Unleashing the Driver Within: The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition – A Decade in the Making?
For more than ten years, the performance automotive landscape has grappled with a curious paradox: cars capable of blistering speeds often felt… detached. Take, for instance, the Audi RS5. For years, it stood as a monument to German engineering – a potent machine, capable of humbling sports cars far exceeding its segment and price point. Yet, this formidable capability was often delivered with an almost serene composure, a clinical efficiency that, while impressive, rarely ignited the primal thrill of pure driving engagement. It was a car that could hustle you through corners at breathtaking velocity, but the visceral connection to the road, the feedback that truly makes a driver feel the car working, remained elusive. This, in essence, has been the story of the RS5: a car suffering from its own well-executed success.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. More precisely, it’s the Audi RS5 Coupe, augmented by the $16,100 Competition package. This is a crucial distinction, especially when navigating the often-confusing nomenclature favored by certain Bavarian rivals. Nevertheless, at its heart, this enhanced RS5 from Ingolstadt shares a surprisingly similar philosophy. It retains the same formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the powerhouse that
has propelled previous iterations. The magic, however, lies in the accompanying upgrades: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, more robust sway bars, a recalibrated steering system for quicker responses, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust note.
The result? The Competition package doesn’t just bestow the RS5 with greater agility and unwavering stability at speed; it fundamentally transforms the driver’s experience. Through enhanced road feedback, this potent Audi finally allows its pilot to feel a genuine connection to the tarmac beneath, to truly participate in the act of driving. Now, six years into its second generation, this once-complacent performance coupe has arguably reached its zenith.
For those considering a premium performance sedan or coupe, the Audi RS5 Competition package cost is significant, but the bounty of hardware it includes is equally substantial. Within that $16,100 investment, you’ll find carbon-ceramic brakes – a significant upgrade for track enthusiasts and spirited drivers alike – the aforementioned coilover suspension, performance-tuned sport sway bars, and the throaty RS sport exhaust. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the visual differentiators are equally compelling. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more aggressive aesthetic, while the bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels add a touch of exclusivity. Inside, the cabin is appointed with Nappa leather sport seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it underscores the comprehensive nature of the upgrade; the RS5 Competition value proposition, though costly, feels earned.
It’s important to note that the headline performance figures remain unchanged. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers might not eclipse the raw output of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (which boasts a considerable 503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (also at 503 hp), they are more than sufficient to deliver a real-world driving experience that feels every bit as rapid. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a blisteringly quick 3.8 seconds. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching an impressive 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. For drivers prioritizing ultimate velocity, this is a significant, albeit niche, advantage.
Where the true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition performance unfolds is on a winding, open road. From the very first turn of the wheel into a sweeping bend, the transformation is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s substantial 3,900-plus-pound mass. It allows for instant directional changes with an uncanny absence of unwanted body roll, injecting a newfound nimbleness into the chassis. This heightened agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it may not transmit every granular detail of the road surface directly to your fingertips, its increased precision allows for more confident and immediate inputs. This is a key area where the RS5 Competition steering truly shines, offering a more direct connection than previous iterations.
This synergy between the sharpened chassis and the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, coupled with a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, creates a potent combination. The RS5 Competition exhibits remarkable mid-corner grip, allowing you to maintain composure and confidence as you transition through apexes. Exiting corners, the car is remarkably adept at deploying its considerable power effectively, propelling you forward with exhilarating urgency. While the standard RS5 is a demonstrably capable machine, the Competition’s significantly more communicative chassis allows you to not just witness its impressive pace, but to truly feel it unfolding beneath you. This enhanced tactile connection is a hallmark of a truly engaging driver’s car. For those seeking an Audi RS5 performance tuning experience without compromising factory warranty, the Competition package is an official factory solution.
Despite the sportier suspension setup, which lowers the RS5 by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the added capabilities of the Competition variant do not come at the expense of everyday comfort and usability. In fact, this speaks more to the standard RS5’s inherent refinement, which, paradoxically, often felt a touch too plush and insulated for what Audi intended as its most engaging A5 variant. The RS5 Competition, with its firmer chassis, achieves a commendable equilibrium: a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions and a comfortable, refined daily driver for the commute. This balance is a significant achievement and a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess. Many high-performance vehicles, particularly those with a focus on track day performance, often sacrifice daily drivability, but the RS5 Competition largely avoids this pitfall.
The Competition package also thoughtfully addresses the RS5’s sound insulation, a decision that perfectly complements the upgraded RS sport exhaust. While the reduced noise dampening does result in a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, this is a trade-off that thrill-seeking enthusiasts will likely embrace. A true sports car, after all, shouldn’t be eerily silent. Where Audi’s earlier refinement efforts sometimes led to the artificial amplification of engine sounds through the speakers, the RS5 Competition offers a genuine, visceral V6 growl. The explosive punctuation of its upshifts can be tailored to your preference through the various drive modes, allowing you to dial the auditory experience up or down as the situation dictates. This is a welcome departure from previous, less authentic sonic experiences and is a significant factor in the RS5 Competition driving experience.
The interior enhancements within the Competition package are equally noteworthy. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats offer substantial lateral support, crucial for spirited driving, while their inflatable bolsters can be adjusted for added comfort on longer journeys. The distinctive hexagonal stitching, reminiscent of Lamborghini interiors, adds a touch of exotic flair. All Competition models feature an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and headliner, further enhancing the tactile and visual appeal. The carbon fiber trim, however, is presented with a more subtle, matte finish, a welcome contrast to the often-glossy, fingerprint-attracting surfaces found in some competitors, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the dark, sophisticated cabin. For those exploring Audi RS5 customization options, these interior touches are significant upgrades.
Visually, the changes wrought by the Competition package are not overtly flamboyant. It essentially bundles desirable elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional on the base car, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing, perfectly complementing the car’s proportions and offering an unobstructed view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brake rotors. However, this is an area where one might have hoped for a more dramatic visual evolution, especially considering the model’s age. This is a common discussion point for Audi RS5 coupe reviews of this generation; the performance upgrades are significant, but the visual statement is more restrained.
On the upside, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age gracefully. Introduced in the 2017 model year, its timeless and elegant design still presents a contemporary and sophisticated profile. While it may not possess the outright visual aggression of some of its BMW or Mercedes-AMG counterparts, it remains arguably the most aesthetically refined choice in its class. This enduring design is a testament to Audi’s commitment to elegant, understated performance. For buyers in regions like Audi RS5 Los Angeles or Audi RS5 New York, the car’s sophisticated styling fits seamlessly into urban luxury environments.
However, the age of this particular RS5 generation is precisely what elicits the most internal conflict. While the Competition package undeniably elevates the driving experience to new heights, its introduction feels somewhat late in the model’s lifecycle. This begs the question: will a significantly improved driving dynamic be enough to sway potential buyers towards a car that, visually, still echoes its 2017 debut? This is a critical consideration for performance car market trends and for any buyer evaluating the RS5 Competition vs M4 Competition.
The substantial $16,100 cost of the Competition package, while steep, does imbue the RS5 with considerable additional value. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, before any optional extras, carries a starting MSRP of $78,995, including destination fees. The generously equipped tester I experienced, featuring the aforementioned Competition package, an optional RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and a navigation package ($1,500), tipped the scales at $100,565.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform still requires some mental recalibration, this price point places it squarely in competition with a fully loaded BMW M4. Although pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it’s highly probable it will arrive at or above this figure. Therefore, the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, but it is a sum that, at long last, is validated by a truly engaging and rewarding driving experience. For those seeking luxury performance cars with a focus on driver engagement, this price point is becoming increasingly competitive, making the Audi RS5 Competition purchase a more compelling proposition.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, in my estimation, is the car the RS5 always had the potential to be. It is a potent blend of blistering speed, remarkable agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement, finally bridging the gap between the base car’s formidable power and a more immersive, connected driving sensation. Crucially, despite its firmer suspension, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, with its reduced sound deadening, you’re treated to a more authentic and thrilling V6 soundtrack, free from artificial augmentation. This makes the Audi RS5 Competition everyday usability a significant strong suit.
In isolation, the Competition package transforms the Audi RS5 into a compelling rival to the already excellent BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of this RS5 generation cannot be ignored. Despite the significant strides made with its latest updates, transforming it from merely a quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond to this late-stage evolution, or has the window of opportunity passed? For those who have long admired the RS5’s form but yearned for its performance to be matched by its soul, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents a compelling, if perhaps belated, answer.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi RS5 performance and discover the joy of true driver engagement? Explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition models available in your area and schedule a test drive today to feel the difference firsthand.
