The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Driver’s Machine Finally Arrives
For a considerable tenure in the automotive landscape, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar position. It’s a vehicle that, by all objective metrics, should be a darling of enthusiasts. It consistently delivers blistering acceleration, composed handling at tremendous speeds, and a level of premium refinement synonymous with the Ingolstadt marque. Yet, for many years, a subtle disconnect persisted. While the RS5 could undoubtedly traverse a challenging ribbon of asphalt with astonishing rapidity, that pace often felt somewhat detached, a testament to its inherent capability rather than a direct invitation for driver exhilaration. It was a car that performed brilliantly, but it didn’t always feel brilliant in the hands of its pilot. This paradigm, however, undergoes a significant recalibration with the advent of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package. This isn’t merely an optional trim; it’s a meticulously crafted suite of enhancements fundamentally aimed at forging a deeper, more visceral connection between driver and machine.
The essence of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition lies not in a dramatic overhaul of its powerplant, but in a profound revision of its dynamic character. The heart of the beast remains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, faithfully producing a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may not eclipse the stratospheric outputs of some direct rivals, they represent a potent foundation. In real-world scenarios, the RS5 Competition’s acceleration feels every bit as urgent and potent as its competition, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 3.8 seconds. Where the
Competition package truly distinguishes itself is in its elevated top speed, reaching a remarkable 180 mph, a substantial leap over the standard RS5 and even models equipped with lesser performance packages. This enhanced velocity is complemented by a carefully curated selection of performance upgrades.
The $16,100 Competition package is far more than a cosmetic exercise. It’s a strategic integration of hardware designed to sharpen the RS5’s dynamic acuity. Central to this transformation is a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, offering a firmer, more resolute stance. This is further augmented by beefier sport sway bars, engineered to curtail body roll and enhance responsiveness. The steering rack is also recalibrated, delivering a quicker ratio that translates driver input more directly to the road. And to complete the auditory and sensory experience, a more assertive RS sport exhaust system is incorporated, promising a more visceral soundtrack. This comprehensive suite of enhancements transforms the RS5 from a supremely capable, yet sometimes aloof, grand tourer into a genuinely engaging performance coupe.
Stepping into the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, the immediate impression is one of focused intent. The interior receives a tasteful yet purposeful upgrade, featuring Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats. These thrones are not only aesthetically pleasing, with their striking hexagonal stitching reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, but they also provide exceptional lateral support, crucial for holding occupants securely during spirited driving. The sport steering wheel, now clad in Alcantara, offers a tactile sensation that further immerses the driver. Carbon fiber accents are liberally applied, providing a visual reminder of the car’s performance pedigree, but Audi’s execution leans towards a sophisticated matte finish, ensuring it complements rather than clashes with the otherwise dark and elegant cabin. This interior philosophy mirrors the exterior’s approach: subtle yet purposeful enhancements.
Visually, the Audi RS5 Competition retains the elegant, timeless design of its predecessor. This is both a strength and a point of contemplation. While the car’s sculpted lines and athletic proportions still hold up remarkably well, even some seven years after its initial debut, the lack of overt visual differentiation might leave some yearning for a more dramatic statement. The Competition package does bring some desirable aesthetic elements, such as a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with gloss black badging and trim. The standard 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a particularly attractive design, drawing attention to the formidable carbon-ceramic brake rotors peeking through. While these elements enhance the RS5’s aggressive stance, the overall visual update could be perceived as somewhat understated, particularly when compared to the bolder statements made by some of its key rivals.
However, it is on the open road, particularly along a winding and challenging byway, where the true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds. The moment the steering wheel is turned and the car is urged into a corner, the changes become palpable. The revised suspension, while noticeably firmer, exerts impressive control over the RS5’s substantial mass. The car transitions direction with an eagerness and immediacy that was previously absent. This newfound agility is amplified by the quicker steering rack. While it doesn’t deliver the granular road feel of a purely analog system, it provides a more direct and communicative connection to the front wheels, allowing the driver to precisely place the car with confidence.
This sharpened dynamic envelope is further leveraged by the synergistic relationship between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The combination allows the RS5 Competition to harness its considerable power with remarkable efficacy, exiting corners with ferocious intent. The enhanced chassis feedback is perhaps the most significant departure from the standard RS5. Drivers can now feel the subtle nuances of the road surface, the grip limits of the tires, and the precise moment of adhesion break, fostering a level of confidence and engagement that was previously elusive. This is a car that encourages spirited driving, rewarding the pilot with a palpable sense of connection and control.
One of the most critical aspects of the Competition package’s success is its ability to enhance the driving experience without sacrificing the RS5’s inherent practicality and daily usability. Despite the firmer suspension setup, which lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters, the RS5 Competition remains surprisingly compliant for everyday commuting. This speaks volumes about the inherent competence of the standard RS5, which, in its quest for refinement, perhaps leaned too heavily towards comfort at the expense of driver involvement. The Competition package strikes a commendable balance, offering a sports car experience that is thrilling on the weekend yet perfectly manageable and comfortable during the weekday grind.
The auditory experience is also significantly transformed. The Competition package actively reduces sound-deadening within the cabin, a decision that, when paired with the upgraded RS sport exhaust, creates a far more engaging soundscape. While this does mean a more pronounced intake of road and tire noise, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will readily embrace. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine sounds into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now offers a genuinely evocative V6 roar, complete with sharp, satisfying upshifts. The ability to modulate this auditory intensity through the selectable drive modes adds another layer of driver control, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired, or a full-blown symphony of performance when the mood strikes.
The inclusion of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) also enhances the RS5 Competition’s appeal for the modern driver. While the focus here is firmly on driver engagement, the availability of features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring provides an added layer of safety and convenience, particularly on longer journeys. These systems are seamlessly integrated, allowing drivers to enjoy the performance aspects of the car without feeling overwhelmed by its capabilities.
When considering the Audi RS5 Competition’s place in the market, its pricing becomes a crucial factor. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at a respectable $78,995. However, the $16,100 Competition package, along with optional extras such as the RS driver assistance package and navigation, can push the as-tested price well into six-figure territory, with the example reviewed here topping out at over $100,000. This positions the RS5 Competition squarely in premium performance sedan and coupe territory, rivaling the likes of the BMW M4 Competition. While the exact pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains under wraps, it’s anticipated to fall within a similar bracket. The RS5 Competition demands a premium sum, but for the first time, its elevated price is unequivocally justified by a driving experience that finally lives up to the promise of its aggressive styling and potent powertrain.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a compelling counterpoint to established benchmarks like the BMW M4. It delivers a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined, a potent blend of speed and agility that finally imbues the RS5 nameplate with the visceral engagement it has long deserved. The question that lingers, however, is the age of the platform itself. While the Competition package represents a significant and welcomed evolution, it arrives quite late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This begs the question: will the substantial improvements in driver engagement be enough to capture the attention of buyers, or is the platform’s maturity a hurdle too high to overcome, despite its newfound dynamism?
Ultimately, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car enthusiasts have been hoping for. It’s a testament to Audi’s ability to refine and enhance its performance offerings. It’s fast, it’s agile, and crucially, it’s now deeply engaging. The transformation wrought by the Competition package elevates the RS5 from a remarkably capable machine to a genuinely desirable driver’s car, one that delivers exhilarating performance without compromising everyday usability.
If you’re a driver who appreciates a blend of performance, refinement, and a heightened sense of connection to the road, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition warrants a closer look. Don’t just take our word for it; experience the difference firsthand.
Ready to feel the difference? Schedule your personal test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your nearest authorized Audi dealership today and discover the pinnacle of Audi’s performance engineering.
