New competition plus editions for the Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5: even more sporty!

When a Audi carries the RS badge, we know we’re dealing with the very best: cars that are extremely sporty in terms of engine and chassis tuning, yet retain the versatility for daily use that lets them be driven equally well on the road or on the track. Now, Audi enhances this second side even further in its Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback, for all those who aren’t satisfied with the emotions these models deliver as standard.

These are the respective competition plus versions, available at a premium of 20,000 euros over the list price, which for the RS 4 Avant starts at 104,850 euros, and at 109,200 euros for the RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback. Let’s review what these special editions include, which goes well beyond cosmetic changes.

New RS sport pro suspension and RS plus exhaust

In terms of the driving experience, the most interesting new feature of these competition plus versions is the RS sport pro suspension. It is a coilover-type suspension, with spring-damper units adjustable in ride height, rebound and damping. As standard, the body height is lowered by 10 mm compared with the standard versions, and it can be manually lowered a further 10 mm. The springs have a higher stiffness rating, three-way adjustable dampers are fitted, and stiffer anti-roll bars are installed. On these versions, and always with the aim of reducing lap times on the track, the steering ratio of the dynamic steering is also set at 1:13.1.

But the updates don’t stop there. The quattro sport differential also receives specific adjustments so that the rear axle plays an even greater role when the driver selects the “dynamic” mode. The transmission control software has also been updated to reduce gear-shift times, and the ABS software has been adapted for the Pirelli Corsa P Zero tyres available as an option.

Nothing has been changed in the twin-turbo V6 engine, which retains its power output of 331 kW (450 CV) and torque of 600 Nm across the wide range between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm. However, Audi has opted to fit a new sport exhaust system called RS plus. Together with the exhaust itself and a reduction in sound-insulating material between the engine bay and the cabin, which saves around 8 kg in weight, the exhaust note is even more pronounced.

The changes mentioned allow the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration to be shaved by two tenths of a second on the RS 4 Avant competition, which now clocks 3.9 seconds; and by one tenth on the RS 5 models, with a time of 3.8 seconds. In these competition plus editions, the electronic limit on top speed is raised from 250 km/h to 290 km/h.

More standard equipment

If we add the extra standard equipment and the personalisation items of the competition plus versions to all this, their premium won’t seem so steep to prospective buyers of the RS 4 Avant and RS 5. As additional equipment, they include Bang & Olufsen speakers with 3D effect, the Audi Sport “runaway” display mode on the digital instrument cluster Audi virtual cockpit, tinted glass, red-finished brake calipers, a traffic sign recognition system and a plus tyre pressure sensor.

Among the design elements that distinguish these versions are the optional microfibre and pearl nappa leather upholstery for the RS seats, the gloss black finish on the four-ring logo, and the matt carbon finish for the diffuser, sill trims and mirror housings. The 20-inch wheels can be ordered in gloss black, and the bodywork adds an exclusive Sebring black colour with a crystal effect.

Image gallery Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 competition plus