Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related
While being vectored into 36L in Charlotte at around 6;000 feet we encountered severe wake turbulence.  The Captain disconnected the auto pilot and initiated the escape maneuver and I set max thrust and retracted the spoilers.  I advised ATC of our condition and we climbed to 9;000 feet and leveled off.  When I questioned ATC what was in front of us they said it was an A320 5 miles ahead.  I called back to the Flight Attendants to ensure no injuries and they said everyone was ok.  On the ground the Captain documented the encounter in the logbook and contacted Maintenance.
Reporter stated the aircraft they were following appeared to be an A321 but the Controller said it was an A320.
CRJ-700 First Officer reported encountering severe wake turbulence on arrival into CLT in trail of an A320.