The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in True Driver Engagement
For as long as I’ve been immersed in the automotive world, observing the evolution of performance vehicles, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space. It’s always been a car that’s demonstrably swift, a veritable rocket ship cloaked in sophisticated German design, capable of humbling much more exotic machinery on any given stretch of open road. Yet, for all its raw, unadulterated pace, a subtle disconnect has often lingered – an almost effortless ability to achieve astonishing speeds without demanding much, if any, direct input or visceral feedback from the person behind the wheel. This is the paradox of success: when a car is so good at making its driver feel so unstressed by its performance, it can inadvertently detract from the sheer joy of the driving experience itself.
This brings us to the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, or more accurately, the RS5 Coupe optioned with the aptly named Competition package. It’s a vital distinction, especially given the penchant for marque-specific naming conventions that can sometimes blur the lines of automotive identity. While the provenance remains Ingolstadt, the heart of this enhanced RS5 beats with a similar philosophy to its rivals, a deliberate recalibration aimed at forging a deeper connection between driver and machine. At its core, it retains the formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 found in the standard RS5.
However, the $16,100 Competition package introduces a suite of carefully curated enhancements: a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, more robust anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering rack for quicker turn-in, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system. The result is a car that doesn’t just accelerate with ferocious intent, but one that genuinely communicates its intentions, allowing its pilot to feel intrinsically linked to the road beneath. After six years on the market, this iconic Audi model has finally reached its zenith, finally becoming the exhilarating driver’s car it was always poised to be.
The sheer breadth of hardware included in the Competition package is impressive, justifying its substantial price tag. For $16,100, you’re not just getting cosmetic trinkets; you’re receiving a comprehensive performance upgrade. This includes the vital carbon-ceramic braking system, a significant upgrade for track-day enthusiasts and spirited drivers alike. The manually adjustable coilover suspension is the cornerstone of the chassis revisions, working in tandem with beefier sport sway bars to dramatically improve handling dynamics. And then there’s the RS sport exhaust, a deliberate choice to enhance the auditory drama. Visually, the package adds subtle yet impactful touches: a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser contribute to aerodynamic efficiency and visual aggression, while the striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only look the part but also provide a clear view of the potent braking hardware. Inside, the cabin receives a significant luxury and sporty uplift with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, a hallmark of Audi’s performance division. While this list merely scratches the surface of the package’s offerings, it clearly demonstrates that despite the significant investment, the tangible performance and aesthetic benefits are substantial.
Crucially, the powerplant remains unchanged. The potent 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out a respectable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While this figure might not eclipse the raw horsepower numbers of some direct competitors, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, it’s more than sufficient to make the RS5 Competition feel every bit as quick in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at a brisk 3.8 seconds. However, the top speed sees a significant boost, reaching a remarkable 180 mph – a full 25 mph faster than the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This elevated top-end performance underscores the Competition package’s focus on pushing the boundaries of what the RS5 can achieve.
It is on a winding, challenging back road, however, where the true magic of the Competition package reveals itself. From the moment the steering wheel is rotated and the car is tipped into a sweeping corner, the transformation is palpable. The recalibrated coilover suspension, while decidedly firmer than its standard counterpart, masterfully controls the RS5’s considerable mass, which tips the scales at just over 3,900 pounds. Body roll is virtually eradicated, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without any unwanted oscillations or lurching. This newfound agility is directly attributable to the quicker steering ratio, which, while not overtly communicative in terms of road surface detail, offers a level of precision that inspires confidence.
The Audi RS5 Competition, shod with its sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, works in harmonious synergy with the tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination effectively harnesses the chassis’s enhanced capabilities. The result is a car that exhibits exceptional mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy its considerable power with unwavering authority as it rockets out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition variant’s firmer chassis serves as a much more effective conduit for information, allowing the driver to not only witness its blistering pace but also to truly feel it. This enhanced sensory feedback is the defining characteristic of the Competition package, transforming the RS5 from a rapid grand tourer into a genuinely engaging sports car.
Despite the firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension setup, the RS5 Competition’s enhanced performance does not come at the undue expense of daily comfort and practicality. In fact, this revelation speaks more to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in my experience, often felt perhaps too plush and insulated for a vehicle designed to be the most engaging variant in the A5 lineup. The latest iteration, however, strikes an almost perfect equilibrium. It’s a thoroughly capable sports car ready for weekend escapades, yet it remains a comfortable and composed daily commuter. This is a delicate balancing act that Audi has managed with impressive finesse.
The Competition package also takes a deliberate step back from the RS5’s historically hushed cabin by reducing sound deadening, a decision that perfectly complements the inclusion of the more aggressive RS sports exhaust. While this means that road and tire noise are more prominent within the cabin, it’s a welcome compromise for any enthusiast seeking a more immersive auditory experience. After all, a true sports car shouldn’t be entirely muted. Where Audi’s previous efforts to artificially enhance engine sound through the audio system felt somewhat contrived, the Competition package delivers a genuinely visceral V6 soundtrack. The aggressive growl is now a natural extension of the car’s performance, with thrilling pops and bangs accompanying gear changes, and the ability to dial back the intensity via the selected drive mode offers a welcome degree of flexibility. This authentic sound, combined with the enhanced driving dynamics, elevates the RS5 Competition to a new level of desirability.
As alluded to earlier, the interior of the Competition package-equipped RS5 receives a distinct sporty yet luxurious treatment. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a particular highlight. Their design, featuring a Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black side accents, and embroidered backrests, is both aesthetically striking and functionally superior. The prominent inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, ensuring occupants remain securely positioned, while also offering ample room and comfort for more relaxed journeys.
Complementing the seats, all Competition models feature an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a plush Alcantara headliner, and carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin. Unlike the often glossy, sometimes overwhelming carbon fiber finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish here. This choice allows the lightweight material to blend seamlessly with the dark interior aesthetic, contributing to an atmosphere of sophisticated sportiness rather than overt race-car simulation. This is a design decision that speaks to Audi’s core principles of elegant performance.
Visually, the exterior changes for the Audi RS5 Competition are subtle rather than dramatic. The package essentially bundles desirable options such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, often available on the base model, with gloss black badging and trim elements. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned to the car’s overall stance and offer an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes, a clear visual indicator of the performance enhancements. However, one could argue that Audi could have pushed the visual differentiation further, especially considering the model’s established presence in the market.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 has aged remarkably well. Launched in 2017, its design remains exceptionally elegant and contemporary, a testament to Audi’s timeless styling language. While it might not possess the overt flamboyance of some of its German rivals, it undeniably remains the most sophisticated and arguably the most handsome option in its segment.
It is the age of this second-generation RS5 that presents the most significant internal conflict for me. While the addition of the Competition package is unequivocally welcome, significantly elevating the car’s driving engagement, it arrives quite late in the model’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will a demonstrably improved driving experience, however substantial, be enough to entice buyers to a car that, at its core, looks much like it did in 2017? The $16,100 Competition package, despite its significant cost, undeniably adds immense value, which should certainly help to mitigate this concern.
A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination fees. My particular test vehicle, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, pushed the sticker price to a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a steep proposition, its pricing aligns perfectly with a similarly equipped BMW M4 Competition. Although the official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be revealed, it is highly probable that it will land at or above this figure. Consequently, while the Audi RS5 commands a premium price, it finally has the engaging driving experience to unequivocally justify its cost.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the pinnacle of the model’s second generation. It is the car I, and many enthusiasts, had hoped the RS5 would be all along. It’s exceptionally fast, remarkably agile, and, most importantly, deeply engaging. It seamlessly merges the raw performance of the standard car with a level of driver immersion that was previously elusive. Despite its firmer chassis and more direct feedback, it sacrifices surprisingly little in terms of daily comfort or usability. And thanks to the judicious reduction in sound deadening, the exhilarating V6 note is now a genuine soundtrack to the driving experience, not an artificial imposition.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the accomplished BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of this particular RS5 generation looms large. While its latest enhancements have finally transformed it into not just a quick car, but a genuinely rewarding driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will buyers recognize this late-stage metamorphosis, or has the opportunity passed?
If you’re seeking an Audi that delivers visceral thrills and a truly connected driving experience without compromising on the brand’s signature blend of luxury and everyday usability, then now is the opportune moment to explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. We invite you to schedule a personal test drive at your nearest Audi dealership to experience this refined performance machine firsthand and discover the ultimate expression of the RS5’s potential.
