Audi RS5 Competition: A Masterclass in Driver Engagement Redefined
For a decade now, I’ve had the distinct privilege of experiencing the evolution of high-performance automotive engineering. Over those ten years, I’ve driven countless machines, each promising a blend of blistering speed and refined luxury. Yet, time and again, I’ve encountered a peculiar phenomenon: cars so inherently capable, so effortlessly swift, that the very act of driving them can feel somewhat detached, almost passive. The Audi RS5, for much of its distinguished lineage, has been a prime example of this paradox of performance. It’s a car that could decimate a winding backroad with astonishing alacrity, yet it often left drivers feeling like accomplished passengers rather than active participants in the thrill. That is, until the arrival of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This iteration, particularly when equipped with its aptly named Competition package, represents a significant leap forward, transforming the RS5 from a prodigiously fast GT into a genuinely engaging sports car.
The core of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition’s transformation lies not in a brute force horsepower upgrade – the familiar, potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 still churns out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Instead, the magic is infused through a meticulously curated suite of hardware and tuning updates, bundled under the significant, yet ultimately value-laden, $16,100 Competition package. This isn’t just an assortment of bolt-ons; it’s a
comprehensive recalibration designed to elevate the driving experience. Think manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars for reduced body roll, a significantly quicker steering ratio for more immediate turn-in, and a gloriously uncorked RS sport exhaust system that injects audible drama into every acceleration.
The impact of these upgrades is palpable from the moment you engage the transmission and point the nose towards an apex. The chassis feels fundamentally tighter, more responsive. The previously ample, but sometimes vague, steering now possesses a newfound precision, allowing you to place the car with uncanny accuracy. On aggressively cambered corners and undulating ribbons of asphalt, the firmer suspension, while certainly more assertive, masterfully controls the RS5’s substantial mass. The usual body roll is dramatically minimized, resulting in a sensation of planted stability that instills confidence to push harder. This is where the Audi RS5 Competition truly shines, transforming a capable car into an exhilarating one.
Beyond the purely dynamic improvements, the Competition package also introduces a welcome reduction in the RS5’s characteristic sound insulation. While some might lament the increased intrusion of road and tire noise, I see it as a vital enhancement for a car striving for heightened driver engagement. The sonorous V6, no longer artificially amplified through speakers, now delivers its authentic, throaty growl directly to your senses. The aggressive bark on upshifts, the deep rumble on the overrun – these are the auditory cues that connect a driver to their machine, fostering a sense of occasion that was previously muted. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about the symphony of mechanical exertion.
One might logically assume that such a significant tightening of the chassis and suspension would come at the expense of everyday usability, especially in a segment often balancing performance with practicality. However, the genius of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition lies in its ability to retain a remarkable degree of comfort. This speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the base RS5, but it also highlights how adeptly the Competition package integrates its enhancements. The ride, while firmer and approximately 0.39 inches lower, remains remarkably compliant for daily commuting. It strikes an almost uncanny equilibrium between track-day capability and Sunday-drive serenity, a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess in crafting a truly versatile performance coupe.
The aesthetic enhancements, while perhaps less dramatic than the mechanical and dynamic overhauls, subtly underscore the Competition’s enhanced persona. The carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, available as options on the standard RS5, are standard here, adding a touch of aggressive visual flair. The gloss black badging and trim provide a sophisticated contrast, and the striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only complement the car’s sculpted lines but also offer a commanding view of the massive, optional carbon-ceramic brakes – a crucial component for sustained high-performance driving. Inside, the cabin is adorned with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats featuring a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern. These seats not only look spectacular but also provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, thanks to their inflatable bolsters. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon-fiber trim complete the performance-oriented interior, offering a tactile and visually appealing environment. While some might desire more overt visual differentiation, I find the understated elegance to be perfectly in keeping with Audi’s brand identity. It’s a subtle nod to the enhanced performance, rather than an ostentatious display.
The powertrain, as mentioned, remains the same potent 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, producing 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While this might appear less potent on paper than some direct competitors, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, its real-world acceleration is utterly compelling. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a rapid 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a significant increase over the standard RS5 and even models equipped with lesser performance packages. This elevated top-end capability, coupled with the chassis enhancements, makes the RS5 Competition a formidable force on both winding roads and more open stretches.
The pairing of the RS5 Competition’s revised suspension and steering with the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires creates a synergy that is truly remarkable. The transmission’s swift, decisive shifts complement the engine’s torque delivery, allowing you to exploit the available power exiting corners with confidence. The mid-corner grip is tenacious, inspiring the driver to maintain momentum and extract the maximum from the chassis. This newfound communication between the driver, the car, and the road is the essence of what makes this the best RS5 to date. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just convey speed; it allows you to feel every nuance of its prodigious performance.
Considering the $16,100 price tag for the Competition package, it’s natural to scrutinize the value proposition. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at a respectable $78,995, including destination. My test vehicle, however, equipped with the Competition package, the optional RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and the navigation package ($1,500), tipped the scales at a substantial $100,565. This places the RS5 Competition firmly in premium territory, a price point that demands significant justification. However, when you consider the depth of the engineering changes, the significant enhancement in driving dynamics, and the inclusion of high-performance components like the carbon-ceramic brakes, the cost begins to make sense, especially when compared to similarly equipped rivals from BMW and the anticipated pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63. Audi is asking a premium sum, but for the first time in the RS5’s life, its exhilarating driving experience justifies the investment.
The question that lingers, and it’s a valid one, concerns the age of the second-generation RS5 platform. Having been in production since the 2017 model year, the underlying architecture is well-established. While the Competition package injects a considerable dose of contemporary performance and engagement, the exterior and interior design, though still elegant and timeless, don’t possess the fresh-faced appeal of newer rivals. Will this late-life enhancement be enough to persuade buyers to opt for the RS5 Competition over a newer, albeit potentially less dynamically focused, competitor? It’s a compelling dilemma. The RS5 Competition is a remarkable achievement, a car that finally delivers on the promise of an engaging driving experience, but its market appeal will undoubtedly be influenced by the perception of its evolutionary stage.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is not merely an incremental update; it’s a fundamental reimagining of what this potent grand tourer can be. It’s the car many enthusiasts, myself included, have wished the RS5 had been all along: a symphony of speed, agility, and driver immersion. It manages to retain the practical comforts of its predecessor while adding a layer of dynamic sophistication that elevates it into the realm of truly desirable performance coupes. If you’re in the market for a sophisticated, powerful, and now, genuinely thrilling sports coupe that excels in both daily driving and spirited excursions, the Audi RS5 Competition demands your serious consideration.
To truly grasp the transformative effect of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, experiencing it firsthand is essential. We invite you to connect with your local Audi dealership to schedule a test drive and immerse yourself in the pinnacle of RS5 driving dynamics. Discover the difference that a decade of automotive expertise, infused with a renewed focus on driver engagement, can make.
