571 horsepower—more than the R8 V10 supercar of the time.
Despite its family-hauling form, the RS6 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest wagons ever built. Practical, plush, and wildly overpowered, it’s a legend for those who love their horsepower with a tailgate. Just be ready for eye-watering maintenance costs.
Audi R8
The R8 marked Audi’s bold entry into the supercar world—and it nailed the landing. Even the early V8 models turned heads, but the later V10 Plus and V10 Performance versions delivered up to 612 horsepower and world-class performance.
With Quattro grip, balanced handling, and a cabin you could actually enjoy for long drives, the R8 delivered supercar performance with the kind of refinement that made it feel at home on both track days and city streets.
Audi Q7 V12 TDI
In the mid-2000s, Audi made one of its boldest moves yet: dropping a Le Mans–inspired V12 turbodiesel into the massive Q7 SUV. Originally intended for the R8, the engine found its home in this unexpected package after space constraints forced a change of plans.
The result was a torque-loaded beast with 493 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 738 lb-ft. It could haul a trailer, a family, and still embarrass sports cars at the lights. Few were sold, but the Q7 V12 TDI remains one of Audi’s wildest — and most underrated — engineering flexes.
Precision, Power, and Plenty of Personality
From fire-breathing wagons to rally-born legends and sleek everyday supercars, Audi has never been afraid to push boundaries. The cars on this list showcase the brand’s ability to blend performance, innovation, and style into machines that do more than just move you—they make you feel something.
Whether it’s a turbocharged five-cylinder tearing through the Alps or a V12 diesel hauling down the autobahn, every one of these Audis has earned its place in automotive lore. They’re the kind of cars you dream about owning—not just because they’re fast, but because they’re unforgettable.