Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in an Engaging Driving Machine
For a significant portion of the last decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied an interesting, if slightly peculiar, niche within the high-performance German automotive landscape. It has consistently been a car of immense capability, boasting formidable power and unflappable stability. Yet, for many seasoned drivers, that capability often felt like it was being delivered to them, rather than being a direct consequence of their input. The underlying message was clear: while the RS5 was undoubtedly swift, it often felt more like a sophisticated instrument of speed than a true partner in exhilaration. This dynamic, however, began to shift dramatically with the introduction of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package. This isn’t merely an aesthetic dress-up; it represents a fundamental re-evaluation of the RS5’s raison d’être, transforming it from a supremely fast grand tourer into a genuinely driver-focused performance coupe.
With over ten years immersed in the automotive industry, observing the evolution of vehicles like the Audi RS5 has been a fascinating journey. The pursuit of performance often falls into a duality: the outright numerical superiority versus the visceral, tactile feedback that truly connects a driver to the road. While Audi has always excelled at the former – think of their quattro all-wheel-drive systems and impeccably engineered powertrains – the latter has sometimes been a less pronounced characteristic. The RS5 Competition, however, marks a deliberate pivot, an effort to inject a palpable sense of engagement that elevates the driving experience beyond mere acceleration figures and lap times. It’s about making the driver feel like they are an integral part of the car’s dynamic equation, not just an occupant being rapidly transported.
Unpacking the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Package: A Deep Dive into Performance Enhancements
The heart of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition’s transformation lies within its aptly named Competition package. This isn’t a light sprinkling of performance bits; it’s a comprehensive suite of upgrades designed to imbue the RS5 with a more aggressive and responsive character. Priced at a significant $16,100, this option is not for the faint of heart, nor for those seeking superficial enhancements. It is a serious investment in sharpening the car’s dynamics.
Central to the package is a significantly revised suspension system. Gone is the comfort-oriented setup of the standard RS5. In its place, we find manually adjustable coilover suspension and beefier sport sway bars. This is not a subtle change; it results in a noticeably firmer ride, a characteristic that immediately signals the car’s intent. The body roll, which was present, albeit controlled, in the standard RS5, is dramatically reduced. This allows the car to transition from braking into a corner to accelerating out of it with an almost unsettling directness. The chassis feels more unified, more determined to resist unwanted lateral movement, thereby enhancing stability and predictability.
Complementing the suspension upgrades is a recalibrated steering system. While Audi has historically provided precise steering, the Competition package tightens the rack ratio, making the steering quicker. This means less input is required at the wheel to achieve a desired change in direction. While some might lament a slight reduction in outright steering feel compared to some purer sports cars, the increased responsiveness is undeniable. It allows for more immediate corrections and a greater sense of control when navigating challenging road sections. The combination of a stiffer chassis and quicker steering translates to an Audi RS5 Competition that is far more eager to change direction, making it a more compelling proposition on winding roads.
Furthermore, the Competition package includes substantial brake upgrades. The inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes, a technology usually reserved for the most extreme performance vehicles, offers superior stopping power and fade resistance, crucial for spirited driving. This not only enhances safety but also instills confidence, allowing drivers to brake later and harder, further exploring the car’s dynamic envelope. The RS5 Competition price reflects the extensive nature of these enhancements, positioning it as a serious contender for those prioritizing track-day capability and spirited road driving.
Power and Performance: Familiar Engine, Elevated Delivery
While the Audi RS5 Competition package focuses on chassis and handling prowess, it’s important to note that the powertrain remains largely unchanged from the standard RS5. The familiar 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine continues to produce a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. In isolation, these figures might seem modest when compared to some of the headline-grabbing power outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63. However, it’s crucial to remember that raw horsepower is only one piece of the performance puzzle.
The beauty of the RS5’s V6 lies in its broad torque curve and the seamless integration with Audi’s renowned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This transmission has been specifically tuned for the Competition package, ensuring crisp and immediate shifts that complement the sharper chassis dynamics. When exiting a corner, the RS5 Competition can effectively put its power down, propelling the car forward with impressive urgency. The car’s 0-60 mph sprint remains a potent 3.8 seconds, a testament to its all-wheel-drive traction.
However, the most significant performance metric that sees a substantial increase is the top speed. With the Competition package, the RS5’s electronically limited top speed is raised to an impressive 180 mph, a full 25 mph over the standard model. This enhancement is a clear indicator of Audi’s intention to position the RS5 Competition as a more track-capable machine, where sustained high-speed stability is paramount. This elevated top speed, combined with the improved handling, creates a more cohesive and exhilarating performance package. For enthusiasts seeking performance coupes with all-wheel drive, the RS5 Competition offers a compelling blend of accessible power and dynamic sophistication.
The Driving Experience: Where Engagement Takes Center Stage
It is on the open road, particularly on a challenging, twisty backroad, that the true brilliance of the Audi RS5 Competition package shines through. From the moment you turn the wheel, there’s a palpable sense of connection. The firmer suspension, while initially noticeable, becomes an asset. It keeps the nearly 4,000-pound coupe remarkably composed, minimizing unwanted body movements and allowing for immediate changes in direction. This newfound agility is a direct result of the synergistic interplay between the stiffer chassis, the upgraded sway bars, and the quicker steering.
The grip levels are extraordinary, thanks in large part to the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires that come standard with the Competition package. These performance-oriented tires, combined with the adaptive suspension and all-wheel-drive system, allow the RS5 to hug corners with tenacious grip. The car feels planted, reassuring the driver and encouraging them to push the limits. The improved feedback through the steering, though not overly talkative, provides enough information about the road surface to build confidence. You can feel the tires working, sense the subtle shifts in weight transfer, and make precise adjustments to maintain optimal line.
This level of driver engagement was something that, in my decade of reviewing performance cars, had been somewhat elusive in previous RS5 iterations. While undeniably fast, they often felt a little detached, as if the car was doing all the heavy lifting. The RS5 Competition, however, changes that narrative. It invites the driver to participate, to feel the car respond to their inputs, and to truly appreciate the engineering that has gone into its dynamic refinement. The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition price positions it as a serious performance investment, and the driving experience it delivers justifies that premium for those who value dynamic interaction.
Comfort and Usability: A Surprisingly Harmonious Blend
A common concern with performance-oriented upgrades is the inevitable compromise in daily comfort and usability. However, Audi has managed a remarkable feat with the RS5 Competition. Despite the noticeably firmer suspension, the car retains a commendable level of composure for everyday driving. This isn’t to say it’s as plush as a standard RS5; the road surface imperfections are more readily felt. However, it remains entirely manageable for daily commuting.
In fact, one could argue that the standard RS5, in its quest for refinement, had perhaps veered too far into luxury sedan territory for a car bearing the RS badge. The Competition package rectifies this by striking a more balanced equilibrium. It’s a car that can be driven enthusiastically on a weekend blast and then competently serve as a comfortable daily driver on Monday. This duality is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess and their understanding of the modern performance car buyer’s needs. For those considering performance car lease deals, the RS5 Competition offers a potent blend of excitement and practicality.
The Sound of Performance: A Welcome Departure from Artificiality
Another significant, and highly welcome, change brought about by the Competition package is the audio experience. Audi has historically been criticized for pumping artificial engine sounds through the speakers to compensate for a lack of natural V6 acoustics. The RS5 Competition, however, embraces a more authentic approach.
The package includes a sportier RS exhaust system, which, combined with reduced sound deadening in the cabin, allows the glorious V6 engine note to be heard more directly. The result is a more visceral and engaging auditory experience. You’ll hear more of the turbochargers spooling, the subtle mechanical symphony of the engine, and, most importantly, the satisfyingly aggressive exhaust note, complete with pops and crackles on the overrun. This increased noise intrusion is precisely what many enthusiasts crave in a performance car. It enhances the sense of occasion and makes every drive more thrilling. The ability to adjust the exhaust note through different drive modes provides a welcome degree of versatility, allowing for quieter cruising or full-blown sonic assault. This focus on authentic sound further elevates the driver engagement of the Audi RS5 Competition.
Interior Refinements: A Blend of Luxury and Sportiness
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives its own set of upgrades, further enhancing its sporting credentials while maintaining Audi’s signature blend of luxury and technology. The seats, upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica, are a visual and tactile treat. They feature a striking hexagonal stitching pattern, reminiscent of high-end Italian sports cars, and offer excellent lateral support thanks to their generously bolstered sides. These seats are not just about aesthetics; they are designed to keep the driver and passenger secure during spirited driving.
The steering wheel, headliner, and various trim pieces are wrapped in Alcantara and accented with carbon fiber. Unlike the glossy, mirror-like finishes often found in competitors, Audi opts for a more subdued, matte finish on the carbon fiber. This approach lends a more sophisticated and understated elegance to the cabin, preventing it from feeling overly gaudy. The overall impression is one of refined sportiness, a space that feels both luxurious and purposeful.
Exterior Evolution: Subtle Yet Significant
Visually, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than they are dramatic. This is not a radical redesign, but rather an enhancement of the existing, highly attractive RS5 silhouette. The Competition package incorporates elements like a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional. It also features gloss black badging and trim, adding a touch of visual aggression.
The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a standout feature, perfectly complementing the car’s proportions and providing an excellent view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While some might desire more overt visual distinctions, Audi’s approach here is one of elegant restraint. The RS5 has always been a car that exudes understated power, and the Competition package adheres to that philosophy, refining rather than reinventing its appearance. This subtlety can be a deliberate choice for buyers who prefer a more discreet performance statement, distinguishing it from some of the more flamboyant rivals on the market.
The Age Factor: A Well-Timed Evolution?
One of the most significant aspects to consider regarding the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is its timing within the second generation of the RS5’s lifecycle. Having been on sale since 2017, the core design of the car is now several years old. While Audi has done an admirable job of keeping it looking contemporary, it inevitably faces the challenge of appearing alongside newer, more technologically advanced competitors.
The introduction of the Competition package, however, is a strategic move to inject new life and relevance into the model. It demonstrates Audi’s commitment to refining the driving experience, even as the car approaches the twilight of its current generation. The question, of course, remains: is a significantly improved driving experience enough to capture the attention of buyers in a rapidly evolving market, or has the car’s age become too significant a hurdle? The Audi RS5 Competition reviews consistently highlight the dramatic improvement in engagement, but the market’s response will ultimately be the deciding factor.
Pricing and Value Proposition: A Premium Proposition
The Audi RS5 Competition price reflects its positioning as a premium performance vehicle. The base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at $78,995, including destination fees. However, the Competition package, at $16,100, represents a substantial increase. When factored in with other desirable options, such as the RS driver assistance package and a navigation system, the as-tested price can easily push into six figures, as demonstrated by a $100,565 example.
While this might seem like a significant outlay for a car based on the A5 platform, it’s essential to consider the competitive landscape. A similarly equipped BMW M4 Competition can command comparable figures. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it is widely expected to fall within a similar, if not higher, price bracket. Therefore, the RS5 Competition, despite its premium price, offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a potent combination of performance, luxury, and sophisticated design. The best Audi RS5 models are often those that embrace their performance heritage, and the Competition package certainly achieves this.
Conclusion: A New Era of RS5 Engagement
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, quite simply, the car that many performance enthusiasts had wished the RS5 had been all along. It is a vehicle that has finally bridged the gap between immense speed and genuine driver exhilaration. The firmer chassis, quicker steering, and enhanced feedback create a driving experience that is deeply engaging and rewarding. It’s a car that allows you to feel connected to the road and truly appreciate its formidable capabilities.
While it has shed some of its previous isolation, it hasn’t sacrificed its daily usability or comfort to an uncomfortable degree. The increased cabin noise, often a detractor in other vehicles, becomes a welcome enhancement here, allowing you to savor the V6’s authentic and thrilling soundtrack. In isolation, the RS5 Competition stands as a formidable rival to established benchmarks like the BMW M4.
However, the lingering question of the car’s age within its generation cannot be entirely dismissed. Despite the significant advancements brought by the Competition package, the fundamental platform remains a few years old. The true measure of its success will be how effectively it resonates with buyers who are increasingly drawn to the latest technological innovations. Nevertheless, for those who prioritize a dynamic, engaging, and utterly captivating driving experience, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents a triumph of focused engineering.
If you’ve been captivated by the promise of an Audi RS5 but have found previous generations wanting in the realm of driver connection, now is the time to experience the Competition package. Visit your local Audi dealer for a test drive and discover firsthand how this meticulously engineered machine can redefine your expectations of what an Audi RS car can be.
