The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Driver Within
For nearly a decade, I’ve been deeply immersed in the automotive world, dissecting the nuances of performance vehicles, from the rawest track machines to the most refined luxury sedans. During this time, I’ve witnessed the evolution of many iconic models, but few have presented as intriguing a case study as the Audi RS5. For years, this potent coupe (and its Sportback sibling) has been a paradox: undeniably fast, technically brilliant, yet somehow… detached. It’s a car capable of blurring scenery at astonishing speeds, but often with a level of effortlessness that borders on clinical, leaving the driver feeling more like a passenger in a very rapid appliance than an active participant in a thrilling driving experience. This year, however, Audi has taken a significant step toward rectifying that, introducing the Audi RS5 Competition package, a suite of enhancements designed to inject a much-needed dose of driver engagement into an already formidable performance machine.
The distinction is important: this isn’t a completely new model, but rather the 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe meticulously refined with the $16,100 Competition package. While some might recall a certain Bavarian marque’s penchant for similar naming conventions, Audi’s approach is singular. The core of the beast remains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, churning out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. But it’s what Audi has done around that powerhouse that truly redefines the RS5 experience. We’re talking about a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefier anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering rack for quicker responses, and an exhaust system that finally lives up to the car’s aggressive aesthetic. This isn’t just about shaving tenths of a second off a lap time; it’s about fundamentally altering the dialogue between car and driver. After six years in its second generation, the RS5 has finally reached its zenith, transforming from a sophisticated projectile into a genuinely engaging sports car.
The sheer breadth of the Audi RS5 Competition package is impressive, and frankly, justifies its substantial price tag. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, Audi has thoughtfully included items like carbon-ceramic brakes – a testament to the car’s intended performance capabilities. The coilover suspension and sport sway bars are the stars of the show, directly impacting the car’s handling dynamics. Complementing these are the RS sport exhaust, which promises a more visceral auditory experience. Visually, the package adds subtle yet significant touches: a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, aggressive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and within the cabin, sumptuous Nappa leather seats enhanced with Dinamica trim and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While the full extent of the offerings is extensive, it’s clear that Audi has curated a selection of upgrades that deliver tangible benefits, both in terms of performance and sensory feedback.
It’s worth reiterating that the heart of the beast, the V6 engine, remains unchanged. While its 444 horsepower might appear modest when stacked against the 500+ hp figures of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, this is a classic case where real-world performance transcends the spec sheet. In everyday driving, the RS5 feels every bit as rapid, its 0-60 mph time remaining a brisk 3.8 seconds. The true revelation, however, lies in its elevated top speed. The Competition package unlocks a staggering 180 mph, a full 25 mph beyond the standard RS5 and six ticks above models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This enhanced capability, however, is merely a preamble to the experience waiting on a winding road.
It’s on those sinuous ribbon of asphalt, far from the straight-line sprints, where the Audi RS5 Competition truly earns its stripes. The moment you initiate a turn, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while certainly firmer than the standard setup, doesn’t punish the occupants. Instead, it masterfully controls the RS5’s substantial 3,900-plus-pound mass, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without the disconcerting body roll that plagued earlier iterations. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While the feedback isn’t as raw as a purebred track car, it’s remarkably precise, allowing you to place the car with confidence and a far greater sense of connection to the road surface. This is where the real magic happens – you feel what the car is doing, translating that information directly to your fingertips and seat of your pants.
Paired with this enhanced chassis is a set of ultra-sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This synergistic combination allows the RS5 Competition to exploit its improved suspension to the fullest. Mid-corner grip is exceptional, enabling you to carry serious speed through bends. Crucially, as you exit a corner, the car is able to deploy its considerable power with composure and authority, launching you toward the next apex. The base RS5 is undoubtedly a capable car, but the Competition package elevates it by imbuing the chassis with a far greater degree of communicative ability. You don’t just witness the car’s immense pace; you feel it, you understand it, and you become an integral part of it. This is the essence of true driver engagement.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is that its more performance-oriented setup doesn’t come at the expense of daily usability. In fact, in some ways, it improves it. The standard RS5, in its quest for refinement, often felt almost too isolated, too plush for a car that Audi positioned as its most driver-focused A5 variant. The Competition package, with its firmer suspension and 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower ride height, strikes a remarkable balance. It delivers the thrilling capability of a weekend sports car while maintaining the composure and comfort required for the daily commute. It’s a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess that such a significant performance upgrade can coexist with everyday practicality.
The auditory experience has also been significantly enhanced. Audi has deliberately reduced sound deadening in the Audi RS5 Competition, a decision that pairs beautifully with the addition of the RS sport exhaust. While this means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a trade-off most enthusiasts will readily embrace. A true sports car shouldn’t be surgically silent; it should sing. Gone are the days when Audi had to artificially pipe engine noise into the cabin. Now, the throaty V6 growl is authentic, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the various drive modes, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired or a full-throated roar when the mood strikes. This transformation in sound alone adds a significant layer of emotional connection to the driving experience.
Stepping inside the Audi RS5 Competition reveals further enhancements designed to heighten the driver’s connection to the machine. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not just visually striking, with their unique hexagonal stitching reminiscent of a supercar, but also supremely functional. Their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, yet can be adjusted for greater comfort on longer journeys. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim pieces lend a distinctly sporting ambiance to the cabin. Unlike the often glossy finishes found in rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish on the carbon fiber, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with the dark interior palette and exude a sense of understated luxury.
Visually, the changes on the exterior of the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than dramatic. It largely consolidates desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, pairing them with gloss black badging and trim elements. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer a clear view of the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes housed within. While these additions are welcome, one could argue that Audi might have pushed the visual differentiation further, especially considering the model’s age. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the second-generation RS5 has aged remarkably well. Its elegant and timeless design, first introduced in 2017, still possesses a contemporary appeal. While it may not possess the overt flamboyance of some German rivals, the RS5 remains arguably the most sophisticated and aesthetically refined choice in its class.
The primary point of contention, and perhaps the most significant factor influencing the Audi RS5 Competition’s market reception, is its age. While the Competition package is a brilliant addition, fundamentally transforming the driving dynamics, it arrives quite late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This begs the question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to entice buyers toward a car that, in terms of its fundamental design, is nearly a decade old?
The substantial investment required for the Competition package – $16,100 – is a significant hurdle. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commands a starting price of $78,995, including destination. With the addition of the Competition package, along with other desirable options like the RS driver assistance package and navigation, my test vehicle tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. This positions the Audi RS5 Competition firmly in premium territory, a price point that aligns with a fully optioned BMW M4. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it is highly probable that it will compete at or above this figure. Audi is asking a significant sum for this refined RS5, but for the first time, the engaging and exhilarating driving experience finally justifies the premium.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I have long wished the RS5 had been. It embodies a potent blend of exhilarating speed, sharp agility, and, crucially, deep driver immersion. It takes the inherent speed of the base car and couples it with a level of sensory feedback that was previously unattainable. Despite its more focused chassis, it remarkably sacrifices little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. And with its reduced sound deadening, you can finally savor the V6’s authentic, guttural soundtrack without resorting to artificial augmentation.
When considered in isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable and compelling alternative to the benchmark-setting BMW M4. However, one cannot overlook the inherent age of the platform. Despite the significant strides made by the Competition package, transforming the RS5 into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers recognize and respond to this late-blooming excellence, or is it a case of ‘too little, too late’?
If you’ve been yearning for an Audi that doesn’t just transport you quickly but actively involves you in the journey, if you appreciate the blend of refined luxury with raw driving passion, then the Audi RS5 Competition demands your attention. We invite you to experience this remarkable transformation firsthand. Contact your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive and discover the unbridled joy of the driver-focused RS5.
