The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Driver’s Machine
For a decade, the automotive landscape has witnessed a peculiar phenomenon: performance cars that are so capable, so effortless in their speed, that they risk becoming detached from the very joy of driving. The Audi RS5, in its various iterations, has often found itself in this paradoxical position. It’s undeniably potent, capable of astonishing feats of acceleration and cornering prowess that easily rivaling pricier, more exotic machinery. Yet, for many enthusiasts, this immense velocity has historically been delivered with a degree of clinical precision, a refined detachment that, while impressive, doesn’t always translate into palpable excitement. But for 2023, Audi has introduced a crucial evolution: the Audi RS5 Competition package, a focused intervention designed to fundamentally re-engineer the driver’s connection to this formidable machine.
This isn’t merely an appearance package; the Audi RS5 Competition represents a significant recalibration of the existing RS5 formula. At its core, it leverages the same formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine that propels the standard RS5. However, the magic truly lies in the $16,100 Competition package. This comprehensive suite of upgrades fundamentally alters the car’s dynamic character. It introduces manually adjustable coilover
suspension, beefier sway bars for enhanced roll control, a significantly quicker steering ratio, and a more vocal, assertive exhaust note. The result is an Audi RS5 Competition that isn’t just faster, but demonstrably more engaging and communicative, finally elevating it to the apex of the second-generation RS5’s lineage. After six years on the market, this powerful Audi coupe finally feels like it’s truly in its element, designed not just for speed, but for the visceral thrill of the drive itself.
More Than Just A Package: A Symphony of Dynamic Enhancements
The $16,100 sticker price for the Competition package might seem substantial at first glance, but a closer examination reveals a wealth of performance-oriented hardware that justifies the investment. The package includes a set of high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a testament to Audi’s commitment to track-ready capability. The heart of the dynamic transformation lies in the manually adjustable coilover suspension and sport-tuned sway bars. These components work in concert to dramatically reduce body roll and enhance stability, particularly when pushed to its limits. Complementing these is a more direct steering rack, sharpening the car’s responses to driver inputs.
Beyond the mechanical upgrades, the Competition package also brings a suite of aesthetic enhancements that hint at the car’s enhanced performance. These include a striking carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, contributing to improved aerodynamics and a more aggressive visual stance. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only look the part but also provide a clear view of the substantial carbon-ceramic stoppers within. Inside, the cabin receives a welcome dose of sportiness with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, offering exceptional support during spirited driving. An Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel further enhances the tactile connection between driver and machine. While this comprehensive list doesn’t encompass every single addition, it clearly illustrates that the Audi RS5 Competition package delivers substantial value for its cost, transforming the already potent RS5 into a truly driver-focused machine.
Unchanged Heart, Amplified Spirit
Crucially, the addition of the Competition package leaves the RS5’s formidable powertrain untouched. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might appear modest when stacked against the often higher outputs of direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the now-superseded Mercedes-AMG C63 S, they are more than sufficient to make the Audi RS5 Competition feel every bit as rapid in real-world driving scenarios. Its 0-to-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a figure that still impresses. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, a blistering 180 mph – a significant increase of 25 mph over the standard RS5 and 6 mph over a model equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This elevated top-end capability underscores the package’s intent: to make the RS5 not just quick, but also dynamically superior across a wider spectrum of performance driving.
The Twisties Reveal the Truth: A New Era of Engagement
It is on a winding, challenging road where the true impact of the Audi RS5 Competition package becomes undeniably apparent. From the very first turn of the wheel, the transformation is palpable. The recalibrated suspension, while noticeably firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s substantial 3,900-pound mass. The car dives into corners with an immediacy and precision previously unheard of, exhibiting an astonishing lack of unwanted body motion. This newfound agility is a direct result of the quicker steering ratio, which, while perhaps not offering the most granular road feel, provides a sharp and decisive connection to the front tires.
The Audi RS5 Competition pairs its enhanced chassis dynamics with exceptionally sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This cohesive combination allows the car to exploit its suspension improvements to the fullest. The result is a level of mid-corner grip that inspires confidence, enabling drivers to apply power early and decisively as they exit bends. While the standard RS5 is an undoubtedly capable performer, the Competition’s firmer chassis provides a level of feedback that allows the driver to truly feel the car’s immense capabilities. This is no longer just about observing the speedometer; it’s about experiencing the forces at play, forging a genuine connection with the road and the machine. This enhanced communication is what truly sets the Audi RS5 Competition apart.
Balancing the Scales: Performance Without Compromise
One of the most impressive aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is its ability to enhance performance without sacrificing everyday usability. Despite its firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the car retains a surprising degree of composure during daily commutes. This is perhaps less a testament to the Competition package itself and more a reflection of how the standard RS5, in its pursuit of refinement, sometimes felt a touch too soft for a car bearing the RS badge. The Audi RS5 Competition strikes an elegant equilibrium, serving as a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend exhilaration and a comfortable, compliant commuter during the week. This duality is a hallmark of truly exceptional performance vehicles, and the RS5, particularly in its Competition guise, finally achieves it.
The Competition package also introduces a welcome reduction in sound deadening, a deliberate decision that perfectly complements the addition of the aggressive RS sport exhaust system. While this means more road and tire noise filters into the cabin, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will likely embrace. A true sports car shouldn’t be silent; it should communicate its intentions, and the RS5 now does so with a throaty V6 growl. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin. The Audi RS5 Competition delivers a genuine, visceral soundtrack, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated to personal preference through the various drive modes. This auditory enhancement adds another significant layer to the overall driving experience, making every journey more engaging.
An Interior Designed for the Driver
The interior of the Audi RS5 Competition receives a distinctively sporty yet elegant treatment. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a standout feature, boasting a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered backrests. Crucially, these seats are not just about aesthetics; their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during aggressive driving, ensuring the driver remains planted, while also offering ample room for comfort on longer journeys.
The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim further enhance the cabin’s sporty ambiance. Unlike the often glossy and sometimes distracting finishes found in some rivals, Audi opts for a more understated, matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior. This attention to detail creates an environment that feels both purposeful and luxurious, further immersing the driver in the experience. The Audi RS5 Competition interior is a carefully curated space that prioritizes driver focus without sacrificing premium comfort.
Subtle Styling, Significant Substance
From a purely visual standpoint, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are subtle, bordering on understated. The package essentially bundles desirable carbon fiber elements, such as the front splitter and rear diffuser, with gloss black badging and trim that are often optional on the standard model. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and complement the car’s overall proportions, while also showcasing the impressive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these visual cues are undeniably attractive, Audi could have potentially pushed further to create a more distinct visual identity for this performance-oriented variant, especially considering the model’s age.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the second-generation Audi RS5, even as it approaches the end of its lifecycle, possesses a timeless elegance. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its design has aged remarkably well, appearing contemporary and sophisticated. While it may not possess the overt aggression of some of its German competitors, its clean lines and balanced proportions make it arguably the most aesthetically refined option in its class. The Audi RS5 Competition is a testament to enduring design principles, proving that elegance can indeed be sporty.
The Timing Dilemma: A Late Bloom?
The most significant point of contention surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. While the addition of the Competition package undeniably elevates the car’s driving dynamics to an exceptional level, it arrives quite late in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to attract buyers to a car that, in terms of its fundamental design, has been on the market since 2017? The lingering question is whether this late-stage refinement can overcome the inherent challenges of an aging platform in a rapidly evolving segment.
The substantial $16,100 cost of the Competition package, while justified by the hardware, further complicates this calculation. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination fees. A comprehensively optioned tester, including the Competition package, the optional driver assistance package, and the navigation package, can easily push the total price north of $100,000. This places the Audi RS5 Competition in a premium pricing bracket, demanding a significant financial commitment from buyers.
A Premium Proposition, Finally Justified
While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived Audi might initially seem steep, its pricing is firmly in line with competitors like a fully loaded BMW M4. While the U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is highly probable that it will compete at or above this price point. Therefore, the Audi RS5 Competition commands a premium sum, but for the first time, its exhilarating and engaging driving experience finally provides a compelling justification for that cost. It has moved beyond being merely a fast car to becoming a truly desirable driver’s machine, worthy of consideration by discerning enthusiasts.
The Verdict: The RS5 We Always Wanted
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car many enthusiasts wished the RS5 had been from the outset. It is a potent blend of blistering speed, razor-sharp agility, and profound driver engagement, finally achieving a level of immersion previously out of reach for the model. Despite its firmer chassis and sportier tuning, it remarkably retains much of its daily comfort and practicality. And with its enhanced exhaust note and reduced sound deadening, it offers a more authentic and thrilling auditory experience, eschewing artificial sound.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender, capable of challenging the likes of the excellent BMW M4. However, the inherent age of the platform cannot be ignored. While its latest updates have successfully transformed the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the ultimate question remains: will buyers respond to this late-stage evolution, or is the opportunity perhaps too late for this generation?
If you’re seeking a sophisticated grand tourer that can also deliver an intensely rewarding driving experience on demand, and you value an elegant design paired with thrilling performance, then the Audi RS5 Competition demands your serious consideration.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi RS5 performance? Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and discover the ultimate fusion of luxury, power, and driver engagement.
