The Audi R8 is an underrated competitor in the supercar market, being lost in a sea of Lamborghinis and Ferraris. However, the R8 has always managed to hold it’s own in way of performance and handling even if it hasn’t been at the forefront of your mind when the word ‘supercar’ comes up in conversation. The R8 has seemed to be an underdog in the market over the past few years, and supercars are gaining speed – literally, and more power than ever before. Does the new 2020 Audi R8 keep up with the competition, or will it just get left behind in the dust?

R8 power and performance

The Audi R8 definitely hits the first mark of a supercar: price. You can buy a brand new one for around $169,900 and just like every other supercar, they drop dramatically in value the second you drive them off of the lot.

Under the hood – or rather, trunk – of this mid-engined Audi is a heavy-duty 5.2L V10 that is both reliable and powerful. You get 562hp from the base model and as much as 611hp in the Spyder. That power is delivered by the iconic Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive set up that pairs with the mid-engine layout for an unforgettable driving experience.

The large displacement engine isn’t the only impressive thing about the R8. On a straight-away, the R8 Coupe can accelerate from a complete stop to 60mph in an average of 3.2 seconds, which is probably quicker than you’ll actually want it to go. That’s quicker than the newest BMW I8 roadster and can compete with the new mid-engine C8 Corvette.

Bonus: you can daily drive it

Unlike some less practical supercars, the Audi R8 makes for a decent daily driver. The new R8 keeps up with power and performance, but many supercar owners aren’t looking for a track-only car, they want something they can actually drive.

That’s one area the R8 succeeds in. The interior is luxurious and comfortable, lined with high-quality materials and leather to make it feel like every dollar you spent, and it’s full of new tech to make your driving experience even better.

The cabin of the car is designed to provide the best experience possible and allows each user to do some customization based on their own preferences. With the convenient options of Audi Connect, a paid subscription that comes with a six-month free trial when you purchase the R8 new, you get bonus features that can make your daily commute that much more pleasant. Combine that with the Bang & Olufsen speaker system and you’ll find yourself excited to make the trip to the office.

The new may not have a backseat, but it does have an acceptable amount of cargo space. You’d be in no rush to pick this car as your grocery-getter unless your passenger likes having shopping bags stacked around them, but you could make do with what space it does have for a daily commute to work.