New 2022 Audi RS 4 and RS 5 Competition thunder in with reworked dynamics

Audi has announced new limited-run Competition and Competition Plus packages for the RS 4 Avant and RS 5, designed to uncork the full potential of each car’s four-wheel drive chassis. Both models continue to produce 444bhp from the same 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, but should make more effective use of that power thanks to the upgrades. 

The new Competition-spec cars will be limited to less than 100 units in the UK, although Audi is yet to decide if this cap will apply to the RS 4 and RS 5 individually, or both models combined. Either way, the Competition and Competition Plus variants will sit amongst the existing trim levels in the range, which is currently headed by Vorsprung specification. 

Each will offer a host of cosmetic changes that include black exterior trim with optional carbon fibre elements, along with leather and microfibre seat upholstery as an optional extra. There’s an alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector, too, as well as bespoke RS Competition puddle lights. 

A set of diamond-cut 20-inch wheels can also be specified on Competition models, wrapped in stickier Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. The extra traction they provide cuts two tenths from the RS 4’s 0-62mph time – now 3.9 seconds – with the RS 5 Competition completing the sprint in 3.8 seconds.

Each model receives a more vocal RS sports exhaust system, and Audi has removed 8kg of sound deadening to allow more engine noise into the cabin. Competition trim also raises the top speed to 180mph, compared with the 155mph maximum of the standard RS 4 and RS 5. 

Competition Plus models bring further mechanical revisions, centred around a new coilover suspension system. With firmer spring rates and three-way adjustable dampers, the set-up is claimed to provide improved body control and handling precision, especially when combined with new, stiffer anti-roll bars. The new suspension provides a 10mm lower ride height, although this can be manually increased to a 20mm drop overall. 

Audi’s dynamic steering system features, too, and Competition Plus cars receive a new quattro sport differential designed to provide a more playful handling balance. The gearbox software has also been retuned for faster shifts, and the ABS calibration has been tweaked – presumably to work in tandem with the grippier tyres. The revisions shorten the stopping distance from 62mph by two metres when compared with the standard cars.

Both new trim levels will be made available to RS 4 and RS 5 buyers in the UK later this year, although Audi hasn’t revealed pricing yet. We expect the standard Competition package to add around £6,000 to the base price of the RS 4 and RS 5, with the Competition Plus upgrade costing closer to £10,000.

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