The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driver’s Machine
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the automotive landscape. It’s undeniably a performance powerhouse, a machine capable of generating astonishing speeds and cornering G-forces that would humble many dedicated sports cars, all while remaining remarkably composed. Yet, for many enthusiasts, this inherent capability often felt somewhat detached, a testament to Audi’s renowned refinement and technological prowess, but not necessarily a recipe for unadulterated driving exhilaration. The RS5, in its prior iterations, was a master of effortless velocity, but it rarely demanded active participation from its pilot, leaving a subtle yearning for a more visceral connection.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a standalone model in the traditional sense, but rather the embodiment of what happens when Audi strategically applies its high-performance expertise through the optional Competition package – a significant enhancement that elevates the RS5 Coupe, and by extension, the entire RS5 lineage, to a new echelon of driver engagement. This focused approach, reminiscent of the meticulous engineering found in premium German performance vehicles, takes an already potent 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and meticulously calibrates the chassis, steering, and exhaust to transform the RS5 from a sophisticated speed machine into a truly compelling driver’s instrument.
The philosophy behind the Competition package is clear: to amplify the driver’s connection to the road without sacrificing the RS5’s inherent strengths. This translates into a suite of hardware upgrades: a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust note. The result is a vehicle that not only remains incredibly stable and agile at elevated speeds but also actively communicates its intentions and the road surface beneath it, allowing the driver to truly feel the car’s immense capabilities. Six years into its second generation, this Audi RS5 has finally achieved its ultimate potential, a testament to focused engineering and a deep understanding of what truly makes a performance car special.
A Deep Dive into the Competition Package: Value and Substance
For an investment of $16,100, the Competition package injects a significant dose of performance hardware and aesthetic enhancements into the RS5. The sheer breadth of these additions is impressive. The package includes a set of potent carbon-ceramic brakes, offering superior stopping power and fade resistance, crucial for spirited driving. The aforementioned manually adjustable coilover suspension and sport sway bars are the lynchpins of the chassis’s transformation, providing a firmer, more controlled ride. And the RS sport exhaust system is a welcome addition, promising aural thrills to match the mechanical prowess.
Visually, the Competition package adds subtle yet impactful touches. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser contribute to aerodynamic efficiency and impart a more aggressive stance. The striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only look the part but also provide an unobstructed view of those impressive carbon-ceramic rotors. Inside, the cabin receives a significant upgrade with Nappa leather and Alcantara-trimmed sport seats designed to provide exceptional support during dynamic driving. The Alcantara steering wheel and carbon fiber interior trim complete the performance-oriented ambiance. While the package’s price tag is substantial, the sheer volume and quality of the included components underscore its significant value proposition, offering a tangible return on investment for the discerning performance enthusiast.
Power, Pace, and the Unchanged Heartbeat
It’s crucial to note that the Competition package doesn’t alter the RS5’s core powertrain. The heart of the beast remains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, churning out a robust 444 horsepower and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might fall short of the stratospheric outputs found in some direct competitors, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than adequate to deliver a driving experience that feels every bit as rapid in the real world. The 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at a blistering 3.8 seconds, a testament to the car’s effective traction and powertrain delivery.
However, where the Competition package truly shines is in its impact on the car’s top speed and overall performance envelope. The RS5 equipped with this package boasts an electronically limited top speed of 180 mph, a full 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and an impressive six mph beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This elevated top-end capability, coupled with the chassis enhancements, creates a more complete and exhilarating high-speed experience.
The Backroad Ballet: Where the RS5 Competition Comes Alive
The true magic of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition unfolds the moment you steer it towards a winding stretch of asphalt. From the initial turn of the wheel, the transformation is palpable. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. Body roll is virtually eliminated, and the car responds to steering inputs with an immediacy and precision that was previously absent. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio, which, while not necessarily overflowing with granular road feedback, offers a more direct and decisive connection to the front wheels.
This improved chassis dynamics are perfectly complemented by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, which provide tenacious grip, and the expertly tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This formidable combination allows the RS5 Competition to devour corners with confidence, exhibiting impressive mid-corner stability and the ability to effectively deploy its considerable power as you rocket out of bends. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition package’s firmer, more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only witness but also feel the car’s astonishing pace. This is where the true essence of driver engagement is unlocked.
Daily Drivability: The Uncompromised Commuter
A common concern with performance-oriented upgrades is the potential sacrifice in daily comfort and usability. However, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition manages to defy this expectation, and paradoxically, it speaks volumes about the inherent balance of the standard RS5. The base car, in its pursuit of ultimate refinement, sometimes felt almost too comfortable and insulated for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, with its stiffer chassis and more focused setup, strikes an exquisite balance.
Despite the firmer suspension, which is now 0.39 inches lower, the RS5 Competition remains remarkably compliant for everyday commuting. It retains the inherent civility of its luxury sedan roots, making it a perfectly suitable companion for the daily grind. This dual personality – a razor-sharp track-day weapon that effortlessly transforms into a comfortable and composed daily driver – is a remarkable achievement, showcasing Audi’s ability to engineer a car that excels in diverse scenarios.
The Symphony of Sound: Unleashing the V6’s Voice
One of the most delightful upgrades introduced by the Competition package is the significant reduction in cabin sound deadening, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the addition of the RS sport exhaust. While this does mean you’ll hear more of the road and tire noise, it’s a trade-off that performance car aficionados will readily embrace. A truly thrilling sports car should engage all the senses, and a hushed cabin detracts from that experience.
Gone are the days when Audi resorted to artificially piping engine noise into the cabin. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely throaty and visceral V6 soundtrack, complete with explosive upshifts that punctuate enthusiastic acceleration. The beauty of this system lies in its adaptability; drivers can choose to amplify or quiet the auditory experience through the various drive modes, allowing for a more civilized commute or a full-blown sensory immersion when the mood strikes. This is authentic, unfiltered performance acoustics at their finest.
An Interior Designed for the Driver
The Competition package thoughtfully enhances the RS5’s interior, creating a cockpit that is both luxurious and performance-focused. The sport seats, upholstered in a blend of Nappa leather and Dinamica, are a standout feature. Their design, reminiscent of a Lamborghini’s hexagonal stitching, is not just for aesthetics; the prominent, inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, ensuring you remain planted during aggressive cornering. Yet, they also offer ample comfort for longer journeys.
The inclusion of an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim further elevates the cabin’s sporting character. Unlike the often glossy and reflective finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated, matte finish for its carbon fiber accents. This subtle approach allows the lightweight material to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior, exuding an air of refined performance rather than overt flashiness.
Exterior Touches: Subtle Yet Potent
Visually, the changes brought by the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition are more about refinement than radical transformation. The package essentially consolidates elements that were previously available as standalone options, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim for a more cohesive and aggressive look. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a perfect complement to the car’s athletic proportions, artfully showcasing the massive carbon-ceramic brakes behind them.
While these visual enhancements are undeniably attractive, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed the envelope further to more distinctly differentiate the Competition model, especially considering the current generation’s age. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the second-generation RS5’s design has aged exceptionally well. Introduced in 2017, its elegant and timeless lines continue to exude a sense of modern sophistication. While it may not possess the overtly flamboyant or attention-grabbing styling of some German rivals, the RS5 remains, in its own right, one of the most aesthetically pleasing options in its segment.
The Age Factor: A Late Bloom in a Competitive Arena
The primary point of contemplation surrounding the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. The addition of the Competition package represents a significant and highly commendable enhancement to the car’s driving dynamics. However, this pivotal update arrives quite late in the lifecycle of the second-generation RS5. This raises a pertinent question: will a substantially improved driving experience, delivered via an optional package, be enough to sway prospective buyers towards a model that, from a design perspective, remains largely unchanged from its 2017 debut?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial in price, undeniably adds considerable value. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe has a starting MSRP of $78,995, including destination fees. My generously optioned test vehicle, featuring the Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at $100,565.
While a six-figure Audi A5-based vehicle might initially seem like a significant investment, its pricing aligns squarely with that of a comparably equipped BMW M4 Competition. Although the pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains undisclosed, it is highly probable that it will also command a similar, if not higher, premium. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 does ask for a premium sum, it finally feels justified by a genuinely engaging and exhilarating driving experience.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Car, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, quite simply, the car that many enthusiasts, myself included, had always wished the RS5 would be. It is blisteringly fast, remarkably agile, and, most importantly, profoundly engaging. It seamlessly blends the raw speed of the standard RS5 with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Remarkably, this heightened performance comes without a significant compromise in daily comfort or usability, thanks to the judicious tuning of its firmer chassis. And with the reduction in sound deadening, you can finally revel in the RS5’s glorious V6 symphony without relying on artificial enhancements.
Viewed in isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a compelling rival to the exceptionally talented BMW M4. However, the car’s age cannot be entirely overlooked. Despite the Competition package’s success in transforming the RS5 into not just a quick car, but a truly rewarding driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond to this late-stage evolution, or has the window of opportunity passed?
For those seeking a high-performance coupe that masterfully balances exhilarating dynamics with everyday practicality and sophisticated styling, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition presents an undeniably compelling, and now truly engaging, proposition. Explore the RS5 Competition today and discover the pinnacle of Audi’s performance engineering.
