Get it while it’s hot, because the current Audi RS 5 is nearing its end. Automotive enthusiasts should take note: next year is anticipated to be the final year for Ingolstadt’s exhilarating “Sportback,” as the A5 is on the cusp of a new generation. With the shift towards hybrid power confirmed for both the A5 and the sportier S5, it’s highly probable that the current 2024 Audi RS 5 represents the last of the breed powered solely by a combustion engine. For those who appreciate fast Audis, this 444-horsepower luxury compact marks a significant turning point in automotive history.
Since the introduction of the original RS2 wagon in the early 1990s, Audi’s high-performance RS models have prioritized formidable on-road capability over outright track performance, particularly when compared to rivals like the BMW M3. This B9-generation RS 5 is set to leave behind a legacy defined by immense real-world speed and unwavering composure.
Our test vehicle was the 2024 Audi RS 5 model equipped with the Competition package, finished in Nardo Gray, and incorporating all the enhancements Audi introduced to the RS 5 for the 2023 model year. The Competition package, priced at $10,300, primarily focuses on suspension upgrades. It replaces the standard RS 5 setup with a manually adjustable coilover suspension (the Dynamic package offers adaptive capability), and further includes a unique front anti-roll bar. Typically, Competition wheels are 20-inch Y-spokes fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, but our test car, due to the timing of the loan, came with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and Pirelli Sottozero winter tires. Additional upgrades encompass 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 styling elements for both the exterior and interior. Including the RS driver assistance package ($1500), Navigation package ($1450), and side assist safety package ($500), the total price for this 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback reached $93,745.
Keen observers will notice that the specifications mentioned above do not include any changes to the 2024 Audi RS 5 powertrain. Indeed, the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have remained largely unchanged since the B9-generation RS 5 debuted for the 2017 model year. Power output is consistent at 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This is sufficient to achieve 0-60 mph sprints in a mere 3.8 seconds, and from behind the wheel, the acceleration feels even more rapid. The engine truly excels in mid-range torque delivery, though it also provides substantial power at the higher end of the rev range. Interestingly, both the smaller Audi RS 3 and the larger Audi RS 7, particularly with their respective Competition packs, are quicker to 60 mph, achieving times of 3.6 seconds and 3.3 seconds respectively.
2024 Audi RS 5 Competition Specs: Performance and Powertrain
- 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, five-seat sedan
- Estimated Weight: 4050 lbs
- EPA Fuel Economy: 18/25/20 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
- 0–60 mph Acceleration: 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph (180 mph with Competition package)
Despite its impressive performance, the 2024 Audi RS 5 shows its age when compared to the latest BMW M3 Competition, which, with all-wheel drive, can reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, largely thanks to its 523 hp. Furthermore, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance hybrid outperforms both, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds with a staggering 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
However, for those who prioritize the driving experience over comparing specification sheets, the 2024 Audi RS 5 engine delivers more than ample power for public roads. Turbo lag is barely perceptible before the surge of torque arrives, and the aggressive gear shifts of the eight-speed transmission enhance the thrill. Upshifts can be somewhat abrupt, but downshifts on winding roads, especially under braking, are both timely and precise. Audi states that they have reduced sound deadening around the engine bay and interior to enhance the exhaust sound, but the V-6’s voice remains relatively subdued. From inside the cabin, the sound is not particularly inspiring and is no match for the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 found in the previous B8 generation RS 5 – a benchmark for German engine sounds admired by both drivers and bystanders.
Closer examination reveals that the carbon-ceramic front brakes, which were included with the Competition package for 2023, are no longer offered for the 2024 model year. This means 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 more than capable of bringing the car down from high speeds without drama. According to Car and Driver, this change is due to supply chain issues with carbon-ceramic components, and it also results in a significant price reduction of $5800. Consequently, the pricing of the RS 5 with the Competition package is now closely aligned with the BMW M3 Competition xDrive, rather than approaching the $100,000 mark.
Past versions of the Audi RS 5 have sometimes been criticized for feeling somewhat sterile behind the wheel, lacking the distinctive character to set it apart from the mid-range S5. The Competition package directly addresses this criticism. Audi’s chassis enhancements result in a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The most noticeable improvement is the fixed-ratio (13.1:1) steering, which offers a more natural and communicative feel compared to the standard adaptive steering setup. Our test car was delivered with the adjustable coilovers set to their most aggressive setting, giving it a lowered stance that was both visually appealing and suggestive of a firm ride quality. The Competition suspension is already 0.4 inches lower than the standard RS 5’s fixed suspension, and owners have the option to further lower the ride height by an additional 0.4 inches using the provided wrenches and either jack stands or a lift.
On smooth road surfaces, the chassis exhibits excellent balance and composure. A hint of body roll when entering corners allows for precise placement of the outside tire before smoothly applying throttle at the apex. Audi indicates 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 pleasure. While a direct comparison with a standard RS 5 is needed to fully assess these changes, it’s clear that the RS 5 Competition transforms almost any road into an exciting driving environment. Maintaining high speeds through corners is effortlessly achievable with minimal understeer, and under moderate throttle, the rear of the car subtly pivots, allowing for earlier straightening of the steering wheel. However, rougher roads with uneven surfaces disrupt this fluid experience, resulting in a busy ride with noticeable head toss. Unpaved roads, common outside of urban areas, become uncomfortable unless you appreciate harsh impacts, strained noises, and repeated vertical jolts. These issues might be somewhat alleviated with a slightly higher suspension setting.
The 2024 Audi RS 5 Competition certainly has visual appeal. The matte carbon and black exterior accents exclusive to the RS 5 Competition give this sleek Sportback a menacing aesthetic without being overly aggressive. Inside, the changes are more subtle. Suede-like Dinamica and Alcantara fabrics replace the standard leather, accented by red contrast stitching and a unique “runway” tachometer graphic for the digital instrument cluster. The interior enhancements are tasteful and complement Audi’s typically minimalist cabin design. The “Sportback” liftback body style enhances the RS 5’s practicality. The rear seats fold almost 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).
Audi emphasizes the car’s 180-mph top speed in its press materials. However, if track driving is your primary focus, it’s worth noting that headroom in the RS 5 might be limited when wearing a helmet. The high beltline and cowl necessitate a higher seating position for shorter drivers to maintain good visibility, which can reduce headroom. The middle rear seat is also compromised by the high center tunnel required for Audi’s all-wheel-drive system, making it suitable only for child seats or small children.
Despite the Competition package’s performance enhancements, including the increased top speed and coilover suspension, it’s unlikely to significantly increase the 2024 Audi RS 5 owner’s likelihood of frequenting a race track – a domain more traditionally associated with the BMW M3. However, the Competition package undeniably adds a host of desirable chassis improvements that elevate the RS 5 from a quick car on paper to a genuinely more engaging car in the real world. Audi’s efforts to enhance engine sound, improve rear-end agility, and offer a customizable suspension demonstrate an understanding of what high-performance car buyers truly desire: personality. Whether this marks a final celebration of driver engagement or sets a new benchmark for the next generation RS 5 remains to be seen.
2024 Audi RS 5: Final Verdict
Price: $79,995 (base) / $97,745 (as-tested)
Highs: Responsive powertrain. Chassis balances Audi composure with RS 3-like agility. Competition package offers compelling value.
Lows: Firm ride on imperfect roads. Engine sound, though improved, is still relatively muted. Power output is less than key competitors.
Takeaway: The Competition package serves as a fitting, driver-focused farewell to Audi’s V6-powered RS sport sedan, enhancing its engagement and solidifying its position as a desirable, if not class-leading, performance vehicle.
