The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Rediscovering the Joy of Driving an Iconic Performance Coupe
For a decade in the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed the evolution of high-performance vehicles. I’ve seen manufacturers chase ever-increasing horsepower figures, cutting-edge technology, and luxury amenities. Yet, amidst this relentless pursuit, a fundamental element has sometimes been overlooked: genuine driver engagement. It’s a concept that’s increasingly difficult to engineer into a car, especially one as inherently capable and refined as the Audi RS5. For years, the RS5, in both its coupe and Sportback iterations, has been a masterclass in effortless velocity. It possesses the power to reel in sports cars from much higher price brackets, but it often delivered this performance with a detached grace that, while impressive, rarely translated into visceral excitement for the person behind the wheel. It was a car that could achieve astonishing speeds, yet it didn’t always make you feel the speed.
This year, however, Audi has made a significant pivot with the introduction of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t an entirely new model but rather the Audi RS5 Coupe outfitted with the substantial and transformative Competition package. For a hefty $16,100, this package injects a much-needed dose of dynamism into an already potent machine. While it shares the same formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter
injects a much-needed dose of dynamism into an already potent machine. While it shares the same formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine as its standard counterpart, the true magic lies in the mechanical and chassis enhancements. We’re talking about a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a quicker steering rack, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system. The result is a vehicle that doesn’t just go fast; it encourages you to engage with the road, offering a level of feedback and agility that makes even seasoned drivers reconsider their perceptions of this storied Audi. After six years in its second generation, this performance flagship finally feels like it’s operating at the apex of its potential.
A Deep Dive into the Competition Package: More Than Just Aesthetics
Let’s unpack what that $16,100 investment actually buys you. The Audi RS5 Competition package is a comprehensive suite of upgrades designed to sharpen the car’s dynamic capabilities. At its core are the high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, which provide immense stopping power and fade resistance crucial for spirited driving. Complementing these are the manually adjustable coilover suspension and stiffer sport sway bars. These aren’t just minor tweaks; they fundamentally alter how the RS5 handles weight transfer and body control.
Beyond the mechanicals, the package adds a layer of sensory appeal. The RS sport exhaust system is a masterstroke, transforming the V6’s soundtrack from a polite purr to a throaty growl with pops and crackles on the overrun. Visually, you’ll notice a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, subtle but effective additions that hint at the car’s enhanced performance. The car rolls on striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, which not only look fantastic but also provide a clear view of those impressive carbon-ceramic rotors. Inside, the transformation continues with deeply supportive Nappa leather seats and an Alcantara steering wheel, elevating the tactile experience. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it clearly demonstrates that while the RS5 Competition price is substantial, the value proposition in terms of enhanced driving dynamics and premium appointments is significant.
Performance Prowess: Unchanged Heart, Elevated Soul
It’s important to note that the engine’s output remains unchanged. The potent 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out a respectable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. In the realm of German performance sedans and coupes, these numbers might seem modest compared to some rivals. For instance, the BMW M4 Competition boasts over 500 horsepower, and the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 also pushed into that territory. However, real-world acceleration is a different story. The RS5 Competition feels every bit as quick as its more powerful competitors. Its 0-60 mph time remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, topping out at a very serious 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond even an RS5 equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased capability is a testament to the chassis’s newfound stability and the car’s overall aerodynamic efficiency.
The Backroad Ballet: Where the Competition Package Truly Shines
The true revelation of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition unfolds the moment you encounter a winding road. Turn the steering wheel, and the car responds with an immediacy that was previously elusive. The more direct steering ratio, while not bursting with granular road feel, is undeniably precise, allowing you to place the car exactly where you intend. The newly tuned coilover suspension, despite being noticeably firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. It keeps the body incredibly flat through corners, enabling rapid changes in direction without the unwanted wallowing or pitching that can plague less focused performance cars.
This newfound agility is a significant achievement, especially considering the car’s weight. It’s a combination that allows you to carry more speed into corners and exit them with unwavering confidence. The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a key component of the RS5 Competition tires specification, work in perfect harmony with the retuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, which has always been smooth, now feels more decisive and responsive, taking full advantage of the chassis’s improved grip. The result is a car that delivers impressive mid-corner stability and the ability to deploy its considerable power out of bends with a level of control and feedback that allows the driver to truly feel the car working beneath them. This is a departure from the standard RS5, which, while capable, felt more like a sophisticated tool for covering ground quickly rather than an exhilarating partner for an enthusiastic drive.
Daily Drivability: The Best of Both Worlds
A common concern with performance-oriented upgrades is the sacrifice of everyday comfort and usability. However, the Audi RS5 Competition masterfully bridges this gap. Despite the firmer suspension and a chassis that sits approximately 0.39 inches lower, the car remains remarkably compliant for daily commuting. This speaks volumes about the inherent competence of the standard RS5, which, in retrospect, may have been too refined for its intended purpose. The Competition package doesn’t strip away the car’s practicality; instead, it injects a sporting character without rendering it uncomfortable. It strikes an exceptional balance, making it a thrilling weekend sports car and a comfortable, composed daily driver. This is a crucial aspect for many buyers seeking a performance coupe for daily use.
Furthermore, the Competition package’s decision to reduce sound deadening is a welcome one. This, paired with the aggressive RS sport exhaust, creates an immersive auditory experience. While the increased road and tire noise might be a detractor for some, for a car designed to be engaging, a certain level of aural theater is essential. Gone are the days of Audi pumping artificial engine notes into the cabin through the speakers. Now, you’re treated to the genuine, visceral rumble of the V6, enhanced by sharp, explosive upshifts. The beauty of the Audi RS5 Competition exhaust system is that its intensity can be modulated through the various drive modes, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired or unleashing its full fury when the mood strikes.
Interior Refinements: A Focus on Driver Connection
The cabin enhancements within the RS5 Competition package are subtle yet significant, aiming to foster a deeper connection between the driver and the machine. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not just visually appealing with their distinctive hexagonal stitching and gloss black accents; they offer exceptional lateral support. These seats cradle you during enthusiastic cornering, ensuring you remain planted, yet they also provide ample comfort for longer journeys.
The Audi RS5 Competition interior is further distinguished by its Alcantara-clad steering wheel and headliner, and carbon fiber trim. Unlike the sometimes-overpowering glossy finishes found in competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for its carbon fiber elements. This lends an air of sophistication that blends seamlessly with the dark, purposeful cabin. It’s an interior that feels focused and premium, a fitting environment for a car that now prioritizes driving dynamics.
Exterior Styling: Understated Evolution
On the exterior, the changes for the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than dramatic. Audi has cleverly bundled desirable optional features, like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and combined them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a standout feature, perfectly complementing the car’s muscular stance and offering an unimpeded view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these updates are appreciated, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed for more distinct visual differentiation, especially considering the model’s age.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that the second-generation Audi RS5 has aged remarkably well. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its elegant and timeless design continues to look contemporary. While it may not possess the overtly aggressive or flamboyant styling of some rivals, it retains a sophisticated and understated presence that many find highly appealing. It’s arguably the most aesthetically refined option in its class, a characteristic that has always set Audi apart.
The Age Question: A Timely Update?
The most significant point of contention surrounding the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. The addition of the Competition package is undeniably a game-changer, transforming the driving experience for the better. Yet, it arrives quite late in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This begs the question: Will this significantly improved driving experience be enough to capture the attention of buyers for a car that, at its core, shares its foundational design with a model first introduced in 2017?
The RS5 Competition price of $16,100 for the package is substantial, but the value it delivers in terms of driving dynamics is undeniable. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at approximately $78,995, with destination fees. My test vehicle, equipped with the Competition package, an optional driver assistance package ($3,000), and a navigation package ($1,500), tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565.
While a six-figure price tag for an Audi based on the A5 platform might seem steep, it aligns perfectly with the competitive landscape. A comparably equipped BMW M4 will likely command a similar sum. While U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 is still unconfirmed, it’s reasonable to expect it to be in the same ballpark or even higher. Therefore, the Audi RS5, particularly in Competition guise, is asking a premium price, but crucially, its finally an engaging driving experience that justifies that cost.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Audi, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car I’ve always wished the RS5 had been. It’s a potent blend of exhilarating performance, razor-sharp agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement. It takes the inherent speed and capability of the base RS5 and elevates it with a level of connection and feedback that was previously out of reach. Despite its firmer chassis and more focused suspension, it remarkably retains a high degree of daily comfort and practicality. And with the reduced sound deadening, you’re treated to the authentic, sonorous V6 soundtrack, without resorting to artificial enhancements.
In direct competition, the RS5 Competition vs. BMW M4 debate is now a far more compelling one. While the BMW M4 remains an excellent performance coupe, the RS5 Competition offers a distinct flavor of engagement. However, the undeniable age of the RS5 platform looms large. Despite the monumental improvements brought by the Competition package, which finally transforms the RS5 from merely a fast car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: Will buyers respond to this late-cycle transformation, or has the moment passed?
If you’re seeking a performance coupe that offers breathtaking speed, sophisticated styling, and now, a truly exhilarating driving experience that will make you cherish every mile, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition deserves your serious consideration. This is an Audi that finally invites you to play.
Ready to experience the evolution of Audi’s performance coupe for yourself? Visit your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and rediscover the joy of driving.
