Unleashing the Driver: Why the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Redefines Performance Engagement
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious space in the performance car landscape. It’s undeniably potent, capable of shaming many dedicated sports cars with its sheer velocity and unwavering stability. Yet, this prodigious speed has often been delivered with a detached clinicalness, a sensation that while you’re hurtling down the road at eye-watering speeds, the car itself is doing most of the heavy lifting. The driver, while certainly in control, could sometimes feel more like an administrator of power than a true conductor of the symphony. This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition steps onto the stage, aiming to rewrite that narrative and deliver an automotive experience that prioritizes raw, unadulterated driver engagement.
Having spent a decade immersed in the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed countless performance iterations, each aiming to carve out its niche. The RS5, in its previous guises, was a masterclass in potent yet passive performance. It was the automotive equivalent of a perfectly executed mathematical equation – precise, efficient, and undeniably impressive, but lacking the visceral, gut-punching thrill that defines truly engaging driving machines. The introduction of the RS5 Competition package, a significant $16,100 addition to the already formidable RS5 Coupe, isn’t just an aesthetic tweak; it’s a fundamental recalibration of the car’s soul, injecting a much-needed dose of tactile feedback and dynamic responsiveness.
This isn’t about augmenting the already substantial power output, though we’ll get to that. The heart of the matter lies in the chassis and the way it communicates with the driver. Audi, known for its technological prowess and refined interiors, has historically leaned into a certain level of isolation. The RS5 Competition, however, deliberately peels back some of that sonic and tactile insulation, allowing the driver to become intimately acquainted with the road, the tires, and the very mechanics of the vehicle. It’s a bold move, especially considering the RS5’s second generation has been on the market since 2017. This late-stage evolution suggests a clear understanding of what truly makes a performance car special – the connection between human and machine.
The Mechanics of Engagement: What Makes the RS5 Competition Tick
The $16,100 Competition package is far from an inexpensive option, but as a seasoned observer of automotive upgrades, I can attest that its value proposition is substantial. It’s not simply a collection of bolt-on parts; it’s a carefully curated suite of enhancements designed to work in concert. The most significant additions include a manually adjustable coilover suspension, substantially beefed-up sport sway bars, a quicker steering ratio, and a more vocal RS sport exhaust system. Forged carbon-ceramic brakes are also part of the package, not just for their fade-free performance but also their reduction in unsprung weight.
Visually, the package subtly hints at its enhanced capabilities. You’ll find a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, contributing to aerodynamic efficiency and a more aggressive stance. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve to showcase those substantial carbon-ceramic stoppers. Inside, the changes are equally focused on driver interaction: Nappa leather seats with Dinamica trim, providing superior bolstering, and a captivating Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel that feels sublime in your hands.
Crucially, the core powertrain remains the same magnificent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It still delivers a potent 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not immediately eclipse the headline numbers of some German rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition (with its higher horsepower variants) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than sufficient to make the RS5 Competition feel blindingly quick in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a blistering 3.8 seconds, a testament to the quattro all-wheel-drive system’s efficacy. However, the top speed is where the Competition package truly shines, reaching an exhilarating 180 mph – a significant leap from the standard RS5’s 155 mph, and even surpassing models equipped with Audi’s Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability, coupled with the enhanced chassis, suggests a car engineered for sustained high-speed dynamism.
The Road Test: Where the RS5 Competition Comes Alive
It’s on a winding ribbon of asphalt, however, that the true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition package unfolds. From the moment you initiate a turn, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than the standard setup, masterfully manages the RS5’s considerable mass, which hovers just north of 3,900 pounds. Body roll is dramatically reduced, allowing for near-instantaneous changes in direction with minimal unwanted oscillations. This newfound agility is amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t inundate you with a deluge of road texture, it is undeniably more precise, allowing you to place the car with surgical accuracy.
The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a high-performance choice that complements the chassis enhancements, work in synergy with the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This combination allows the RS5 Competition to exploit its improved grip through corners, delivering relentless mid-corner stability. As you accelerate out of a bend, the quattro system ensures that virtually all of that potent V6’s power is deployed effectively, propelling you forward with ferocious intent. Compared to the base RS5, which, while capable, always felt a touch too refined, the Competition’s stiffer chassis acts as a conduit, allowing you to not only witness but feel its prodigious pace. This is the essence of driver engagement – understanding the car’s limits and capabilities through direct sensory feedback.
Beyond the Track: Daily Usability and Sonic Immersion
A common concern with performance upgrades is the sacrifice of everyday comfort. However, Audi has managed to strike a remarkable balance with the RS5 Competition. Despite the firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the car retains a surprising degree of daily usability. In fact, one could argue that the standard RS5 was almost too compliant, too isolated for what is ostensibly Audi’s most driver-focused A5 variant. The Competition package brings a level of purposeful firmness that enhances the driving experience without rendering it punishing for your daily commute. It’s a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess that they can create a car that excels on a challenging road course and remains a comfortable companion on the drive to work.
Perhaps one of the most delightful surprises of the Competition package is the deliberate reduction in sound deadening. This decision, paired with the upgraded RS sport exhaust, transforms the auditory experience. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin. The RS5 Competition delivers a genuine, guttural V6 roar, punctuated by crisp, explosive upshifts that are thrillingly audible. This heightened aural feedback is not just for show; it’s an integral part of the engagement. The increased road and tire noise, once a potential detractor, now contributes to the sense of connection. It’s the soundtrack of performance, and in a sports car of this caliber, a whisper-quiet cabin feels incongruous. The ability to modulate the exhaust note through the Audi drive select system further enhances this, offering a civilized purr for city driving and a thunderous bellow when the mood strikes.
Interior Refinements: A Tactile Embrace
The interior enhancements within the RS5 Competition are designed to reinforce the driver-focused ethos. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not merely aesthetically pleasing with their striking hexagonal stitching and embroidered backrests; they are functionally superior. The aggressively bolstered side sections provide excellent lateral support during spirited driving, ensuring you remain planted even when experiencing significant g-forces. Yet, these seats also offer ample comfort for longer journeys, a crucial aspect for any performance vehicle aiming for broad appeal.
The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim. Unlike the sometimes overly glossy finishes found in competitors, Audi opts for a more subtle, matte finish for its carbon fiber, which elegantly integrates with the dark, sophisticated cabin. The Alcantara steering wheel, in particular, offers a tactile grip that inspires confidence and enhances the feeling of being directly connected to the vehicle’s steering inputs.
Exterior Design: An Elegant Evolution
Visually, the changes wrought by the Competition package are more nuanced than radical. The carbon fiber splitter and diffuser, along with gloss black badging and trim, add a subtle aggressive edge. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are beautifully executed, complementing the car’s proportions and offering an unimpeded view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are welcome, one might wish for more dramatic visual differentiation, especially given the model’s longevity.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the second-generation Audi RS5’s design has aged remarkably well. Introduced in 2017, its elegant lines and timeless proportions still present a contemporary and sophisticated image. It lacks the overt flamboyance of some rivals, opting instead for a more understated, mature performance aesthetic. In the segment of high-performance coupes, it remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing options.
The Age-Old Question: Can Late-Stage Improvements Win the Day?
My primary point of contention with the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its timing. While the Competition package undeniably elevates the driving experience to a new level, transforming the RS5 into the engaging machine it always had the potential to be, it arrives late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: Will a significantly enhanced driving dynamic be enough to persuade buyers towards a car that, from a design perspective, still carries the hallmarks of its 2017 origins?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, represents a significant portion of the base RS5 Coupe’s price. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at $78,995, with destination charges. My test vehicle, equipped with the Competition package, the optional RS driver assistance package, and the navigation package, nudged the price into six figures, landing at $100,565. This pricing places it squarely in competition with similarly equipped rivals from BMW. While the pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains to be seen, it’s expected to be in the same ballpark. Therefore, the Audi RS5 now commands a premium sum, and crucially, its engaging driving experience finally justifies that expense.
The Verdict: A Driver’s RS5, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car I’ve always wished the RS5 would be. It’s a potent, agile, and, most importantly, genuinely engaging performer. It seamlessly blends the raw speed and capability of the standard RS5 with a level of driver immersion that was previously elusive. The firmer chassis, while offering a more dynamic ride, does little to compromise daily comfort or practicality. And the reduced sound deadening allows you to truly appreciate the sonorous V6 engine’s voice, no longer reliant on artificial enhancements.
In isolation, this Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the highly acclaimed BMW M4. However, the elephant in the room remains the car’s age. Despite the significant improvements that finally catapult the RS5 from a mere quick car to a truly exhilarating driver’s machine, the crucial question lingers: will the market respond to this late-blooming brilliance, or has the window of opportunity passed?
If you’re a discerning driver seeking a potent, elegant, and now truly engaging performance coupe that offers a sublime blend of everyday usability and track-day capability, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition deserves your immediate attention. Explore your local Audi dealerships and arrange a test drive to experience this exceptional machine firsthand.
