The clock is ticking for the current Audi RS 5. As the automotive world rapidly shifts towards electrification, the 2024 model year will likely be the last for this scorching “Sportback” before the A5 undergoes a generational change and embraces hybrid power. For enthusiasts who appreciate the raw thrill of a pure combustion engine, the 2024 RS 5 Competition represents a significant moment – potentially the final chapter for a purely gasoline-powered RS 5. This 444-hp luxury compact isn’t just a fast Audi; it’s a powerful salute to a departing era.
Audi’s RS lineage, stretching back to the iconic RS2 wagon of the early 1990s, has always prioritized exhilarating on-road performance over outright track dominance, especially when compared to rivals like the BMW M3. This B9-generation RS 5 has firmly established this legacy, delivering immense speed and unwavering composure in real-world driving scenarios.
Image: Side mirror and carbon fiber detail of the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback Competition package, showcasing its enhanced sporty design.
Unleashing the Competition Package
Our test vehicle was a 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback, enhanced with the Competition package and finished in striking Nardo Gray. This model incorporates all the refinements Audi introduced for the 2023 RS 5, with the Competition package ($10,300) taking center stage in elevating the driving dynamics. The most significant change lies in the suspension, where a manually adjustable coilover system replaces the standard setup (the Dynamic package offers adaptive dampers). Complementing this is a unique front anti-roll bar, further sharpening handling prowess.
Typically, Competition models sport 20-inch Y-spoke wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. However, our test drive during spring months equipped the car with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and Pirelli Sottozero winter tires, a testament to its all-weather capability. Additional upgrades include fixed-ratio steering for a more direct feel, 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 exterior and interior styling cues. Equipped with the RS driver assistance package ($1500), Navigation package ($1450), and side assist safety package ($500), the total price for this 2024 RS 5 Competition Sportback reached $93,745.
Image: Front interior view of the 2024 Audi RS 5 Competition, highlighting the sporty seats and driver-focused cockpit.
Familiar Power, Enhanced Thrill
Notably, the 2024 RS 5 Competition retains its proven powertrain. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission remain largely unchanged since their introduction in the B9-generation RS 5 for the 2017 model year. Output figures hold steady at 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This translates to blistering 0-60 mph sprints in just 3.8 seconds, a figure that feels even more rapid from behind the wheel. The engine’s strength is particularly evident in its mid-range torque delivery, though it maintains impressive power throughout the rev range. Interestingly, both the smaller RS 3 and larger RS 7, especially with their Competition packages, outpace the RS 5 in 0-60 acceleration, achieving 3.6 and 3.3 seconds respectively.
2024 Audi RS 5 Competition Specs:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price (as tested) | $93,745 |
| Powertrain | 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6, 8-speed automatic |
| Output | 444 hp @ 6700 rpm, 442 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm |
| Layout | All-wheel-drive, five-seat sedan |
| Weight (est.) | 4050 lbs |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 18/25/20 mpg (city/hwy/combined) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (180 mph optional) |
While the RS 5’s acceleration is impressive, it slightly lags behind the latest BMW M3 Competition, which boasts 523 hp and achieves 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance hybrid further raises the bar, accomplishing the sprint in 3.3 seconds with a staggering 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
Image: Close-up of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine in the 2024 Audi RS 5 Competition, showcasing its engineering.
Driving Dynamics and Refinements
However, focusing solely on numbers misses the point of the 2024 RS 5 Competition. On public roads, the engine delivers more than ample power. Turbo lag is minimal, followed by a surge of torque, and the eight-speed transmission executes aggressive upshifts that amplify the sense of speed. Downshifts, especially during spirited driving on winding roads, are both prompt and precise. Although Audi has reduced sound deadening, the V-6 engine note remains relatively subdued, lacking the auditory drama of the previous generation’s 4.2-liter V-8.
A notable change for the 2024 model is the removal of the carbon-ceramic front brakes, previously included in the Competition package for 2023, due to supply chain constraints. The standard cast iron brakes are more than adequate for street use, offering substantial stopping power from high speeds. While the brake pedal feel could be more communicative, the six-piston front and single-piston rear calipers inspire confidence. This change also results in a significant price reduction of $5800, positioning the RS 5 Competition closer in price to the BMW M3 Competition xDrive.
Image: Rear three-quarter view of the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback Competition, highlighting its sporty stance and rear design.
Past RS 5 models were sometimes criticized for feeling somewhat detached or lacking a distinct character compared to the S5. The Competition package directly addresses this, injecting a newfound liveliness and driver engagement into the experience. The fixed-ratio (13.1:1) steering is a standout improvement, providing a more natural and communicative feel compared to the standard adaptive system. Our test car was set to the most aggressive coilover suspension setting, resulting in a lowered stance that enhanced its visual appeal but also hinted at a firm ride. The Competition suspension is already 0.4 inches lower than the standard RS 5, and owners can further lower it by an additional 0.4 inches for a more personalized setup.
Image: Side profile of the gray 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback Competition, showcasing its sleek silhouette and sporty wheels.
On smooth roads, the chassis exhibits exceptional balance and composure. A subtle hint of body roll allows for precise corner entry, and the Quattro system, enhanced in the Competition version to send more power rearward and featuring a refined rear sport differential, contributes to improved agility and driving enjoyment. The 2024 RS 5 Competition transforms ordinary roads into thrilling playgrounds, capable of carrying impressive speed through corners with minimal understeer. Under moderate throttle, the rear subtly pivots, aiding in straightening the car sooner. However, rough or uneven pavement disrupts this fluidity, leading to a busier ride and some head toss. Extremely uneven roads become unsuitable due to harsh impacts and compromised comfort, potentially exacerbated by the lowered suspension setting.
Image: Front view of the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback Competition, emphasizing its aggressive front grille and headlights.
Design, Practicality, and Final Verdict
Visually, the 2024 RS 5 Competition is undeniably appealing. Matte carbon and black exterior accents lend a sinister yet sophisticated edge. Interior enhancements are more subtle, with Dinamica and Alcantara fabrics replacing leather, accented by red contrast stitching and a unique “runway” tachometer graphic in the digital instrument cluster. The Sportback liftback configuration adds significant practicality, with nearly flat-folding rear seats and a wide cargo opening, making it surprisingly versatile for daily use. (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 clearance might be an issue for taller drivers. The rear middle seat is also compromised by the central tunnel required for the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Image: Overhead view of the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback Competition, showcasing its roofline and overall sporty proportions.
Ultimately, the Competition package enhances the 2024 RS 5’s appeal for driving enthusiasts, making an already quick car significantly more engaging. Audi’s focus on improved engine sound, a more responsive rear end, and customizable suspension reflects an understanding of what performance car buyers desire: personality. Whether this represents a final flourish for driver engagement in the RS 5 lineage or sets a new benchmark for future models remains to be seen. The 2024 RS 5 Competition serves as a fitting, driver-focused farewell to the current generation, celebrating the thrill of pure combustion performance before the inevitable shift to hybridization.
2024 Audi RS 5 – Summary:
Price: $79,995 (base) / $93,745 (as-tested)
Highs: Torquey powertrain, chassis balance approaching RS 3 agility, Competition package offers compelling value.
Lows: Firm ride on imperfect roads, engine sound still relatively muted, horsepower deficit compared to key rivals.
Takeaway: The Competition package delivers a driver-centric and appropriate send-off for Audi’s RS sport sedan.
Image: Front three-quarter view of the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback Competition in motion, capturing its dynamic presence.
