The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Rekindling the Driver’s Spark in a Refined Performance Coupe
For a significant portion of its recent history, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the high-performance automotive landscape. It has consistently been a masterclass in effortless velocity. Whether you opted for the sleek coupe or the practical Sportback, the RS5 delivered blistering acceleration and tenacious grip, often outmaneuvering considerably more exotic machinery. Yet, this immense capability was frequently delivered with a detached serenity, an almost clinical precision that, while undeniably impressive, often left the driver feeling like a passenger rather than a participant in the automotive ballet. The thrill of the backroad blast, the visceral connection to the machine and the asphalt – these were elements that, while present, felt somewhat muted.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition emerges, not as a completely new genesis, but as a potent evolution. Crucially, what we’re discussing is the RS5 Coupe specifically equipped with the $16,100 Competition package. This distinction is important, especially given the penchant for similar
nomenclature from a certain rival in Bavaria. But make no mistake, this Ingolstadt offering imbues the RS5 with a decidedly more driver-centric ethos. The core of this transformation lies in a suite of enhancements meticulously calibrated to amplify engagement without sacrificing the RS5’s inherent strengths. The same formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine still resides under the hood, a powerhouse that, while not wielding the highest horsepower figures in its immediate competitive set, delivers a potent and immediate surge of torque. The real magic, however, is found in the application of a manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly beefed-up anti-roll bars, a quicker steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system.
The result of this focused engineering effort is a more agile, more stable, and, most importantly, a far more communicative RS5. It’s a car that now actively invites its driver to explore its limits, providing the crucial feedback necessary to feel truly connected to the road. After six model years in its second generation, this performance Audi has finally reached a zenith of its potential, offering a driving experience that aligns with its aggressive styling and formidable performance figures.
Unpacking the Competition Package: More Than Just an Appearance Upgrade
For the substantial investment of $16,100, the Competition package doesn’t simply apply a cosmetic veneer. It delivers a substantial upgrade in hardware designed to enhance dynamic performance. The inclusion of potent carbon-ceramic brakes provides exceptional stopping power and fade resistance, essential for spirited driving. The adjustable coilover suspension, a cornerstone of this package, allows for finer tuning of ride height and damping characteristics, while the uprated sport sway bars actively reduce body roll, leading to flatter cornering. Complementing these mechanical upgrades is the RS sport exhaust, which imbues the V6 with a much richer and more aggressive soundtrack.
Beyond the performance hardware, the Competition package also introduces a range of aesthetic and interior enhancements. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser contribute to aerodynamic efficiency and a more aggressive stance. The bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only look striking but also showcase the impressive carbon-ceramic stoppers. Inside, the cabin is elevated with RS sport seats clad in Nappa leather and Dinamica, offering a blend of luxurious comfort and aggressive bolstering. The steering wheel, trimmed in Alcantara, provides a tactile connection to the driver. While this comprehensive list doesn’t encompass every single detail, it clearly illustrates that despite its premium price, the Competition package delivers tangible value that directly impacts the driving experience.
Power Delivery: A Familiar Heartbeat with a New Rhythm
It’s important to note that the Competition package does not introduce any changes to the RS5’s power output. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out a respectable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might fall short of the peak output from direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (around 503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (also around 503 hp), the real-world performance is remarkably competitive. The RS5 Competition’s 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at a brisk 3.8 seconds. However, the true differentiator lies in its top speed. The Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a significant increase of 25 mph over the standard RS5 and 6 mph beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This suggests a focus on sustained high-speed performance and a more aggressive aerodynamic profile.
The Dynamic Transformation: Where the RS5 Competition Truly Shines
The moment you point the Audi RS5 Competition towards a winding ribbon of asphalt, the benefits of the Competition package become undeniably apparent. Turn the wheel, and the car responds with an immediacy that was previously elusive. The coilover suspension, while certainly firmer than the standard setup, masterfully controls the RS5’s considerable mass – tipping the scales at just over 3,900 pounds – allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without the disconcerting body roll that can detract from a truly engaging experience. This newfound agility is a direct result of the quicker steering rack. While it might not offer the hyper-detailed road feel of a purist’s machine, it’s significantly more precise, allowing for confident placement of the car and a clearer understanding of its trajectory.
This enhanced chassis dynamism is perfectly complemented by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, which provide an astonishing amount of grip. Working in concert with the retuned eight-speed automatic transmission, which now executes shifts with even greater urgency and precision, the RS5 Competition is capable of exploiting every ounce of its suspension improvements. The result is prodigious mid-corner grip and the ability to powerfully deploy its torque out of bends without hesitation. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable performer, the Competition package’s firmer chassis acts as a conduit, translating the car’s immense performance into a palpable sensation for the driver. You don’t just witness the speed; you feel it. This is the essence of what many performance car enthusiasts seek: a direct connection to the road and the machine.
Balancing Firmness with Familiar Comfort
Despite the noticeable stiffening of its chassis and a reduction in ride height by approximately 0.39 inches (10 mm), the Audi RS5 Competition’s enhanced dynamic capabilities do not come at the prohibitive expense of daily comfort and usability. In fact, this statement speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its previous iterations, often felt almost too refined and plush for a model intended to be Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package manages to strike a remarkably effective balance. It delivers a thoroughly capable sports car experience for weekend excursions, yet remains perfectly adept as a comfortable and refined commuter for the daily grind. This nuanced approach ensures that the RS5 Competition isn’t relegated to track-day duty but can be enjoyed on a regular basis without undue compromise.
The Soundtrack: A Roaring V6, Not a Silent Opera
A significant and welcome aspect of the Competition package is its deliberate reduction in cabin sound deadening. This decision aligns perfectly with the inclusion of the more aggressive RS sports exhaust. The diminished insulation means that more of the road and tire noise filters into the cabin. However, for a vehicle conceived as a thrilling sports car, a certain level of auditory rawness is not only acceptable but desirable. Gone are the days when Audi felt the need to artificially pipe engine notes into the cabin via the sound system. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely guttural and satisfying V6 symphony, punctuated by explosive upshifts. This auditory experience can be modulated through the various drive modes, allowing you to dial up the intensity when the mood strikes or quieten things down for a more relaxed cruise. The authentic V6 growl, coupled with the satisfying mechanical symphony of the drivetrain, significantly enhances the overall sensory engagement.
Interior Refinements: A Touch of Racing Flair
The Competition package thoughtfully integrates several sporty interior enhancements. The RS sport seats, a focal point of the cabin, are meticulously crafted from Nappa leather and Dinamica. They feature a striking, Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, complemented by gloss black accents and embroidered RS logos. These seats offer exceptional lateral support, crucial for maintaining stability during spirited driving, while also providing ample comfort for longer journeys.
The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, providing a tactile and upscale feel. Carbon fiber trim is integrated throughout the cabin, adding a lightweight, performance-oriented aesthetic. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes seen in some competitors, Audi opts for a more subdued, matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the otherwise dark and sophisticated interior palette. This approach lends an air of understated elegance to the RS5’s performance-oriented cabin.
Exterior Evolution: Subtle Enhancements for a Timeless Design
Visually, the changes brought by the Audi RS5 Competition package are more nuanced than overtly dramatic. It essentially aggregates elements that might have been optional on the base car, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim for a more aggressive appearance. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly proportioned and provide an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions certainly enhance the car’s visual presence, one might argue that given the model’s age, Audi could have introduced more distinctive visual cues to set the Competition apart more dramatically.
However, it’s also worth noting that the second-generation Audi RS5’s design has aged remarkably well. Introduced in 2017, its elegant and flowing lines still possess a contemporary appeal. While it may not possess the ostentatious flair of some of its German rivals, it retains a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic that continues to impress. It remains, arguably, the most elegantly styled of the performance German coupes in its segment.
The Age Factor: A Question of Timing
The primary point of contention, and perhaps the most significant conflict, arises from the timing of the Competition package’s introduction. While the enhancements it brings are undeniably transformative and significantly elevate the RS5’s driving experience, they arrive relatively late in the second-generation car’s product cycle. This raises a pertinent question: will an improved driving dynamic, as compelling as it is, be enough to entice buyers towards a car that, from a visual standpoint, carries its years with a familiar design language?
The considerable investment in the $16,100 Competition package does offer substantial value, enhancing the car’s capabilities across the board. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination. With the addition of the Competition package, alongside other optional extras like the $3,000 RS driver assistance package and the $1,500 navigation package, the as-tested price for this particular example climbed to $100,565.
While a six-figure price tag for an Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem steep, it aligns competitively with similarly equipped rivals. The BMW M4 Competition, when optioned similarly, occupies a comparable price bracket. While U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is highly anticipated to command a similar or even higher premium. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now asks for a significant sum, its finally-realized engaging driving experience now provides a compelling justification for its premium positioning in the market.
Conclusion: A Driver’s RS5, Finally Arrived
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car that many enthusiasts, myself included, had been wishing for all along. It is a potent combination of exhilarating speed, razor-sharp agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement. It seamlessly blends the brute force of the standard RS5 with a newfound level of immersion and connection that was previously out of reach. Remarkably, despite its firmer chassis and heightened performance focus, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, with less sound deadening and a more vocal exhaust, you’re treated to the authentic symphony of its robust V6, free from artificial enhancements.
In isolation, the RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender against established benchmarks like BMW’s excellent M4. However, one cannot entirely overlook the inherent age of this particular generation of RS5. Despite how its latest iteration finally elevates the RS5 from merely a quick car to a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will this late-blooming dynamism be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers, or has the opportunity passed?
If you’re eager to experience the thrill of a performance coupe that finally prioritizes the driver, we encourage you to explore your local Audi dealerships. Schedule a test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and feel the difference that a decade of refinement and a focused pursuit of driver engagement can make.
