The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Masterclass in Tuned Performance and Driver Connection
For over a decade, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of evaluating performance vehicles, witnessing firsthand the evolution of automotive engineering. Throughout my career, I’ve seen cars that possess immense capability, capable of staggering feats of speed and acceleration, yet somehow fall short of truly igniting the driver’s spirit. The Audi RS5, for much of its existence, has embodied this phenomenon. It’s always been a remarkably swift machine, easily outmaneuvering rivals at a significantly higher price point, but this formidable performance often felt delivered with a detached efficiency, a sensation more akin to operating a highly advanced piece of technology than wrestling with a raw, visceral sports car. This year, however, marks a significant turning point. The introduction of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package, a meticulously curated collection of enhancements, finally bridges the gap between formidable pace and pure driving exhilaration.
This isn’t merely an aesthetic facelift or a minor power bump. The Audi RS5 Competition represents a fundamental re-evaluation of the RS5’s core identity. At its heart, it retains the potent 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, a powerplant that, while not necessarily the most powerful on paper, delivers its substantial 442 pound-feet of torque with impressive urgency. The true magic lies in the $16,100 Competition package, a significant investment that unlocks the RS5’s latent potential. This package introduces a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefier anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering rack for a more direct response, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system. These aren’t superficial tweaks; they are foundational changes aimed at
transforming the RS5 from a swift cruiser into a genuinely engaging sports coupe, proving that even established models can be revitalized with a sharp focus on driver immersion.
The impact of these enhancements is palpable from the moment you engage the steering wheel. The Audi RS5 Competition immediately feels more alive, more connected to the asphalt beneath. The aggressively tuned suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s substantial mass, which tips the scales at just over 3,900 pounds. This sophisticated chassis tuning allows for near-instantaneous changes in direction, banishing unwanted body roll and instilling a confidence that encourages bolder inputs. The quicker steering, a key component of the Audi RS5 Competition experience, translates driver intention to the road with a precision that was previously aspirational for the RS5. While it might not offer the hyper-detailed feedback of a dedicated track weapon, the newfound directness is a revelation, allowing the driver to precisely gauge tire adhesion and weight transfer.
This enhanced chassis prowess is further amplified by the marriage of sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination allows the Audi RS5 Competition to harness its prodigious power with newfound authority, especially when exiting corners. The grip levels are exceptional, and the ability to seamlessly deploy all 444 horsepower without upsetting the car’s balance is a testament to the comprehensive engineering effort. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable performer, the Competition’s firmer chassis is far more communicative, allowing the driver to not only witness its impressive velocity but to truly feel it, to become an integral part of the driving dynamic. For enthusiasts seeking a truly engaging Audi RS5 Coupe, this package is indispensable.
One of the most pleasant surprises is that the Audi RS5 Competition manages to achieve this heightened level of driver engagement without sacrificing an unacceptable degree of daily usability. In fact, one could argue it refines the RS5’s inherent duality. The base RS5, in its pursuit of refinement, often felt a touch too placid, almost apologetic for its performance credentials. The Competition package, with its 0.39-inch lower ride height and stiffer springs, strikes a remarkably effective balance. It transforms the RS5 into a thoroughly competent weekend sports car that doesn’t punish its occupants during the Monday-to-Friday commute. This sophisticated compromise is a hallmark of true performance engineering.
Another welcome alteration is the reduction in sound deadening within the Audi RS5 Competition. This decision perfectly complements the inclusion of the RS sports exhaust, which barks and crackles with an infectious enthusiasm. While this does mean more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, for a car designed to stir the soul, a degree of acoustic rawness is not only acceptable but desirable. Gone are the days when Audi felt compelled to artificially pump engine notes through the speakers. Now, the guttural V6 soundtrack, punctuated by sharp, explosive upshifts, is a genuine and thrilling companion to the driving experience. The ability to modulate this auditory intensity through the various drive modes adds another layer of personalization, allowing drivers to tailor the RS5’s character to their mood or surroundings. This refined aural engagement is a significant upgrade for any Audi RS5 enthusiast.
The interior enhancements within the Audi RS5 Competition are equally noteworthy, focusing on both aesthetics and function. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example. They feature a striking hexagonal stitching pattern, reminiscent of high-end Italian exotica, complemented by gloss-black accents and embroidered backrests. Crucially, these seats offer excellent lateral support, a necessity when exploiting the car’s enhanced cornering capabilities, while still providing ample comfort for longer journeys. The steering wheel, headliner, and carbon-fiber trim are all finished in Alcantara, lending a tactile and upscale ambiance. Unlike some rivals that opt for overly glossy finishes, Audi’s use of matte carbon fiber here allows the material to blend seamlessly into the dark, sophisticated cabin, exuding an understated elegance.
Visually, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than revolutionary. The package essentially bundles desirable options such as the carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously available separately, with gloss-black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a stylish addition that perfectly complements the car’s proportions, while also showcasing the impressive carbon-ceramic brake discs. However, this is perhaps an area where Audi could have pushed the envelope further to visually distinguish this significantly enhanced model.
Despite its age, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to possess an enduring elegance. Since its introduction in the 2017 model year, its design language has aged remarkably well, maintaining a contemporary and sophisticated presence. While it may not possess the aggressive visual fanfare of some of its German counterparts, it undeniably stands as the most gracefully sculpted option in its segment. For those who appreciate understated performance, the Audi RS5 price represents a commitment to timeless design.
The lingering question surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. The introduction of such a potent driver-focused package so late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle does raise an eyebrow. Will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to lure buyers towards a model that, visually, has remained largely unchanged since its inception? The value proposition of the Competition package is undeniable, offering a substantial uplift in performance and engagement for its considerable $16,100 price tag. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, including destination, starts at $78,995. My test vehicle, equipped with the Competition package, optional driver assistance and navigation systems, pushed the total closer to $100,565.
This six-figure sum for an A5-based Audi might initially seem steep, but it aligns remarkably well with comparable offerings from rivals. A fully loaded BMW M4 occupies a similar price bracket, and while official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it is widely anticipated to compete at or above this level. Therefore, the Audi RS5 cost demands a premium, but crucially, its dramatically enhanced driving dynamics now justify that expenditure. For buyers considering a high-performance luxury sports coupe, the RS5 Competition offers a compelling blend of power, handling, and refined German engineering.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is precisely the car I have long hoped the RS5 would be. It is a potent, agile, and deeply engaging machine that finally marries the base car’s formidable straight-line speed with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Despite its more aggressive chassis tuning, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort and practicality. And with its judicious reduction in sound deadening, occupants can finally savor the RS5’s glorious V6 symphony without artificial augmentation. In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable challenger to the established order, particularly the excellent BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age does cast a shadow. While these latest enhancements finally elevate the RS5 from a mere straight-line missile to a genuinely thrilling driver’s instrument, the ultimate question remains: will automotive enthusiasts embrace this late-blooming brilliance, or has the opportune moment passed?
If you’re seeking an Audi RS5 for sale and crave an unparalleled driving experience, now is the time to explore the transformative power of the Competition package. Contact your local Audi dealer to schedule a test drive and feel the difference for yourself.
