The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Rediscovering the Joy of Driving Dynamics
For nearly a decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the high-performance automotive landscape. It’s undeniably a magnificent machine, capable of extraordinary feats of speed and stability. Whether you opt for the sleek two-door coupe or the practical Sportback variant, the RS5 consistently delivers blistering acceleration and tenacious grip, often leaving sportscars with significantly higher price tags in its rearview mirror. Yet, for all its prodigious capability, there was often a disconnect, a sense that the car was performing these astonishing feats for you, rather than with you. The immense speed, while impressive, rarely translated into the visceral thrill of outright driving enjoyment.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition steps into the spotlight. To be precise, it’s the Audi RS5 Coupe that has been meticulously enhanced with the $16,100 Competition package – a vital clarification given the penchant of some rival German automakers for similar naming conventions. However, originating from Ingolstadt, this souped-up RS5 adopts a strikingly similar ethos. It retains the potent 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine found in the standard model, but pairs it with a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system.
The result of this comprehensive upgrade is not just a more agile and dynamically stable RS5 at speed; it’s a car that actively invites its driver to participate. Through enhanced road feedback, the Competition package finally bridges the gap, allowing drivers to feel truly connected to the machine and the asphalt beneath. Now, six years into its second generation, this once somewhat detached performance Audi has finally ascended to its zenith, truly becoming the driver-focused Audi RS5 enthusiasts have long craved.
Unpacking the Competition Package: More Than Just Aesthetics
For an investment of $16,100, the Competition package equips the RS5 with a substantial array of performance-enhancing hardware. This includes high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a sophisticated coilover suspension system for superior ride control, reinforced sport anti-roll bars to minimize body roll, and a sonorous RS sport exhaust system that truly sings. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the visual upgrades are equally compelling. A striking carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser exude a more aggressive stance, while bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels complement the design. Inside, the cabin is elevated with sumptuous Nappa leather seating and a sporty Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this detailed list doesn’t encompass every single feature, it unequivocally demonstrates that despite its substantial price tag, the Competition package delivers significant value for money.
Crucially, the core powertrain remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to produce a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not match the raw output of some direct competitors, such as the BMW M4 Competition (which can churn out 503 horsepower) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (also boasting 503 horsepower), they are more than sufficient to make the RS5 feel equally, if not more, rapid in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is significantly elevated to a remarkable 180 mph, a full 25 mph beyond the standard car and six miles per hour higher than a model equipped with the optional Dynamic Plus package. This unrestricted capability underscores the performance tuning of the Audi RS5 Competition.
The Transformative Driving Experience: Where the Magic Happens
It’s on a winding ribbon of asphalt, however, that the true brilliance of the Competition package shines through. From the very first turn of the steering wheel into a demanding corner, the transformation is palpable. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exerts impeccable control over the RS5’s considerable mass, which tips the scales at just over 3,900 pounds. This allows for instantaneous directional changes, devoid of any unwanted body undulation. This newfound agility is significantly aided by the Competition’s recalibrated steering, which, while not offering a deluge of tactile feedback, is remarkably precise and communicative. This is a key differentiator for the Audi RS5 Competition reviews.
Complementing the suspension upgrades is a tenacious grip from the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, working in concert with a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination allows the RS5 Competition to fully exploit its enhanced chassis. The result is a car with exceptional mid-corner stability and the ability to seamlessly deploy all its power as you accelerate out of bends. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable performer, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to not only witness its impressive pace but to truly feel it. This is a significant step forward in Audi RS5 handling.
Even with its firmer suspension, which sits 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower than standard, the Audi RS5 Competition’s expanded dynamic capabilities do not come at the expense of everyday comfort and practicality. In fact, this speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its previous iterations, often felt almost too refined and plush for a vehicle positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The latest RS5, even with its stiffer setup, achieves a remarkable equilibrium between being a highly competent sports car for weekend excursions and a comfortable, compliant commuter during the week. This balance is a cornerstone of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition.
Furthermore, the Competition package includes a reduction in cabin sound deadening, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the introduction of the more evocative RS sports exhaust. While this means increased road and tire noise subtly permeates the cabin, a true sports car should not be silent. Gone are the days when Audi had to pipe artificial engine notes into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, throaty V6 roar, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated to your preference through the selectable drive modes. This improved aural experience is a highlight for Audi RS5 performance upgrades.
Interior Refinements: Sporty Accents Meet Sophisticated Luxury
As mentioned, the Competition package injects a distinct sporting character into the RS5’s interior. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a striking hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, complemented by gloss black side accents and embroidered backrests. These seats provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving thanks to their adjustable side bolsters, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys.
The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, creating a tactile and visually appealing environment. The cabin is further enhanced by carbon fiber trim elements. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, the Audi RS5 Competition opts for a more understated matte finish for its lightweight material, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with the predominantly dark and sophisticated cabin ambiance. This thoughtful integration contributes to the premium interior of the Audi RS5 Competition.
Exterior Evolution: Subtle Enhancements for a Timeless Design
Visually, the distinctions of the Audi RS5 Competition are not immediately obvious, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It essentially bundles exclusive elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously available as standalone options on the base car, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels fill the arches perfectly, showcasing the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes behind them. However, this is an area where Audi could have potentially pushed the envelope further to create a more visually distinct model, especially considering the current generation’s tenure.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 has aged remarkably well. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its elegant and timeless design continues to exude contemporary appeal. While it may not possess the ostentatious flair of some of its BMW or Mercedes-AMG rivals, it undeniably remains the most elegantly styled option in its segment. This enduring design is a key selling point for coupe vs sedan Audi RS5.
The Conundrum of Timing: A Refined Experience Late in the Cycle
The most significant point of contention surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is the timing of its arrival. While the addition of the Competition package is a welcome and substantial improvement to the car’s driving dynamics, it arrives quite late in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This begs the critical question: will a demonstrably superior driving experience be enough to lure buyers to a vehicle that, in many ways, looks much like it did in 2017? This is a crucial consideration for those looking at Audi RS5 value proposition.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its hefty price tag, undeniably adds significant value. The base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at a respectable $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. My test vehicle, adorned with the aforementioned Competition package, along with optional extras such as the $3,000 RS driver assistance package and the $1,500 navigation package, pushed the total MSRP to $100,565. This places the Audi RS5 Competition price in a competitive bracket.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a bold proposition, its pricing is in line with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it is widely anticipated to fall at or above this price point. Consequently, the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, but, for the first time, its engaging and rewarding driving experience finally justifies that cost. This makes the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition review a crucial read for potential buyers.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I had always hoped the RS5 would be. It is exhilaratingly fast, remarkably agile, and deeply engaging, finally merging the potent performance of the base model with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Crucially, despite its more focused chassis, it sacrifices very little, if any, of its daily comfort and practicality. And with reduced sound deadening, you’re treated to the V6’s authentic growl without resorting to artificial enhancements.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the exceptional BMW M4. However, the age of this platform cannot be ignored. Even with the latest updates that have transformed the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely captivating driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers embrace this refined experience, or is it simply too late in the cycle for this captivating performer to capture the market’s full attention?
If you’re seeking an automotive experience that finally marries blistering performance with genuine driver engagement, and you value sophisticated design with newfound dynamic prowess, we invite you to explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your nearest authorized Audi dealer. Schedule a test drive today and feel the difference that true driver focus makes.
