The clock is ticking for the current generation Audi RS 5. Automotive enthusiasts are aware that next year is anticipated to be the final curtain call for this scorching “Sportback,” as the A5 series gears up for a generational shift. With the confirmation that both the A5 and its sportier sibling, the S5, are transitioning to hybrid powertrains, it’s highly probable that the 2024 Audi RS 5 represents the swan song for pure internal combustion in this model line. For devotees of high-performance Audis, this 444-horsepower compact luxury car signifies the end of an era, and a thrilling testament to Audi’s performance legacy.
Since the iconic RS2 wagon burst onto the scene in the early 1990s, Audi’s RS lineage has prioritized blistering on-road prowess, focusing on real-world driving thrills rather than outright racetrack domination, especially when contrasted with rivals like the BMW M3. The B9 generation RS 5, in particular, has built a reputation for immense, usable speed and unwavering composure in everyday driving scenarios.
The 2024 model year introduces the Competition package, a significant upgrade for the RS 5, enhancing the already potent machine. Our test vehicle, cloaked in Nardo Gray, showcased all the refinements Audi incorporated into the RS 5 starting with the 2023 model. The Competition package, priced at $10,300, primarily targets the suspension dynamics. It replaces the standard RS 5 setup (where the Dynamic package offers adaptive dampers) with a manually adjustable coilover suspension and adds a unique front anti-roll bar. Typically, Competition models roll on 20-inch Y-spoke wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, but our test car, due to spring loan timing, arrived with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and Pirelli Sottozero winter rubber. Additional enhancements include fixed-ratio steering, an increased top speed of 180 mph (surpassing the Dynamic package by 6 mph), reduced sound insulation to amplify the “RS sport” exhaust note, and distinctive interior and exterior styling cues. Equipped with the RS driver assistance package ($1500), Navigation package ($1450), and side assist safety package ($500), the as-tested price of this RS 5 Sportback reached $93,745.
Crucially, the powertrain of the RS 5 remains untouched. The familiar 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, carries over largely unchanged since its introduction in the B9-generation RS 5 for the 2017 model year. Output figures remain consistent at 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled to all four wheels, enabling the 2024 Audi RS 5 to achieve a blistering 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.8 seconds. Behind the wheel, this acceleration feels even more rapid than the numbers suggest. The engine truly shines in its mid-range torque delivery, though it also provides ample thrust at the higher end of the rev range. Interestingly, both the smaller Audi RS 3 and the larger RS 7, with their respective Competition packs, achieve even quicker 0-60 mph times of 3.6 seconds and 3.3 seconds, respectively.
2024 Audi RS 5 Competition Specs:
- Price: $93,745 (as tested)
- Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 444 hp @ 6700 rpm
- Torque: 442 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm
- Drivetrain: All-wheel-drive
- Seating: Five-seat sedan
- Weight: 4050 lbs (est.)
- Fuel Economy: 18/25/20 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
- 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph (180 mph with Competition package)
When placed against contemporary rivals like the BMW M3 Competition, the Audi’s age becomes apparent. The all-wheel-drive M3 Competition claws its way to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds, largely thanks to its superior 523 horsepower output. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance hybrid further raises the bar, achieving the 0-60 mph benchmark in a blistering 3.3 seconds, propelled by a staggering 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
However, for drivers who prioritize the visceral experience of driving over mere statistics, the RS 5’s engine delivers more than ample power for public roads. Turbo lag is virtually imperceptible, followed by a surge of torque that arrives promptly. The aggressive gear changes from the eight-speed automatic transmission further amplify the sense of speed. Upshifts can feel somewhat abrupt in sportier modes, but downshifts, especially when braking into corners, are executed with precision and responsiveness. Audi engineers have reportedly reduced sound deadening around the engine bay and cabin to enhance the auditory experience, but the V-6’s soundtrack remains relatively subdued. It lacks the aural drama of the previous generation B8 RS 5’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8, a celebrated engine known for its thrilling sound.
Another change for the 2024 model year is the removal of the carbon-ceramic front brakes, previously included with the Competition pack in 2023, due to supply chain constraints. The 2024 RS 5 Competition reverts to traditional cast iron brakes, which are more than adequate for street use. While the brake pedal feel could be more communicative, the stopping power provided by the six-piston front and single-piston rear calipers is confidence-inspiring, effortlessly reigning in the car from high speeds. This change also results in a significant price reduction of $5800, bringing the RS 5 Competition’s price closer to the BMW M3 Competition xDrive.
Historically, the RS 5 has sometimes been criticized for feeling somewhat detached behind the wheel, lacking the distinctive character that separates it from the mid-tier S5. The Competition package directly addresses this concern. Audi’s chassis enhancements inject a newfound liveliness and driver engagement into the RS 5. The fixed-ratio (13.1:1) steering is a standout improvement, offering a more natural and communicative feel compared to the standard adaptive system. Our test car arrived with the adjustable coilovers set to their most aggressive setting, giving it a lowered stance that hinted at both enhanced aesthetics and potentially compromised ride comfort. The Competition suspension is already 0.4 inches lower than the standard RS 5’s fixed setup, and owners can further reduce the ride height by an additional 0.4 inches using the provided tools.
On smooth roads, the chassis exhibits exceptional balance and poise. A subtle lean into corners allows for precise placement of the outside tire before smoothly applying throttle at the apex. Audi states that the Competition version’s Quattro system directs even more power to the rear wheels, and the rear sport differential has been “enhanced” to improve agility and driving enjoyment. While a direct comparison with a standard RS 5 is needed to fully quantify these changes, the RS 5 Competition transforms almost any road into an engaging driving environment. It can maintain astonishing cornering speeds with minimal understeer, and under moderate throttle, the rear of the car subtly pivots, enabling earlier straightening of the steering wheel. However, rough or uneven road surfaces disrupt this fluidity, resulting in a busier ride with noticeable head toss. Severely uneven roads become jarring unless the suspension is adjusted to a less aggressive setting.
Aesthetically, the 2024 RS 5 Competition package enhances the car’s visual appeal. Matte carbon and blacked-out exterior elements give the sleek Sportback a more menacing presence without being overly aggressive. Interior changes are more subtle, with Dinamica and Alcantara fabrics replacing standard leather, accented by red contrast stitching and a unique “runway” tachometer graphic in the digital instrument cluster. These tasteful updates complement Audi’s typically minimalist cabin design. The Sportback liftback body style adds a significant degree of practicality to the RS 5. The rear seats fold nearly flat, providing ample space for luggage, and the cargo area opening is generously wide. Audi has discontinued the RS 5 Coupe for 2025, further emphasizing the Sportback’s role.
While Audi highlights the car’s 180-mph top speed, track enthusiasts should note that helmet space might be limited for some drivers. The car’s design might require taller seating positions, potentially reducing headroom when wearing a helmet. The rear middle seat is also compromised due to the central tunnel housing Audi’s all-wheel-drive system.
Ultimately, the Competition package for the 2024 Audi RS 5 is unlikely to transform it into a dedicated track weapon, a role more traditionally filled by cars like the BMW M3. Instead, it enhances the RS 5’s strengths as a rapid and engaging road car. Audi’s focus on driver engagement through improved engine sound, a more agile rear end, and a customizable suspension points to an understanding of what performance car buyers desire – personality and driving feel. Whether this represents a final, glorious expression of driver-focused combustion performance before hybridization takes over, remains to be seen, but the 2024 Audi RS 5’s 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds is just one piece of the puzzle in a car that’s more about the overall driving experience.
2024 Audi RS 5: Pros and Cons
Price: $79,995 (base) / $97,745 (as-tested)
Highs: Torquey and responsive powertrain. Chassis balances Audi composure with RS 3-like agility. Competition package now priced competitively.
Lows: Ride can be firm on imperfect roads. Engine sound, while improved, is still relatively muted. Lower horsepower compared to key competitors.
Verdict: The Competition package serves as a fitting, driver-centric farewell to the pure combustion Audi RS sport sedan, making the 2024 Audi RS 5 a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a final taste of this performance era.
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