The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Driver’s Machine Finally Arrives
For years, the Audi RS5 has presented a curious paradox. It’s undeniably a performance powerhouse, capable of dispatching straights and holding its own against far more exotic machinery. Yet, for many enthusiasts, that sheer, unadulterated speed often felt divorced from the driver, a masterful but somewhat detached experience. Enter the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, a meticulously crafted iteration that finally bridges the gap between exhilarating pace and genuine driver engagement. After a decade immersed in the automotive industry, I can confidently say this is the RS5 enthusiasts have been waiting for.
This isn’t merely an aesthetic tweak or a minor power bump. The RS5 Competition is fundamentally about recalibrating the driving experience. At its heart, it retains the potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, a mill that has always offered substantial thrust. The magic, however, lies in the $16,100 Competition package – a collection of enhancements that transform the character of the RS5. This isn’t just about adding a few sporty bits; it’s a holistic approach to making the car feel more alive, more connected, and ultimately, more rewarding to drive
Unlocking True Driving Dynamics: The Competition Package Explained
The core of the RS5 Competition’s newfound engagement lies in its revised chassis and suspension. Audi has implemented manually adjustable coilover suspension, a significant upgrade over the standard adaptive setup. This allows for a more focused, firmer ride that, critically, doesn’t sacrifice everyday usability. Complementing this are beefed-up anti-roll bars, which drastically reduce body roll and contribute to a more planted feel through corners.
Perhaps one of the most impactful changes is the recalibrated steering system. It’s quicker, more direct, and while it might not bombard you with minute road imperfections, it provides a much clearer sense of what the front wheels are doing. This precision is crucial. When you’re pushing the RS5 Competition on a challenging road, this improved steering response instills confidence, allowing for more aggressive turn-in and a greater ability to place the car exactly where you want it.
Beyond the mechanical prowess, the Competition package also introduces a rowdier RS sport exhaust system. Gone is the overly synthesized soundtrack of earlier models. The new system delivers a more authentic, visceral V6 growl, complete with satisfying pops and crackles on upshifts. This auditory enhancement plays a significant role in the overall engagement, transforming a fast car into an exhilarating sensory experience.
Performance Reimagined: Power Meets Precision
While the raw horsepower figures remain unchanged at 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, the RS5 Competition feels decidedly quicker and more responsive. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the improvements are felt most acutely when the road begins to twist. The car’s ability to change direction is nothing short of remarkable for a vehicle tipping the scales at just over 3,900 pounds.
The combination of the firmer suspension, the tightened steering, and the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires creates a level of grip that is truly impressive. You can feel the chassis working, communicating feedback through the steering wheel and the seat of your pants. This allows you to exploit the immense power with a confidence that was previously somewhat elusive. The eight-speed automatic transmission, now tuned to complement the chassis enhancements, shifts with a satisfying alacrity, ensuring you’re always in the right gear to unleash the V6’s potential.
The RS5 Competition also boasts a higher top speed, reaching 180 mph – a significant increase over the standard RS5. This demonstrates Audi’s commitment to pushing the performance envelope, but more importantly, it underscores how the chassis and suspension upgrades allow the car to handle higher speeds with greater stability and composure. For those seeking a high-performance grand tourer that can also devour a track day, the RS5 Competition certainly fits the bill.
Beyond the Track: Comfort and Refinement Rebalanced
One of the potential pitfalls of a performance-focused package is the compromise in daily comfort. However, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition manages a delicate balancing act. While the suspension is noticeably firmer, it doesn’t result in a bone-jarring ride. In fact, it feels more like the standard RS5 was perhaps too soft for its performance aspirations. The Competition package strikes a sweet spot, offering a controlled and planted feel on uneven surfaces without becoming overly harsh for daily commuting.
The reduction in sound deadening, while contributing to a more engaging auditory experience, also means that more road and tire noise filters into the cabin. For some, this might be a detractor. However, from my perspective, it’s a welcome change. A performance car should sound like a performance car. The throaty V6, the aggressive exhaust note, and the subtle hum of the tires all contribute to the overall sensory immersion. Audi has finally allowed the RS5 to express its mechanical soul, rather than relying on artificial sound enhancement.
Interior Sophistication Meets Sporty Accents
Inside, the RS5 Competition builds upon the already luxurious foundation of the standard RS5 with a host of sporty enhancements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a highlight, featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian sports cars. The bolstering is substantial, providing excellent support during spirited driving, while still offering ample comfort for longer journeys.
The Alcantara-clad steering wheel feels superb in the hands, offering a tactile connection to the car. The carbon-fiber trim, finished in a tasteful matte rather than a glossy, fingerprint-attracting surface, adds a touch of performance-oriented elegance without being ostentatious. It blends seamlessly with the dark interior, exuding a sophisticated, driver-focused ambiance.
Subtle Exterior Cues, Timeless Design
Visually, the RS5 Competition doesn’t shout its upgrades from the rooftops. This is a deliberate choice by Audi, one that aligns with their ethos of understated elegance. The Competition package incorporates elements like a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with gloss-black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide a clear view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes – a testament to the car’s performance credentials.
While some might desire more dramatic visual differentiation, the RS5’s inherent design is so strong that it still looks remarkably contemporary, even six years after its debut. It’s a timeless design that has aged exceptionally well, setting it apart from some of the more aggressive, and arguably less elegant, styling cues found on its direct competitors. For those who appreciate subtle performance enhancements and a sophisticated aesthetic, the RS5 Competition delivers.
The Age-Old Question: Value and Timing
The RS5 Competition arrives at a fascinating juncture in the car’s lifecycle. The second-generation RS5 has been on the market since 2017, and while the Competition package injects a significant dose of dynamism, it raises the question of whether this enhanced driving experience is enough to sway buyers towards a model that, in essence, is nearing the end of its production run.
The $16,100 Competition package is a substantial investment, bringing the price of a well-equipped RS5 Competition into six-figure territory. My tester, with the addition of optional packages like the RS driver assistance and navigation systems, approached $100,565. This pricing places it squarely in competition with similarly equipped German rivals like the BMW M4 Competition.
While the price is undoubtedly premium, the value proposition is strong. The Competition package fundamentally transforms the RS5 into a truly engaging performance car. It’s a package that finally justifies the car’s price tag with a driving experience that matches its potent powertrain. Audi has demonstrably put their engineering prowess to work, creating a vehicle that is as thrilling as it is sophisticated.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Car, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car the RS5 should have been from the outset. It’s a potent blend of raw speed, razor-sharp agility, and immersive driver engagement. The chassis modifications, coupled with the refined steering and the evocative exhaust note, create a car that not only moves quickly but also makes the act of driving incredibly enjoyable.
Crucially, this newfound focus on the driver hasn’t come at the expense of daily usability or comfort. It remains a car that can effortlessly transition from a weekend blast on a winding road to a comfortable commute. The more visceral auditory experience is a welcome addition, further enhancing the connection between driver and machine.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable rival to established performance benchmarks like the BMW M4. It offers a unique blend of Audi’s signature elegance and a newfound passion for the art of driving. The question that lingers is whether this late-in-the-game enhancement can capture the attention of buyers in an increasingly competitive market.
If you’ve ever felt that the RS5 was just a little too detached, too focused on effortless speed rather than the joy of the drive, then the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is your answer. It’s a testament to the power of targeted engineering, proving that even a well-established model can be reborn with a focus on what truly matters to enthusiasts.
Ready to experience the thrill of a truly engaging German performance coupe? Explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and discover a new level of driving exhilaration. Contact your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive and feel the difference firsthand.
