The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Rekindling the Spark for the Discerning Driver
For enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of blistering performance and sophisticated design, the automotive landscape presents a fascinating dichotomy. For years, the Audi RS5, in both its sleek coupe and practical Sportback guises, has stood as a testament to this. It’s a car that could effortlessly eclipse the performance metrics of sports cars positioned significantly higher in the market, capable of devouring miles of asphalt with astonishing velocity. Yet, a persistent critique lingered: this prodigious speed often felt detached, a polished display rather than a visceral experience. The driver, while safely cocooned and propelled forward with remarkable efficiency, rarely felt truly involved in the drama unfolding beneath them.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition enters the narrative, not as a radical redesign, but as a meticulously honed evolution. It’s crucial to understand that the “Competition” designation is tied to a specific, and rather substantial, $16,100 package meticulously curated for the RS5 Coupe. This isn’t merely an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a profound recalibration of the car’s dynamic capabilities, transforming a supremely capable grand tourer into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine. After nearly a decade since its second generation’s debut, Audi has finally gifted the RS5 the performance pedigree its aggressive styling has always promised.
The heart of the beast remains the potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, a powerplant that continues to deliver a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not reach the stratospheric heights of some direct rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, the real-world efficacy of this powertrain is undeniable. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but where the Competition package truly distinguishes itself is in its elevated top speed. With a limiter now nudged to an impressive 180 mph, a significant leap from the standard RS5’s 155 mph ceiling, it boasts a clear advantage over even the Dynamic Plus package-equipped models. This increased capability isn’t just about bragging rights; it underscores the comprehensive enhancements made to the chassis and suspension, designed to confidently exploit higher velocities.
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds the moment you point its nose toward a winding stretch of road. The most striking change is the introduction of manually adjustable coilover suspension. This isn’t a subtle tweak; it’s a fundamental shift in the car’s mechanical character. The ride is undeniably firmer, a characteristic that might deter those seeking pure comfort. However, for the driver craving feedback, this increased rigidity is a revelation. It masterfully contains the RS5’s substantial curb weight, which hovers around 3,900 pounds, allowing for astonishingly immediate changes in direction. Body roll is dramatically minimized, transforming tight corners into opportunities for enthusiastic engagement rather than cautious navigation.
Complementing the recalibrated suspension is a significantly quicker steering ratio. While the feedback is not as granular as some purist sports cars might offer, the increased responsiveness is palpable. Each input is met with a more direct and immediate response from the front wheels, fostering a newfound sense of connection between the driver, the car, and the asphalt. This enhanced steering precision, coupled with the firmer chassis, translates directly into a more confident and exhilarating driving experience, particularly when pushing the limits on challenging B-roads.
Audi’s engineers have also fitted beefed-up sway bars to further quell unwanted body motions, working in concert with the aggressive Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. These ultra-high-performance tires provide exceptional grip, allowing the RS5 Competition to remain remarkably stable and planted even under heavy lateral G-forces. The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, already a competent unit, feels more attuned to the chassis’s newfound dynamism, delivering sharp, decisive shifts that keep the V6 in its sweet spot. The synergy between the suspension, steering, tires, and transmission creates a potent package that allows the driver to exploit every ounce of the car’s considerable power out of corners, feeling the immense grip and the seamless transfer of power. This is a significant departure from the more detached feel of the standard RS5, offering a palpable sense of the car’s capabilities.
Interestingly, despite the aggressive suspension tuning and the $16,100 price tag for the Competition package, the Audi RS5 Competition doesn’t entirely sacrifice daily usability. This observation, however, speaks volumes about the inherent comfort that was present in the base RS5, a characteristic that sometimes felt almost too refined for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package achieves a commendable equilibrium, offering a chassis that is undoubtedly track-ready for spirited weekend excursions but remains sufficiently compliant for the Monday-to-Friday commute. The slight drop in ride height, a mere 0.39 inches (10 mm), contributes to the sportier stance and improved center of gravity without rendering the car impractical for everyday driving.
One of the most welcome, and audibly significant, changes brought about by the Competition package is the reduction in sound deadening. In an effort to enhance driver immersion, Audi has dialed back the insulation, allowing more of the V6’s natural soundtrack to permeate the cabin. This decision is perfectly complemented by the inclusion of a raucous RS sports exhaust system. The result is a more visceral auditory experience, a departure from previous generations where artificial engine notes were sometimes piped through the audio system. Now, the V6 emits a genuine, throaty roar, punctuated by exhilarating pops and bangs on upshifts. Drivers can still modulate the intensity of this soundtrack through the various drive modes, offering a delightful compromise between aggressive performance and refined cruising. This heightened aural engagement is a crucial element in the Audi RS5 Competition’s quest for driver involvement, making every acceleration and gear change a more engaging event.
The interior of the Audi RS5 Competition receives a suite of subtle yet effective upgrades, reinforcing its performance-oriented character. The standard RS5’s Nappa leather seats are enhanced with Dinamica trim, a material renowned for its tactile appeal and grip. These sport seats feature a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, complemented by gloss-black side accents and embroidered RS logos. Their inflatable side bolsters are not just for show; they provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, ensuring occupants remain secure without feeling overly constrained.
The Competition package also ushers in a wealth of Alcantara trim, gracing the steering wheel and headliner. Carbon fiber accents are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, providing a visual reminder of the car’s lightweight construction and performance aspirations. Unlike the often ostentatious gloss finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for its carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior ambiance. This design philosophy emphasizes elegance over overt sportiness, a hallmark of Audi’s interior design.
From a visual standpoint, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The package integrates previously optional carbon fiber elements, such as the front splitter and rear diffuser, as standard. These are joined by gloss black badging and trim, lending the car a more assertive, menacing presence. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a standout feature, not only enhancing the car’s aesthetic appeal but also providing a clear, unobstructed view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these visual cues are attractive, some might argue that Audi could have explored more distinctive styling elements to more overtly signal the Competition’s enhanced performance credentials, especially considering the model’s advanced age in its second generation.
However, the second-generation Audi RS5, despite its tenure on the market since the 2017 model year, continues to age with remarkable grace. Its design language is timeless and elegant, possessing a visual maturity that belies its production date. While it may not possess the flamboyant exuberance of some of its German rivals, its understated sophistication makes it arguably the most aesthetically refined choice in its segment. This enduring design, combined with the significant dynamic improvements, presents a compelling argument for its continued relevance.
The most significant point of contention regarding the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is precisely its timing. The introduction of the Competition package, which so effectively elevates the car’s driving experience, arrives quite late in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will a significantly enhanced driving dynamic be sufficient to entice buyers towards a vehicle that, visually, is largely unchanged from its 2017 iteration?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial in cost, undeniably adds significant value. The base price for a 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination fees. With the addition of the Competition package, along with optional packages like the RS driver assistance system ($3,000) and navigation ($1,500), the as-tested price of our particular unit climbed to $100,565. This positions the RS5 Competition squarely in premium territory. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-based Audi might seem steep, it aligns remarkably well with the pricing of a comparably equipped BMW M4 Competition. While official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be revealed, it is highly probable that it will command a similar, if not higher, premium. Consequently, the Audi RS5 Competition now demands a significant investment, but crucially, its driving engagement finally justifies the expenditure.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I had long hoped the RS5 would be. It is a machine that is not only exhilaratingly fast but also deeply engaging and communicative. It successfully marries the raw performance of the base RS5 with a level of driver immersion that was previously elusive. Critically, its enhanced dynamic capabilities have not come at the expense of everyday comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the deliberate reduction in sound deadening ensures a more authentic and thrilling auditory experience, free from artificial enhancements.
When evaluated in isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender against established benchmarks like the BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of its platform cannot be overlooked. Despite the transformative impact of the Competition package, which finally elevates the RS5 from merely a quick car to a genuinely exciting driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will discerning buyers recognize and respond to this late-stage evolution, or is it simply a case of “too little, too late”? The market’s response to this exceptionally capable, and finally engaging, German performance coupe will undoubtedly be telling.
If you’re an enthusiast seeking a potent blend of performance, sophistication, and a truly involving driving experience, the Audi RS5 Competition warrants a closer look. We invite you to visit your local Audi dealer or schedule a test drive to experience firsthand how this finely tuned RS5 redefines driver engagement.
