Generation-specific owner insights from 237+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2015–2024 R8?3
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2015–2024
0
recall campaigns
unknown or other
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2015-2024 4S generation are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as the best supercar package in its class and praising its naturally aspirated V10 sound, comfort, daily usability, and reliability.
8 problems reported (8 isolated) · high confidence
With rotor refinishing available for around $400 per rotor.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: multiple owners praise the V10 engine as the defining feature, with one stating "if you buy an R8, buy it V10." The 2020-2022 Performance models are frequently discussed positively, and the RWD variant is described as more playful and lighter than Quattro. One owner noted the Performance has carbon ceramic brakes as standard and a fixed wing as the most obvious visual difference from the regular V10.
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 911, McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Huracan, Nissan GT-R and Chevrolet Corvette C8.
Is a 2015–2024 R8 right for you?
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Owners of the 2015-2024 4S generation are overwhelmingly positive, describing it as the best supercar package in its class and praising its naturally aspirated V10 sound, comfort, daily usability, and reliability. Many owners specifically value it as the last of the V10 R8s, with several noting the engine is "super reliable" and that they have driven tens of thousands of miles without mechanical issues. Criticisms center on the fixed suspension being harsh on Performance models, the car requiring high revs to feel exciting in city driving, and the impracticality of the low, small cabin. Late-model (2020-2022) owners frequently mention the RWD variant as more playful and lighter than Quattro, while early 4S owners focus on the V10's character and the car's timeless design.
Owners position the R8 as more unique and special than a 911, noting there are far fewer R8s on the road and that it draws attention without being as over-the-top as a Lamborghini. Against the McLaren 720S, owners say the R8 is more comfortable, more daily-friendly, has cheaper consumables for track use, and sounds significantly better, though the McLaren is faster and more exotic. Compared to the Huracan, owners prefer the R8 for being less raw and better overall, with one owner stating they would rather have their R8 than a regular Huracan. Against the GT-R, owners describe the R8 as a proper supercar and a better daily, while the GT-R is seen as boring unless heavily modified. The Corvette C8 is viewed as a better daily driver but less special and more common, with the R8 holding value better. The V8 Vantage was chosen by one former owner for its low-end torque and comfort over the R8 Performance's harsh suspension.
Owners recommend the V10 over the V8 for this generation. The RWD (RWS) variant is praised for being lighter and more playful at street speeds, though one owner prefers the AWD Performance for its launches, carbon brakes, and full factory power tune. For those considering modifications, owners recommend PPF (especially on side blades due to width) and note that aftermarket exhausts do not void the entire warranty, only the exhaust-related portion. A tune is mentioned as adding significant power but voiding the warranty. One owner notes that a simple tune nets 100bhp and that APR tunes can run full E85.
This generation suits buyers who want a reliable, comfortable, daily-usable supercar with a naturally aspirated V10 and don't mind high running costs. Owners recommend a pre-purchase inspection at an Audi dealer, checking brake life (replacement can cost $6-7k), and verifying maintenance history. The 2020-2022 model years are the last of the V10 and are predicted by owners to hold value well. Buyers should be aware that the Performance model's fixed suspension is harsh for daily driving, and that the car needs to be driven hard regularly to avoid carbon buildup. One owner advises against buying as an investment, noting the R8 isn't rare enough to explode in price.
Owners frequently mention the R8 as the last of the V10 breed, with the successor expected to be electric. Several owners note the car is more daily-able than expected, with good front ground clearance and comfortable interior. The virtual cockpit is praised as fantastic. PPF costs range from $6,000 to just under $10,000 depending on location and whether panels are dismantled. One owner shipped their R8 by plane from California to Switzerland, noting the cost was roughly equivalent to a roundtrip first class airfare ticket. Another owner sold their 2020 R8 Performance after less than a year due to the harsh suspension and needing to wind out the engine to get the full experience, replacing it with a V8 Vantage. Analysis based on approximately 237 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | air bags |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.