The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driver’s Audi
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious space in the high-performance automotive landscape. It’s undeniably potent, a machine capable of prodigious speeds that could embarrass many dedicated sports cars, often at a considerably lower price point. Yet, for all its blistering pace and sophisticated all-wheel-drive grip, there was a persistent sense that this performance was delivered with a certain detachment. The immense speed was there, but the visceral thrill, the gut-level connection between driver, machine, and tarmac, often felt… restrained. It was a car that could hustle you down a winding road at an astonishing velocity, but it rarely elicited that pure, unadulterated joy that defines truly engaging driving.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package arrives, aiming to rectify that long-held sentiment. It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t a distinct model, but rather a meticulously curated collection of enhancements, most notably the $16,100 Competition package for the RS5 Coupe. While certain German rivals have a penchant for similar nomenclature, the essence of this Audi offering is to inject a heightened sense of driver involvement int
an already formidable platform. Underpinning this transformation is the familiar yet potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, shared with its less track-focused brethren. However, the real story lies in the mechanical alchemy: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering system for quicker responses, and a sonorous, more aggressive exhaust note.
The outcome of these carefully orchestrated upgrades is a car that is not only demonstrably more agile and stable at elevated velocities but, crucially, communicates more intimately with its pilot. By transmitting a richer tapestry of road feel and feedback, the RS5 Competition finally allows its driver to feel truly integrated with the machine and the asphalt beneath. After six years on the market, the second-generation RS5, in this Competition guise, has arguably reached its apex, transforming from a supremely capable fast car into a genuinely exhilarating driver’s car.
The $16,100 Investment in Engagement
Let’s dissect the value proposition of the Competition package. For the substantial $16,100 asking price, Audi has outfitted the RS5 with a suite of performance-oriented hardware that goes far beyond superficial styling tweaks. The package includes a robust set of carbon-ceramic brakes, a sophisticated coilover suspension system for precise ride height and damping control, sport-tuned sway bars to minimize body roll, and an RS sport exhaust system designed to amplify the V6’s inherent vocal talents.
Beyond the purely mechanical enhancements, there are also aesthetic considerations. The Competition package bestows a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, lending a more aggressive aerodynamic profile. It also includes distinctive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels and upgrades the interior with sumptuous Nappa leather seats accented by Dinamica, along with a sportily trimmed Alcantara steering wheel. While this extensive list only scratches the surface of the package’s full scope, it clearly demonstrates that for its considerable cost, the Competition package delivers a tangible and significant uplift in both performance and perceived exclusivity.
It’s important to note that the powertrain remains unchanged. The heart of the beast is still the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, pumping out a respectable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might trail the stratospheric outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), the real-world performance is more than ample to keep pace with, and often outpace, these competitors. The sprint to 60 mph remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is impressively elevated to 180 mph, a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and a noteworthy 6 mph beyond models equipped with the optional Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability further underscores the performance-oriented nature of the Competition variant.
On the Edge of Adrenaline: Dynamic Prowess Redefined
The true character of the Audi RS5 Competition emerges when you venture onto a challenging ribbon of asphalt. From the initial turn of the steering wheel into a sweeping bend, the transformation is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undoubtedly firmer, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound chassis. The car’s considerable mass feels remarkably contained, allowing for instantaneous directional changes with an absence of unwanted body roll or pitching motions. This newfound agility is a direct consequence of the Competition package’s quicker steering ratio, which, despite not overtly broadcasting every road imperfection, offers a level of precision that inspires confidence.
The synergy between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, the meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, and the enhanced suspension creates a formidable combination. This setup allows the RS5 Competition to exploit its considerable grip through corners and effectively deploy its substantial power as you accelerate out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undeniably competent, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to not only witness its astonishing pace but to truly feel it. This is a critical distinction that elevates the driving experience from mere conveyance to genuine automotive artistry.
The Art of Balance: Sportiness Without Sacrificing Sophistication
Despite the adoption of a firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension setup, the Audi RS5 Competition surprisingly retains a commendable level of daily comfort and usability. This speaks volumes about the inherent balance Audi has achieved, and perhaps also about how the standard RS5, in its pursuit of refinement, had perhaps strayed too far from its performance-oriented roots. The Competition variant masterfully treads the line between being a tenacious sports car capable of exhilarating weekend drives and a refined, comfortable daily driver for the rigors of the work week.
Furthermore, the Competition package embraces a deliberate reduction in cabin sound deadening, a decision that harmonizes brilliantly with the inclusion of the more vocal RS sport exhaust. While this might translate to a slight increase in road and tire noise, it’s a trade-off that any enthusiast seeking an authentic sports car experience will readily embrace. Gone are the days when Audi felt compelled to artificially pipe engine sounds into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, throaty V6 roar, punctuated by exhilarating upshifts that can be modulated to your preference via the car’s selectable drive modes. This auditory engagement is a crucial component of the heightened driver involvement.
An Interior Sanctuary of Performance
Inside, the Competition package introduces a series of subtle yet impactful enhancements to the RS5’s cabin. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not merely visually striking with their Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching and gloss black accents; they offer exceptional lateral support thanks to their inflatable bolsters, proving invaluable during spirited driving. Yet, they remain comfortable enough for longer journeys, providing ample room and support.
The inclusion of an Alcantara steering wheel and headliner, complemented by carbon fiber trim, imbues the cabin with a palpable sense of sportiness. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with the dark, sophisticated interior palette. This design philosophy emphasizes elegance and tactility over ostentatious displays.
Subtle Aesthetics, Significant Impact
Visually, the changes brought about by the Audi RS5 Competition package are not overtly dramatic. The package essentially consolidates desirable elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were available as individual options on the standard RS5, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim elements. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and effectively showcase the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes peeking through their spokes. However, it’s in this area that one might have hoped for a more pronounced differentiation, particularly given the model’s maturity.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 has aged remarkably well. Despite its introduction in the 2017 model year, its elegantly sculpted lines maintain a contemporary presence. While it might not possess the aggressive, in-your-face styling of some of its German rivals, the RS5 remains arguably the most sophisticated and timelessly attractive option in its segment.
The Question of Timing and Value
The primary point of contention surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition package revolves around its timing. The enhancements are undeniably brilliant, injecting a much-needed dose of driver engagement into a platform that has long deserved it. However, the fact that these significant upgrades arrive so late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle naturally prompts the question: Will this significantly improved driving experience be enough to sway potential buyers towards a car that, visually, is largely unchanged from its 2017 debut?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, does offer significant value. The starting MSRP for a 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe is $78,995, including destination. With the addition of the Competition package, a premium driver assistance suite, and a navigation package, the as-tested price of my vehicle climbed to a considerable $100,565. This positions the RS5 firmly in a premium segment, a price point that, until now, has been challenging to fully justify for an A5-derived model.
However, this pricing aligns directly with similarly equipped BMW M4 models. While official pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains under wraps, it is widely anticipated to command a similar or even higher premium. Thus, the Audi RS5 now occupies a price bracket where its performance and driving dynamics finally justify the expenditure. The question of whether this elevated engagement comes too late for the current generation, however, remains a pertinent one.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car many enthusiasts have long wished the RS5 to be. It is an exceptionally fast, remarkably agile, and deeply engaging machine that successfully marries the inherent straight-line speed of the standard RS5 with a level of driver immersion previously unattainable. Crucially, it achieves this without significantly compromising daily comfort or usability. The enhanced auditory experience, delivered by the communicative exhaust and reduced sound deadening, further enriches the driving sensation, eliminating the need for artificial sound enhancement.
When considered in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a compelling rival to the excellent BMW M4. However, the age of the platform cannot be entirely overlooked. Despite the significant strides made in transforming the RS5 into a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the ultimate question remains: will these late-stage improvements be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers, or is it a case of too little, too late for this iteration?
If you’re seeking a German performance coupe that finally delivers on the promise of true driver engagement, the Audi RS5 Competition package offers a compelling, albeit premium, proposition. Explore the possibilities and schedule a test drive at your local Audi dealer to experience this thrilling evolution firsthand.
