The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Driver’s Machine
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the automotive landscape. It’s undeniably a marvel of engineering, a swift and capable grand tourer that effortlessly devours highways and possesses the brute force to embarrass more overtly sporting machines. Yet, for all its blistering pace and inherent prowess, a certain detachment has always lingered. The power, while immense, often felt somewhat disconnected from the driver’s intent, leaving one to question if the ultimate thrill was truly being extracted from this potent package. This perennial conundrum has been a quiet frustration for enthusiasts seeking an RS5 that not only is fast, but feels profoundly engaging.
Enter the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, a designation that signifies not a standalone model, but rather the potent enhancement provided by the $16,100 Competition package. It’s a crucial clarification, especially considering the competitive sphere of performance sedans and coupes where nomenclature can sometimes be a minefield. Rooted in Ingolstadt’s celebrated lineage, this fortified RS5 adopts a philosophy honed for heightened driver involvement. It retains the formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, but pairs it with a meticulously recalibrated chassis: manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, a significantly quicker steering ratio, and an amplified exhaust note designed to invigorate the senses.
The result of this comprehensive upgrade is a car that transcends mere capability. The Competition package imbues the RS5 with a newfound dynamism, a sharper, more responsive character that allows the driver to truly connect with the machine and the asphalt beneath. After six years since its second-generation debut, this high-performance Audi has finally ascended to its zenith, offering an exhilarating driving experience that was previously tantalizingly out of reach.
The Competition Package: A Deeper Dive into Enhanced Dynamics
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package yields an impressive array of performance and aesthetic enhancements. Beyond the crucial suspension and steering tweaks, it includes formidable carbon-ceramic brakes, a testament to Audi’s commitment to track-day readiness. The sport-tuned sway bars work in concert with the coilover setup to dramatically quell body roll, while the RS sport exhaust system injects a visceral soundtrack to the driving experience.
Visually, subtle yet significant touches elevate the RS5’s aggressive stance. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser contribute to aerodynamic efficiency and visual drama. The standard 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are not only striking but also provide an unobstructed view of the substantial braking hardware. Inside, the cabin receives a considerable upgrade with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats offering exceptional support, and a steering wheel clad in tactile Alcantara. While this comprehensive list doesn’t encompass every single detail, it clearly demonstrates that despite its substantial price, the Competition package delivers substantial value.
Crucially, the powertrain remains unchanged. The potent twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might seem modest when compared to some rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, which boast over 500 horsepower, the RS5’s real-world acceleration feels every bit as rapid. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph – a significant 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and six mph more than a model equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This enhanced top-end capability underscores the package’s focus on performance refinement.
On the Edge: The RS5 Competition’s Transformative Handling
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds when the road begins to twist and turn. From the moment you initiate a turn-in, the car’s transformed demeanor is palpable. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than the standard setup, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. It allows for near-instantaneous changes in direction, eradicating unwanted body motions and imbuing the car with a planted, agile feel. This newfound nimbleness is significantly amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t necessarily offer a flood of intricate road texture, its enhanced precision allows for more confident placement and immediate response to driver inputs.
This dynamic prowess is further bolstered by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination extracts the maximum benefit from the suspension revisions, resulting in tenacious mid-corner grip. Exiting a bend, the RS5 Competition confidently deploys its substantial torque, propelling the car forward with authority. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only witness its prodigious speed but also to feel it intimately. This is the essence of genuine driver engagement, a quality that was somewhat muted in previous iterations.
A Harmonious Blend of Sport and Daily Driver
Despite its significantly firmer suspension – lowered by 0.39 inches (10 mm) – the Audi RS5 Competition doesn’t sacrifice the daily comfort and usability that has long been a hallmark of the RS5 lineage. In fact, this achievement speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its quest for refinement, sometimes strayed into territory that felt almost too plush for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, strikes an exceptional balance. It delivers a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions while remaining a comfortable and composed commuter for the weekday grind. This duality is a crucial aspect of its appeal, making it a viable option for those who demand both exhilaration and practicality.
A notable adjustment brought about by the Competition package is the reduction in sound deadening. This deliberate decision complements the more assertive RS sport exhaust perfectly. While the increased cabin intrusion of road and tire noise might be off-putting to some, it’s an essential component of the thrilling sports car experience. Gone are the days where Audi resorted to artificially pumping engine notes through the speakers. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely throaty V6 symphony, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated or amplified based on the chosen drive mode. This authentic auditory feedback is integral to the enhanced driver connection.
Interior Refinements: A Focus on Form and Function
The Competition package also introduces a suite of sporty interior enhancements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end exotics. These seats not only exude a premium feel but also provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, thanks to their inflatable bolsters, while remaining comfortable for longer journeys.
Complementing the seats are the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and headliner, along with carbon fiber trim accents throughout the cabin. Unlike the sometimes glossy and overtly sporty finishes found in some German rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into the dark, sophisticated cabin ambiance. This subtle approach prioritizes elegance over ostentation, aligning with Audi’s design philosophy.
Subtle Exterior Evolution: A Timeless Design
On the exterior, the visual cues of the Audi RS5 Competition are more nuanced. The package essentially bundles desirable carbon fiber elements, such as the front splitter and rear diffuser, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are tastefully designed, complementing the car’s overall proportions and offering an unimpeded view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions enhance the RS5’s aggressive aesthetic, one could argue that Audi might have explored more distinctive visual differentiators, particularly given the model’s extended lifecycle.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the second-generation Audi RS5’s design has aged remarkably well. Introduced in 2017, its elegant and timeless lines still possess a contemporary appeal. While it may not possess the flamboyant or overtly aggressive styling of some of its direct competitors, the RS5 remains arguably the most sophisticated and understated choice in its class. This enduring design elegance is a significant asset, ensuring the car remains aesthetically pleasing even as newer models emerge.
Timing and Value: The Competition Package’s Late Arrival
The primary point of contention, however, lies in the timing of the Competition package’s introduction. While its impact on the driving experience is undeniable and profoundly positive, its arrival so late in the second-generation RS5’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: Will this significant enhancement be enough to attract buyers to a model that, visually, shares much with its 2017 predecessor?
The $16,100 Competition package undoubtedly adds considerable value, despite its significant cost. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination charges. With the inclusion of the Competition package, a meticulously optioned tester, complete with the RS driver assistance package and navigation, nudges the price towards the six-figure mark at $100,565. This places the RS5 firmly in premium territory, a price point that, while substantial for an A5-based vehicle, aligns with the cost of a comparably equipped BMW M4. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it is anticipated to be in a similar, if not higher, bracket. Therefore, the Audi RS5 commands a premium, but for the first time, its engaging driving experience convincingly justifies the asking price.
Conclusion: The RS5 Competition Finally Hits Its Stride
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car that many enthusiasts have long wished the RS5 would become. It is a potent blend of exhilarating speed, razor-sharp agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement. It seamlessly integrates the inherent pace of the base RS5 with a level of immersive feedback that was previously elusive. Crucially, this enhanced dynamism is achieved without significant compromise to daily comfort or practicality, and the reduced sound deadening allows for a more authentic and visceral auditory experience, eschewing artificial enhancements.
In isolation, the Competition package transforms the Audi RS5 into a compelling adversary for rivals like the exceptional BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age cannot be overlooked. Despite the welcome and significant improvements wrought by the Competition package, which finally elevate the RS5 from merely a fast car to a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: Will buyers embrace this rejuvenated offering, or has its late arrival rendered it a case of “too little, too late”?
If you’ve been searching for an Audi RS5 that truly connects you to the road and rewards your driving enthusiasm, the 2023 RS5 Competition demands your attention. Explore the performance benefits and sophisticated upgrades available with the Competition package by visiting your local Audi dealer today, or connect with us to learn more about how this enhanced performance package can redefine your driving experience.
