The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in Driver’s Delight
For the better part of a decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar niche in the high-performance coupe and Sportback landscape. It’s a car that, in its standard form, has always possessed prodigious power and astonishing capability. Year after year, it’s been more than fast enough to embarrass far more exotic machinery, effortlessly dispatching rivals with a calculated efficiency that bordered on the detached. Yet, this very prowess often came at the expense of genuine driver engagement. While it could reel in a winding backroad at breathtaking speeds, the experience often felt more like piloting a supremely competent simulator than a visceral dance with the asphalt. This is a narrative I’ve observed play out across several model years, a recurring theme for a car that was, perhaps, a victim of its own considerable success.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. Now, it’s crucial to note that this isn’t a standalone model but rather the existing RS5 Coupe (or Sportback) equipped with the rather substantial, and frankly, essential, $16,100 Competition package. This distinction is important, especially given the historical naming conventions of certain Bavarian competitors. Nevertheless, the core philosophy driving this enhanced Audi, hailing from Ingolstadt, mirrors a desire for a more connected driving experience. Under the hood, the familiar and potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 remains, churning out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. But it’s what accompanies this potent powertrain that truly redefines the RS5: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated and quicker steering rack, and an exhaust system that finally lives up to the car’s performance credentials.
The impact of this Competition package is immediate and profound. It transforms the RS5 from a brutally fast but somewhat aloof grand tourer into a significantly more agile and stable machine, particularly when pushed to its limits. Crucially, the enhanced road feedback allows the driver to feel an intimate connection to the vehicle and the very surface beneath the tires. After six model years of its second generation, this particular Audi RS5 finally feels like it’s operating at the absolute zenith of its potential, a notion I’ve been eagerly anticipating as an industry observer.
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package is certainly not insignificant, but what it delivers is a comprehensive suite of performance-enhancing hardware. This includes a significant upgrade to carbon-ceramic brakes, a sophisticated coilover suspension setup, more robust sport sway bars, and the aforementioned RS sport exhaust system. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the package also bestows visual treats such as a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and an interior appointed with Nappa leather seats and an Alcantara steering wheel. While this list doesn’t encompass every single item, it clearly illustrates that despite its premium price, the Competition package offers substantial value for money, fundamentally altering the character of the RS5.
Interestingly, the power figures themselves remain unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to deliver its 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. In raw numbers, this might appear less than the outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp). However, in real-world scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid as its more powerful adversaries. Its 0-60 mph acceleration remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a figure that is incredibly impressive for a car of its size and class. Where the Competition package truly shines is in its elevated top speed: a remarkable 180 mph, a full 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This allows for a much broader performance envelope, particularly on tracks or unrestricted autobahn-like conditions, a key consideration for performance car enthusiasts seeking maximum velocity.
However, it’s on a demanding, twisty backroad where the true magic of the Competition package unfurls. From the instant you turn the wheel and commit to a tight bend, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s considerable mass – a curb weight exceeding 3,900 pounds – allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without any unwelcome body roll or float. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the Competition’s recalibrated steering. While it might not offer a deluge of granular feedback, its increased responsiveness and precision instill a level of confidence that was previously absent. This is crucial for drivers who rely on tactile information to navigate challenging corners at speed.
Complementing the enhanced suspension and steering are sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, working in concert with a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination extracts every ounce of performance from the chassis improvements, resulting in exceptional mid-corner grip and the ability to seamlessly deploy the V6’s substantial power as you exit a turn. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable performer, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only experience its immense pace but to genuinely feel it. This is the qualitative leap that enthusiasts have been waiting for, transforming the RS5 into a much more rewarding driver’s tool. The synergy between the mechanical components creates a driving experience that is both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring, a crucial balance for any performance vehicle.
Despite the firmer suspension, which is also lowered by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the Audi RS5 Competition’s expanded capabilities do not come at the expense of daily comfort and usability. This observation, however, speaks volumes about the standard RS5 itself. In my experience, the base car often felt excessively plush and refined for a vehicle positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, paradoxically, helps the RS5 strike a much more desirable equilibrium: a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions, yet still perfectly comfortable and composed for the daily commute. This balance is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess, delivering a dual-purpose machine that doesn’t force compromises.
The Competition package also wisely reduces the RS5’s sound-deadening measures, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the addition of the aggressively tuned RS sport exhaust. While this means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a trade-off that thrilling sports cars should readily embrace. Gone are the days when Audi had to artificially pump engine sounds through the speakers to create an auditory illusion. Now, you’re treated to a genuinely throaty V6 growl, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the selectable drive modes, allowing for a more visceral experience when desired. The sound alone adds a significant layer of engagement, making every acceleration a symphony of mechanical prowess. This focus on auditory immersion is a critical component of the driver engagement equation, transforming the mundane into the magnificent.
As alluded to earlier, the interior of the RS5 Competition receives a notable infusion of sporty flair. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern, gloss black side accents, and embroidered backrests. The inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, yet can be adjusted for greater comfort on longer journeys. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim lend an air of performance-oriented luxury. Unlike the often-flashy glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to elegantly blend with the dark interior ambiance. This design choice underscores Audi’s commitment to a sophisticated and driver-focused cabin.
Visually, the changes wrought by the Competition package are subtle rather than overtly aggressive. It essentially bundles previously optional elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and complement the car’s proportions, while also providing a clear view of those substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While these enhancements are welcome, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed further to create a more distinct visual identity for this performance-oriented variant, especially considering the model’s relative age in the market.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age remarkably well. Despite its introduction for the 2017 model year, its elegant and timeless design language keeps it feeling contemporary. While it may not possess the flamboyant presence of some of its rivals from BMW or Mercedes-AMG, it remains arguably the most sophisticated and understated choice in its segment. This enduring design is a testament to Audi’s commitment to classic automotive aesthetics.
However, it is precisely the age of the Audi RS5 that presents the most compelling question. While the addition of the Competition package is a highly commendable development that demonstrably elevates the driving experience, it arrives rather late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises a critical inquiry: will a significantly enhanced driving engagement be sufficient to attract buyers to a car whose fundamental styling has remained largely unchanged since 2017? The core question for potential buyers is whether the updated driving dynamics justify the premium price and potentially dated aesthetic.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial cost, does imbue the RS5 with a significant amount of added value. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, including destination fees, starts at a not-insignificant $78,995. My test vehicle, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, along with optional packages such as the $3,000 RS driver assistance package and the $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. This places the RS5 firmly in premium performance territory, a price point that demands a commensurate level of performance and desirability.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a steep proposition, its pricing is indeed competitive with a fully loaded BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it is widely expected to land at or above this price point. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, the 2023 Competition package finally provides a driving experience that truly justifies its asking price. It’s no longer just about straight-line speed; it’s about the tactile feedback and dynamic prowess that elevate it into true driver’s car territory.
In summation, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I have long wished the RS5 had been. It is exceptionally fast, remarkably agile, and, most importantly, genuinely engaging. It seamlessly blends the raw speed of the base car with a level of driver immersion that was previously elusive. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or usability. And with less intrusive sound deadening, you’ll enjoy more of its authentic V6 symphony, rather than relying on artificial sound augmentation. This focus on genuine auditory engagement is a significant win for enthusiasts.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the excellent BMW M4. However, one cannot overlook the inherent age of this particular RS5 generation. While its latest enhancements finally elevate it from merely a quick car to a truly involving driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will the market embrace this refined performance, or has the window of opportunity passed? The allure of advanced driver assistance systems and cutting-edge technology in newer platforms is undeniable. However, for those who prioritize a pure, engaging driving experience above all else, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition offers a compelling, albeit late, arrival at the performance party.
Are you ready to experience the elevated performance and driver engagement of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition for yourself? Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover what a decade of refinement can truly deliver.
