The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Ten-Year Veteran Finally Finds Its Driver’s Soul
For a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles, and in that time, the Audi RS5 has always presented a curious paradox. It’s a car that has consistently delivered blistering speed and undeniable capability, a true contender capable of humbling machines with far grander pedigrees and steeper price tags. Yet, for all its prodigious power and sophisticated engineering, it often felt like a prodigy performing a complex symphony while wearing a blindfold – all the notes were there, but the heart, the raw, unadulterated joy of driving, was somewhat muted. It was a master craftsman, perhaps, but not quite a passionate artist behind the wheel.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package enters the narrative, not as a radical redesign, but as a critical, and frankly, overdue evolution. It’s important to note that “Competition” here refers to a specific, aptly named package, a $16,100 option that fundamentally reshapes the RS5 experience. It’s a distinction worth emphasizing, given the historical penchant for performance brands to adopt similar nomenclature. But make no mistake, the heart of this enhanced RS5, its potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, remains the same beast that’s graced the model for years. It still churns out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The magic, and it is indeed magic, lies in how this power is now delivered and, more importantly, how it’s felt.
This isn’t just about cosmetic enhancements or a slight power bump. The Competition package represents a philosophical shift. Audi has equipped this RS5 with manually adjustable coilover suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering system, and an exhaust system that has shed its reserved demeanor for something far more vocal. The result? A car that isn’t just fast, but actively involves its driver in the process. After six model years of its second generation, this potent Audi has finally reached its zenith, a testament to how focused engineering can revitalize a product.
The $16,100 Investment in Driving Dynamics
Let’s break down what that significant investment in the Competition package actually buys you. Beyond the core mechanical upgrades, the package is a veritable smorgasbord of performance and aesthetic enhancements. We’re talking about standard fitment of carbon-ceramic brakes – a significant upgrade for thermal management and fade resistance, crucial for spirited driving. The aforementioned coilover suspension and sport sway bars are meticulously engineered to sharpen the car’s responses. And the RS sport exhaust system transforms the auditory experience.
Visually, the Competition package adds a touch of aggression. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more purposeful stance, while unique 20-inch Y-spoke wheels provide a stunning visual anchor. Inside, the cabin receives a significant tactile upgrade with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats, offering both exceptional support and luxurious comfort. The Alcantara steering wheel, a tactile delight, further immerses the driver in the performance environment. While this list doesn’t encompass every single detail, it clearly demonstrates that Audi has packed substantial value into this package, justifying its substantial cost.
Power Figures and Real-World Impressions
While the horsepower and torque figures remain unchanged – 444 hp and 442 lb-ft – it’s crucial to contextualize these numbers. In the competitive landscape of performance coupes, the RS5’s output might appear less than some rivals, like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, both boasting over 500 hp. However, in real-world scenarios, especially on winding public roads, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. Its 0-60 mph time remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but its top speed is significantly enhanced. With the Competition package, the RS5 can reach an impressive 180 mph, a full 25 mph over the standard model and six mph higher than an RS5 equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This elevated top speed isn’t just an abstract number; it speaks to the car’s enhanced aerodynamic and cooling capabilities, hinting at its track-day potential.
The Transformation on Twisty Roads: Where the RS5 Competition Shines
This is where the true revelation occurs. From the moment you initiate a turn into a challenging bend, the benefits of the Competition package become palpably clear. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than the standard RS5’s compliant ride, masterfully contains the car’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. It allows the RS5 to change direction with an almost supernatural immediacy, eradicating unwanted body roll and keeping the chassis remarkably flat and composed. This newfound agility is amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it might not transmit every nuance of the road surface directly to your fingertips, its increased precision inspires confidence, allowing you to place the car with uncanny accuracy.
The combination of the aggressive Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, known for their tenacious grip, and the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission creates a symbiotic relationship that fully capitalizes on these chassis improvements. The result is astounding mid-corner grip, enabling you to carry remarkable speed through turns. As you accelerate out of a corner, the RS5 Competition effortlessly deploys its considerable power, projecting you forward with exhilarating force. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a competent machine, the Competition’s firmer, more communicative chassis elevates the experience. You don’t just witness its pace; you feel it, a crucial distinction for any serious driver.
Daily Usability: A Surprisingly Serene Ride
One might expect a suspension as firm as the RS5 Competition’s – 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower than standard – to compromise daily comfort. However, this is where the RS5 Competition package paradoxically highlights the strengths of the base RS5. It’s a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess that the standard car, while supremely capable, often felt almost too refined, too insulated for a car intended to be the pinnacle of the A5 line. The Competition package, by contrast, strikes an admirable balance. It transforms the RS5 into a truly engaging sports car for weekend adventures, while still retaining the composure and comfort required for the daily commute. It’s a rare feat to achieve such a dual personality without significant compromise.
The Sound of Performance: Embracing the Roar
Audi has also made a conscious decision to reduce sound deadening in the Competition package, a move that perfectly complements the addition of the raucous RS sport exhaust. While this means a heightened awareness of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a trade-off that any true enthusiast will readily embrace. A thrilling sports car shouldn’t be a hushed sanctuary; it should communicate its intent. Where previous RS5s relied on simulated engine notes piped through the audio system, the Competition package delivers a genuine, throaty V6 growl. The explosive upshifts of the transmission are now accompanied by a symphony of pops and burbles, a soundtrack that can be modulated to your preference via the selectable drive modes.
Inside the Cockpit: An Elevated Tactile Experience
The interior enhancements of the Competition package further underscore its focus on driver immersion. The Nappa leather and Dinamica sport seats are a masterclass in both form and function. Featuring a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern, gloss black trim, and embroidered backrests, they not only look the part but provide exceptional lateral support during aggressive driving. Crucially, their inflatable bolsters offer a welcome touch of comfort for longer journeys.
The Alcantara-clad steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim pieces lend the cabin a decidedly sporting ambiance. However, unlike the often ostentatious glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated, matte finish for its carbon fiber elements. This deliberate choice allows the material to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior, exuding an aura of understated luxury rather than overt sportiness.
Subtle Exterior Refinements: Understated Aggression
Visually, the changes introduced by the Competition package are more nuanced than dramatic. It effectively bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously available à la carte, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide an unimpeded view of the colossal carbon-ceramic brakes peeking through. While these additions are welcome, one could argue that Audi might have pushed the visual differentiation further, especially considering the model’s age.
Aging Gracefully: A Timeless Design
Despite its age – the second-generation RS5 has been on the market since the 2017 model year – its design remains remarkably contemporary. The elegant, flowing lines of this speedy two-door coupe continue to hold their own against newer rivals. While it may not possess the in-your-face aggression of a BMW M4 or the dramatic flair of a Mercedes-AMG, the RS5 maintains a distinct and enduring sense of sophistication. It’s arguably the most elegantly styled contender in its segment.
The Dilemma of Timing: A Late Bloom?
It is this very age, however, that presents the most significant point of contemplation. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably brilliant, transforming the RS5 into the driver’s car it always had the potential to be, its arrival so late in the second-generation’s lifecycle raises a crucial question: will this significantly improved driving experience be enough to sway buyers towards a model that, visually, bears a strong resemblance to its 2017 predecessor?
The Value Proposition: A Price for Immersion
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, does inject a significant amount of value into the RS5. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe has a starting MSRP of $78,995, including destination fees. My test vehicle, laden with the aforementioned Competition package, an optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation system, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform still requires some mental recalibration, its pricing is firmly in line with a fully optioned BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it’s a safe bet that it will command a similar, if not higher, figure. Therefore, the Audi RS5, despite its premium price point, finally offers an engaging driving experience that truly justifies the investment.
The Ultimate RS5: A Driver’s Dream Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I’ve long wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It’s a machine that masterfully blends exhilarating speed with a profound level of driver engagement. It inherits the raw pace of the base car and imbues it with a visceral connection to the road that was previously elusive. Remarkably, despite its firmer chassis, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort and usability. And with its reduced sound deadening, you’re treated to the authentic roar of its V6, no longer reliant on artificial enhancements.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped RS5 stands as a formidable adversary to the exceptional BMW M4. However, the elephant in the room remains the car’s age. Despite the significant enhancements that finally position the RS5 not merely as a fast car, but as a genuinely engaging one, the lingering question is whether these late-cycle improvements will resonate with buyers, or if it’s simply a case of being too little, too late.
If you’re an enthusiast who values a finely honed driving experience and appreciates the elegance of a timeless design, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition demands your attention. Discover firsthand how this decade-long journey has culminated in an RS5 that finally speaks the language of the driver. Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and experience this evolved legend for yourself.
