The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Redefining Driver Engagement in a Refined Performance Package
For a significant stretch, the Audi RS5 has occupied a unique space in the performance automotive landscape. It has consistently been a masterclass in blending prodigious straight-line velocity with everyday usability, a potent machine capable of effortlessly outpacing many vehicles far above its established price bracket. Yet, for all its inherent speed and dynamic prowess, there was an unspoken caveat: this performance often arrived with a disengaging aloofness. The thrill of blistering acceleration and the ability to devour winding roads at astonishing rates rarely translated into a truly visceral, driver-centric experience. It was a car that could do it all, but perhaps without making the driver feel as involved as they might have desired.
This narrative began to shift dramatically with the advent of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. It’s important to note that this isn’t a distinct model but rather the Audi RS5 Coupe equipped with the highly impactful Competition package. This distinction, while seemingly minor, underscores a deliberate engineering
engine, a powerhouse that already offered ample motivation. However, the Competition package introduces a suite of targeted enhancements: a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, significantly beefed-up sway bars, a more direct and quicker steering ratio, and an aggressively tuned exhaust system designed to amplify the V6’s auditory character.
The result is a car that transcends mere speed. The Competition package doesn’t just improve the RS5’s stability and agility at elevated speeds; crucially, it fosters a palpable connection between the driver, the machine, and the asphalt. After six model years in its second generation, the RS5, in this iteration, finally feels like it has reached its zenith, fully realizing its potential as a driver’s machine. This evolution marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of Audi RS5 Competition driver engagement, a key focus for enthusiasts seeking a more connected driving experience.
A Deeper Dive into the Competition Package’s Value Proposition
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package unlocks a comprehensive array of performance-oriented hardware. Among the standout features are the carbon-ceramic brakes, a testament to Audi’s commitment to track-ready capability, and the aforementioned manually adjustable coilover suspension. Complementing these are the enhanced sport sway bars and the RS sport exhaust system, each contributing to a more dynamic and responsive ride.
Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the Competition package also bestows subtle yet significant aesthetic upgrades. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more aggressive visual stance, while the bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the car’s profile but also provide a clear view of the formidable braking hardware. Inside, the cabin receives a significant uplift with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, offering a blend of luxurious comfort and supportive bolstering. The inclusion of an Alcantara steering wheel further reinforces the performance-oriented character of the interior. While this extensive list represents only a portion of the package’s offerings, it clearly demonstrates that despite its substantial cost, the Competition package delivers commensurate value, transforming the 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe into a significantly more compelling proposition for driving enthusiasts.
Power Output and Real-World Dynamics: More Than Just Numbers
Crucially, the powertrain remains unchanged, a testament to the already impressive capabilities of the base RS5’s V6. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to deliver a potent 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may appear less imposing when stacked against the sheer horsepower of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), it’s imperative to understand that in real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as swift. Its 0-60 mph time remains unchanged at a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a notable increase of 25 mph over the standard model and a significant six miles per hour beyond even the Dynamic Plus package-equipped variants. This elevates the Audi RS5 performance beyond mere acceleration, focusing on sustained capability.
However, the true magic of the Competition package reveals itself not in straight-line sprints, but on a winding ribbon of tarmac. The moment you turn the wheel and initiate a corner, the improvements are immediately palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts exceptional control over the RS5’s nearly 3,900-pound mass. This precise control allows for remarkably immediate directional changes, virtually eliminating unwanted body roll and instilling a confidence that encourages bolder cornering. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it may not offer an overwhelming surge of feedback, its enhanced precision allows for more accurate inputs, translating the driver’s intentions directly to the road with remarkable fidelity. This enhanced Audi RS5 steering response is a game-changer for enthusiastic driving.
The RS5 Competition pairs its tenacious grip, aided by sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, with a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination ensures that the suspension improvements are fully exploited. The result is a car that exhibits astonishing mid-corner grip and the uncanny ability to deploy its substantial power with unwavering confidence as you accelerate out of bends. While the standard RS5 is undeniably a capable vehicle, the Competition package’s more communicative chassis provides a far richer tapestry of information, allowing the driver to not only experience its immense pace but to truly feel it in every nuance of its behavior. This focus on driving feel is what sets the Competition apart.
Balancing Refinement and Rawness: A More Engaging Daily Drive
Despite the significantly firmer suspension, which sits 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower, the enhanced capabilities of the Audi RS5 Competition do not come at the expense of everyday comfort and practicality. In fact, this statement perhaps speaks more to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in previous iterations, sometimes felt almost too plush and serene for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, strikes an almost perfect equilibrium. It transforms the RS5 into a thoroughly capable weekend sports car that, come Monday morning, seamlessly transitions into a comfortable and composed daily commuter. This duality is a hallmark of performance cars with everyday usability.
A welcome change brought about by the Competition package is the reduction in sound deadening. This decision aligns perfectly with the integration of the vocal RS sport exhaust. While the lessened noise isolation means that more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, this is precisely what a thrilling sports car should offer. Gone are the days when Audi had to artificially pump engine noise into the cabin through the speakers. Now, occupants are treated to a genuinely sonorous V6 soundtrack, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the selectable drive modes, offering a richer RS5 exhaust note experience.
Interior Refinements: A Touch of Luxury Meets Performance
As previously mentioned, the Competition package introduces several sporty touches to the RS5’s interior. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a distinctive Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black accents, and elegantly embroidered backrests. These seats provide exceptional lateral support, essential for spirited driving, while their adjustable bolsters ensure comfort on longer journeys. The inclusion of an Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon-fiber trim further elevates the cabin’s premium and performance-oriented feel. Unlike the often glossy and overtly sporty finishes found in some rivals, Audi opts for a more subdued and elegant matte finish for its carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior palette. This approach to Audi RS5 interior design prioritizes both sportiness and understated luxury.
Subtle Exterior Tweaks: A More Mature Approach to Performance Aesthetics
Visually, the alterations brought about by the Audi RS5 Competition package are more understated than dramatic. It essentially aggregates desirable elements, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser that were previously available as standalone options, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned and provide an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes, a clear visual indicator of the car’s enhanced performance capabilities. While these changes are effective, it’s an area where Audi could have potentially introduced more distinct visual cues to set the Competition model apart, especially considering the current generation’s extended lifespan. Nevertheless, the overall aesthetic remains undeniably elegant, contributing to the Audi RS5 design.
On a more positive note, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age remarkably well. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its timeless and elegant design language allows it to remain contemporary and visually appealing, even years after its initial introduction. While it may not possess the overt flamboyance or aggressive styling of some of its German counterparts, it arguably remains the most sophisticated and gracefully designed option within its segment. This enduring appeal is a testament to Audi RS5 styling.
The Age Factor and the Value Proposition of Enhanced Dynamics
The longevity of the second-generation RS5 is, however, the source of a degree of internal conflict. While the addition of the Competition package is an unequivocally positive development, significantly enhancing the car’s driving experience, its introduction so late in the model’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a substantially improved driving dynamic be enough to sway buyers towards a car that, visually, bears a strong resemblance to its 2017 iteration?
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package, while substantial, is justified by the sheer breadth and depth of its improvements. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commands a starting price of $78,995, including destination fees. When optioned with the Competition package, alongside other desirable additions such as the $3,000 RS driver assistance package and the $1,500 navigation package, the as-tested price climbed to $100,565.
While a six-figure price point for an A5-based Audi might seem steep, it positions the RS5 squarely within the competitive landscape, aligning closely with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the United States has yet to be formally announced, it is highly probable that it will enter the market at or above this price point. Therefore, the Audi RS5, with its premium pricing, finally offers a compelling performance proposition that is matched by an equally engaging driving experience. This makes it a strong contender in the luxury performance coupe market, particularly for those seeking performance upgrades for Audi vehicles.
Conclusion: A Driver’s RS5 Finally Arrives
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the realization of what the RS5 should have been all along: a fast, agile, and profoundly engaging driver’s machine. It seamlessly integrates the potent performance of the base car with a level of immersion and driver involvement that was previously unattainable. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis and suspension, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening ensures that you experience the full, evocative growl of its V6 engine without resorting to artificial augmentation, offering a truly authentic Audi RS5 driving experience.
In a direct comparison, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable rival to the highly regarded BMW M4. However, one cannot entirely disregard the age of the current RS5 generation. Despite the significant advancements that finally elevate the RS5 from merely a quick car to a genuinely engaging driver’s instrument, the lingering question remains: will the market respond favorably to these late-stage enhancements, or has the opportune moment passed?
For those who have long admired the Audi RS5’s potential but yearned for a deeper connection with the road, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition presents an irresistible opportunity. To discover firsthand how these enhancements transform the driving experience and to explore financing options for this exceptional performance machine, we invite you to visit your local Audi dealership for a test drive and to speak with a product specialist today.
