The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Reawakening the Driver’s Soul
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious space in the performance car landscape. It has consistently delivered blistering straight-line speed, effortlessly eclipsing sports cars that cost significantly more. Yet, this immense capability often felt like it was happening to the driver, rather than with them. The experience, while undeniably swift, rarely ignited the same visceral thrill or deep connection one expects from a true performance machine. It was a car that could conquer a winding road at astonishing speeds, but the process felt more like piloting a highly sophisticated simulator than truly engaging with the tarmac.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition enters the arena, and it’s not just a new trim level; it represents a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s ethos. It’s crucial to note that “Competition” here refers to the extensive Competition package, a substantial upgrade that transforms the already potent RS5 Coupe into something far more compelling. Beneath the sculpted lines, the heart of the beast remains the same: Audi’s formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6. However, this package imbues the RS5 with a host of mechanical enhancements – manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a re-engineered steering system for quicker responses, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust note.
The result is a car that is not only demonstrably more agile and stable at velocity but, crucially, fosters a palpable connection between driver, machine, and road. After six years in its second generation, this iteration of the RS5 finally feels like it’s at the pinnacle of its dynamic potential, offering a performance driving experience that finally matches its outward aggression.
The $16,100 Competition Package: A Deep Dive into Enhanced Dynamics
The considerable outlay for the Competition package is justified by a comprehensive suite of upgrades. Beyond the core mechanical enhancements, it introduces an impressive array of components. The inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes, for instance, signifies a serious commitment to track-capable performance, offering superior stopping power and fade resistance. The coilover suspension and sport sway bars are fundamental to the car’s newfound agility, dramatically reducing body roll and improving stability through corners. The RS sport exhaust, a key contributor to the auditory drama, transforms the V6’s rumble into a more pronounced roar.
Visually, the package subtly amplifies the RS5’s athletic stance. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser add a touch of aerodynamic aggression, while the striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the aesthetic but also offer a clear view of the aforementioned carbon-ceramic stoppers. Inside, the cabin receives a significant upgrade with Nappa leather sport seats featuring a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern, coupled with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel that provides a tactile and premium grip. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it clearly demonstrates that the substantial investment in the Competition package delivers tangible benefits, both in terms of performance and perceived value.
Power: Proven, Not Amplified, But Sufficiently Potent
Despite the substantial performance enhancements, the RS5 Competition’s power output remains unchanged from the standard model. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While this figure might fall short of the outright horsepower numbers found in competitors like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), in real-world scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains an unchanged but still impressive 3.8 seconds. However, where the Competition package truly flexes its muscles is in its elevated top speed: a remarkable 180 mph, a full 25 mph higher than the base car and six mph beyond models equipped with the optional Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability speaks volumes about the chassis and aerodynamic improvements that complement the potent powertrain. For those seeking track-focused performance cars, the RS5 Competition offers a compelling package without needing excessive horsepower figures.
The True Test: On the Twisting Roads
It is on a challenging, winding backroad where the profound impact of the Competition package truly reveals itself. From the very first turn of the wheel, the transformation is palpable. The significantly firmer coilover suspension, while certainly noticeable, masterfully controls the RS5’s substantial mass (approaching 4,000 pounds), allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without any unwanted body undulations. This newfound agility is directly attributable to the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t necessarily provide granular road texture, its precision and responsiveness are vastly improved, allowing the driver to place the car with uncanny accuracy.
The Audi RS5 Competition pairs this tenacious grip, further enhanced by sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, with a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergy between the chassis, tires, and gearbox ensures that the car exploits the suspension’s improvements to their fullest. The result is exceptional mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy its considerable power out of bends with confidence and immediacy. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only experience its immense pace but to truly feel it. This level of driver engagement was previously a notable absence in the RS5 lineage.
Comfort and Usability: A Surprisingly Harmonious Blend
One might expect that a firmer suspension and a focus on performance would come at the expense of everyday comfort and usability. However, the Audi RS5 Competition manages to strike a remarkable balance. This is, in part, a testament to the inherent comfort of the base RS5, which some critics found almost too refined for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, with its stiffer chassis and lower ride height (reduced by 0.39 inches or 10 mm), manages to imbue the RS5 with its enhanced sporting prowess without sacrificing its daily drivability. It successfully transitions from a thrilling weekend sports car to a comfortable and composed commuter. For those considering luxury performance coupes that can handle daily duties, the RS5 Competition presents a strong case.
Auditory Immersion: Letting the V6 Sing
The Competition package also thoughtfully addresses the RS5’s acoustic character. A reduction in sound deadening, coupled with the aggressive RS sport exhaust system, creates a far more immersive and exhilarating auditory experience. While this means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a welcome trade-off for a performance car. Gone are the days of Audi artificially pumping engine noise through the speakers; the Competition package delivers a genuine, throaty V6 soundtrack, complete with satisfyingly explosive upshifts. The ability to modulate this sound through the selectable drive modes adds another layer of control and personalization to the driving experience. This focus on authentic sports car sound contributes significantly to the overall engagement.
An Elevated Interior Experience
The sporty enhancements extend into the RS5’s cabin with the Competition package. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not only visually striking with their Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching and gloss black accents but also incredibly supportive. Their inflatable side bolsters provide crucial lateral support during spirited driving and can be adjusted for added comfort on longer journeys. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim create a sense of occasion and focus on the driver. Unlike the sometimes overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the dark, sophisticated cabin.
Subtle Exterior Refinements: Elegance Endures
Visually, the changes brought by the Competition package are more nuanced than overt. It essentially bundles desirable elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional on the base car, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a standout feature, perfectly complementing the car’s proportions and providing an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are welcome, one might wish for more pronounced visual differentiation, especially considering the model’s age. However, this is a testament to the enduring elegance of the second-generation Audi RS5’s design. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its clean lines still hold up remarkably well, offering a more understated and sophisticated aesthetic compared to some of its more flamboyant rivals. This makes the RS5 an attractive option for those who prefer European luxury performance vehicles with a refined appearance.
The Age Factor: A Lingering Question
The most significant point of contention surrounding the RS5 Competition is its timing. While the Competition package undeniably elevates the driving experience to new heights, its introduction so late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a vastly improved driving dynamic be enough to sway buyers towards a car that, from a design perspective, looks much as it did in 2017? This is a crucial consideration for anyone evaluating the best performance cars for enthusiasts.
Pricing and Value Proposition: A Premium Offering
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, significantly enhances the RS5’s value proposition, given the breadth of its enhancements. The 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe has a starting MSRP of $78,995, including destination charges. With the inclusion of the Competition package, a $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, our tester reached a final figure of $100,565. This positions the RS5 in a premium segment, aligning it closely with similarly equipped BMW M4 models. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains undisclosed, it is widely expected to command a similar or higher price point. Therefore, the Audi RS5, particularly in Competition trim, demands a significant sum, but for the first time, its engaging and dynamic driving experience convincingly justifies the premium. This places it squarely in the conversation for high-performance German sedans and coupes.
Conclusion: The RS5 Reimagined, But Is It Enough?
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car I always wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It is undeniably fast, remarkably agile, and, finally, genuinely engaging. It seamlessly blends the exhilarating speed of the base car with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis, it retains its daily comfort and usability. The reduced sound deadening, coupled with the potent V6 and improved exhaust, allows you to savor its sonorous notes without resorting to artificial enhancements.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable rival to the excellent BMW M4. However, the car’s age cannot be ignored. While its latest updates have finally transformed the RS5 from merely a quick car into a truly engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will discerning buyers respond to this newfound dynamic prowess, or has the window of opportunity passed for this generation of the RS5?
If you’re in the market for a performance Audi that finally delivers the driving thrill to match its aggressive aesthetics, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is a compelling option. To fully appreciate the depth of its transformation and to experience the reawakened driver’s soul of the RS5, we invite you to schedule a test drive at your nearest Audi dealership and discover this enhanced performance coupe for yourself.
