I recently tested out Audi’s very special performance sedan, the 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback. The RS5 I tested was extra spicy in the performance department as it features the highly coveted Competition Package. This thing packs the right amount of luxury with a surplus of performance. After spending a week with this angry machine I want to tell you about all the features that will catch your attention. Enjoy the PROs and CONs of the 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback.
PRO: Performance
If you don’t know, with RS models you get performance. The RS trim is simply Audi’s performance trim. With the RS5 you get a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine throwing out 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. (…they couldn’t find 2 more lb-ft to make the torque curve equal to the horsepower?). The RS5 sends those power figures to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system controlled by an 8-speed automatic transmission. All together it will throw you in your seat on your way from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds.
PRO: Quattro All-Wheel-Drive
I just told you about how the all-wheel-drive system some how keeps the massive power figures in check, but the Quattro all-wheel-drive system is simply the best all-wheel-drive system. Everyone else is just working on second place.
PRO: Competition Package
It sounds crazy, but the Competition Package adds/changes 15 features on the RS5.
It takes up half the real estate on the window sticker of the standard features! You get 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (Note – the RS5 we tested were fitted with a winter wheel/tire set), 180 miles per hour track speed availability, sport direct steering, coilover suspension with sport sway bars, RS sport exhaust system with matte black tailpipes, red brake calipers, RS carbon matte inlays, matte carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, matte carbon exterior mirror housings, high-gloss black exterior trim and Audi rings/badges, Peal nappa leather and Dinamica seats, Alcantara covered steering wheel and shift lever, Alcantara covered center console, and red edging on seats belts with RS floor mats.
PRO: Addictive Exhaust Note
In the RS modes and enabling the Engine sound to be “Present” your neighbors will surely know when you are present. The RS5 just sounds so much angrier and the barks it makes are highly addictive.
PRO: Audi Virtual Cockpit
Audi has a significantly strong standing having two industry best in my opinion, I raved about the all-wheel-drive, but this time it’s Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display. A crisp clear 12.3-inch full digital display which will provide you details on everything from miles per gallon to performance data.
PRO: The RS Specific Stuff
The Competition Package is definitely a spotlight stealer, but the “regular stuff” you get with a RS5 is really cool on its own. With the RS5, that beautiful crisp clear Virtual Cockpit display can display a unique RS Runway style theme. The navigation display gets in on the fun too as it has a RS Monitor page which can monitor vehicle temperatures of all the performance bits including the engine, sport differential, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake rotors.
Finally, the RS button on the steering wheel is the icing on the cake allowing you to immediately switch into your personal custom mode. While you could set it to be all comfort I am going to assume you will set it to its most angry optimal settings.
CON: Big Cost
According to the window sticker I have on this 2024 Audi RS 5 the base price was $78,900. That Competition Package I love so much adds $10,300 to the price along with a few other packages such as the RS driver assistance package, Navigation package, and a few others bring the MSRP to $94,840.
CON: Other Germans Have More Power
I am always a fan to say that 300 horsepower is all you need to have fun on the world and not get pulled over or worse wrap yourself around a tree, but if we are going for big numbers the Audi RS5 loses some podium spots to its German made competition.
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