The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driving Machine
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the exhilarating world of performance automobiles, dissecting their every nuance from the driver’s seat. In that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand how some marques consistently hit the mark, while others, despite possessing undeniable potency, miss the fundamental essence of what makes a sports car truly special: the connection between driver and machine. The Audi RS5, for many years, exemplified this latter category. It was a car that could effortlessly rocket you from zero to sixty in barely over three seconds, a veritable blur of quattro all-wheel-drive grip and twin-turbocharged V6 fury. It boasted the kind of acceleration that could pin you to your seat, easily outgunning rivals with far loftier price tags. Yet, despite its formidable capabilities, the original RS5 often felt like a sophisticated tool rather than a thrilling dance partner. It delivered astonishing speed with a detached, almost clinical precision that, while impressive, left a void in the emotional engagement department. The power was there, undeniably, but the visceral thrill, the feeling of being truly involved in the act of driving at its limit, was often conspicuously absent.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, a designation that, while perhaps a touch derivative for those deeply entrenched in the German automotive rivalries, signifies a profound shift in the RS5’s philosophy. This isn’t a fundamentally new model, but rather an evolution, a meticulously curated performance package – specifically, the $16,100 Competition package for the RS5 Coupe – that injects the V6-powered RS5 with a much-needed dose of raw exhilaration. Retaining the same potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, the Competition variant swaps out some of the everyday comfort for a more focused, driver-centric experience. The core of this transformation lies in a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefier sway bars, a recalibrated, quicker steering rack, and an undeniably more vocal exhaust system. This is not merely about adding more horsepower; it’s about fundamentally altering the RS5’s character to become a machine that not only goes fast but feels fast, a car that communicates its intentions and rewards its pilot’s every input. After six years in its second generation, the RS5 finally arrives at its apex, a testament to Audi’s commitment to refining its performance offerings.
The $16,100 Investment in Driving Dynamics
Let’s be clear: the Competition package is not a minor aesthetic tweak. It’s a comprehensive suite of hardware upgrades designed to elevate the RS5’s dynamic capabilities. Beyond the suspension and steering enhancements, you gain the formidable stopping power of carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant upgrade over their steel counterparts, particularly under sustained track use. The inclusion of an RS sport exhaust is a welcome auditory addition, promising a more visceral soundtrack to accompany the rapid acceleration. Visually, while not radically altering the RS5’s elegant silhouette, the package introduces subtle yet impactful details. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser contribute to aerodynamic performance and a more aggressive stance, while the new 20-inch Y-spoke wheels offer a striking visual and shed unsprung weight. Inside, the RS5 Competition receives a significant tactile upgrade with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, promising enhanced support during spirited driving. The Alcantara steering wheel, a classic performance car cue, further reinforces the focused nature of this enhanced RS5. While the price tag is substantial, the breadth of these mechanical and aesthetic upgrades validates the investment, transforming the RS5 from a rapid grand tourer into a more committed performance coupe.
Power Unchanged, Performance Amplified
It’s crucial to note that the Competition package doesn’t involve an increase in peak horsepower or torque. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 remains the heart of the beast, producing a stout 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. In a world where horsepower figures are often a headline grabber, it’s easy to be swayed by rivals boasting significantly higher numbers – the BMW M4 Competition, for instance, churns out a formidable 503 horsepower. However, in the real world, where traction and aerodynamic grip play equally vital roles, the RS5 Competition’s output is more than sufficient to deliver blistering performance. The 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at a rapid 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a notable 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and even surpassing models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This elevation in terminal velocity hints at the chassis’s newfound stability and composure at higher speeds, a direct benefit of the Competition package’s focused engineering.
The Verdant Road Warrior: Where the Competition Package Shines
The true mettle of the Audi RS5 Competition is revealed not on a straight drag strip, but when the asphalt begins to twist and turn. From the very first turn-in, the difference is palpable. The manually adjustable coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts an almost surgical control over the RS5’s substantial 3,900-plus-pound mass. Body roll is dramatically reduced, replaced by an immediate and decisive response to steering inputs. The car changes direction with an eagerness that was previously only a distant aspiration. This newfound agility is intrinsically linked to the quicker steering ratio. While it might not offer the granular feedback of some hydraulic systems, its increased directness allows for more precise placement of the car through corners, fostering a greater sense of confidence and control.
Complementing the chassis improvements is a brilliant pairing of sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination maximizes the grip afforded by the suspension upgrades, enabling the RS5 Competition to carry remarkable speed through corners. As you exit a bend, the car hooks up with impressive tenacity, channeling its considerable power to the road with minimal fuss. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable performer, the Competition package imbues it with a communicative character that allows the driver to truly feel the limits of adhesion. It’s a transformation that turns mere speed into an engaging, tactile experience. This is where the true value of the Audi RS5 Competition package is realized – in the palpable connection forged between driver, car, and tarmac.
Balancing the Beast: Daily Usability and Auditory Delights
One of the most impressive aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is how it achieves its enhanced dynamic prowess without sacrificing the everyday usability that has long been a hallmark of the RS5 lineage. Despite the firmer suspension, which is also 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower, the ride quality remains remarkably compliant for daily commuting. This achievement is, in part, a testament to how well-sorted the standard RS5 is, often feeling a touch too refined for its sporting pretensions. The Competition package, however, strikes a masterful equilibrium, creating a car that is equally at home navigating rush-hour traffic as it is carving up a mountain pass on a weekend adventure.
Audi has also wisely addressed another area where the RS5 previously felt somewhat muted: its exhaust note. The Competition package mandates less sound-deadening material in the cabin, a decision that, when paired with the RS sport exhaust, creates a symphony of V6 growls and pops. Gone are the days of synthesized engine notes pumped through the speakers. Now, the authentic, throaty roar of the twin-turbo V6 permeates the cabin, a thrilling accompaniment to spirited driving. This newfound auditory presence is not merely a novelty; it’s an integral part of the engaging driving experience, allowing you to truly savor the car’s mechanical prowess. The ability to modulate this sound through the selectable drive modes adds another layer of customization, allowing you to dial down the aggression for a more relaxed commute or unleash the full fury when the mood strikes. This focus on driver involvement extends to the auditory experience, making every journey more immersive.
An Interior Crafted for the Enthusiast
The interior upgrades in the RS5 Competition are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example. Featuring a distinctive Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern and gloss black accents, they offer exceptional lateral support during aggressive cornering, ensuring you remain securely planted. Yet, despite their sporty demeanor, they still provide ample comfort for longer journeys. The standard Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon-fiber trim further enhance the cabin’s sporting ambiance. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated, matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior. This deliberate choice prevents the cabin from feeling gaudy, maintaining an air of refined sportiness that is quintessentially Audi.
Subtle but Significant: Exterior Enhancements
From a purely visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Competition package are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Audi has chosen to integrate elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional extras, as standard on Competition models. These, combined with gloss black badging and trim, lend a more assertive presence to the RS5. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the car’s visual appeal but also provide an unobstructed view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes peeking through the spokes. While some might have wished for more dramatic visual differentiation, Audi’s approach here is one of tasteful enhancement rather than overt aggression, a choice that aligns with the RS5’s established elegant design language.
Timeless Design Meets Modern Performance
The enduring appeal of the second-generation Audi RS5 is a testament to its timeless design. Even after several years on the market, its lines remain sharp, contemporary, and undeniably elegant. It possesses a sophistication that often eludes its more overtly aggressive rivals, such as the BMW M4 or the Mercedes-AMG C63. While it may not shout its performance credentials from the rooftops, its understated beauty is undeniably alluring. The Competition package enhances this inherent elegance without resorting to gratuitous styling cues, ensuring that the RS5 remains a stylish choice for discerning buyers.
The Elephant in the Room: Timing and Value Proposition
The primary quandary surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its timing. The introduction of such a comprehensively revised performance package this late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle inevitably raises questions. Will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to capture the attention of buyers when the car’s fundamental design has been on the market since 2017?
The $16,100 Competition package, while expensive, undeniably adds significant value. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at a respectable $78,995 (including destination fees). My test vehicle, outfitted with the Competition package, an optional RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and a navigation package ($1,500), tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. This places the RS5 Competition firmly in premium performance territory. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-based vehicle might initially seem steep, it’s important to consider the competitive landscape. A comparably equipped BMW M4 can easily reach similar figures, and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 is widely expected to command a similar, if not higher, price point. Therefore, the Audi RS5, with its finally realized engaging driving experience, justifies its premium asking price. It’s no longer just a fast car; it’s a performance car that truly rewards its driver.
The Pinnacle of the RS5 Experience
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I’ve always wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It’s a masterful blend of exhilarating speed, razor-sharp agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement. It takes the inherent potency of the standard RS5 and injects it with a level of immersion that was previously out of reach. Crucially, this enhanced performance comes without a significant compromise in daily comfort or usability. The reduced sound deadening, far from being a detractor, amplifies the thrilling V6 soundtrack, allowing you to genuinely connect with the car’s mechanical soul.
In isolation, the RS5 Competition stands as a formidable challenger to benchmarks like the BMW M4. However, its age remains a factor. Despite the transformative impact of the Competition package, which finally elevates the RS5 from merely a quick car to a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the critical question lingers: will this late-blooming brilliance be enough to sway buyers, or has the opportunity passed?
If you’re seeking a performance coupe that finally delivers on the promise of true driving engagement, it’s time to experience the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition firsthand. Visit your local Audi dealership today and discover what happens when pure power meets ultimate connection.
