Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in Driver’s Delight
For over ten years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of immersing myself in the automotive landscape, dissecting performance vehicles, and understanding what truly makes a driver feel connected to their machine. Within this sphere, the Audi RS5 Competition has emerged not just as a car, but as a statement – a testament to how iterative development, when focused on the core experience, can transform a capable performer into a truly engaging driver’s car. My recent experience with the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package has reaffirmed this belief, solidifying its position as the most compelling RS5 to date, especially for those seeking genuine driving engagement in their luxury performance coupe.
It’s easy for a car to become a victim of its own success. The Audi RS5, across its generations, has always been a master of effortless velocity. In both its coupe and Sportback guises, it’s consistently delivered blistering acceleration and the ability to devour kilometers of asphalt with an almost detached grace. It could easily match, and often surpass, sportscars priced significantly higher, yet it did so without demanding much from its pilot. While this made for astonishingly rapid progress on a challenging road, the visceral thrill, the feeling of being truly involved in the drive, often remained just beyond reach. It was like having a world-class athlete perform for you – impressive, but not something you could actively participate in.
Then came the 2023 model year, and with it, the introduction of the Audi RS5 Competition package. This isn’t just a cosmetic tweak; it’s a meticulously engineered uplift, a significant $16,100 investment that injects a vital dose of driver-centric ethos into the already potent RS5. Crucially, this package is applied to the RS5 Coupe, distinguishing it from certain European rivals known for their similar nomenclature strategies. Ingolstadt’s approach, however, is distinct. Instead of a wholesale powertrain overhaul, the Competition package refines what was already there. The heart remains the robust 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, a powerplant that, while not setting new benchmarks in raw horsepower figures against some direct competitors, delivers its prodigious 442 pound-feet of torque with a potent urgency. The magic lies in the accompanying hardware: manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering rack for quicker responses, and an unapologetically raucous RS sport exhaust system.
The impact of these enhancements is palpable from the first moment you turn the wheel. The RS5 Competition feels alive, communicative, and utterly eager. It transforms from a supremely competent fast car into a dynamically engaging partner. Six years into its second generation, this potent Audi finally feels like it has reached its apex, delivering a driving experience that is as thrilling as it is refined. This isn’t just about going fast; it’s about feeling fast, about experiencing the road and the car’s capabilities in a way that was previously a step removed.
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package might seem substantial, but consider the components: carbon-ceramic brakes, a sophisticated coilover suspension system, performance-tuned sport sway bars, and that intoxicating RS sport exhaust. Beyond the mechanical upgrades, the package also bestows a suite of aesthetic enhancements. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser add a purposeful visual edge, while exclusive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels lend an athletic stance. Inside, the cabin is elevated with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, and the tactile sensation of an Alcantara steering wheel. While this list might not encompass every single detail, it clearly demonstrates that this isn’t a superficial option; you are receiving a significant upgrade in terms of performance hardware and premium materials.
While the headline figures for horsepower and torque remain consistent with the base model – 444 hp and 442 lb-ft – the Competition package unlocks the potential of this powertrain in a way that feels significantly more impactful on the road. It’s true that rivals like the BMW M4 Competition might boast higher peak horsepower figures (around 503 hp), and the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 offered a similar output. However, in real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid, if not more so, thanks to its more immediate and connected chassis. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a figure that is more than adequate for spirited driving. But where the Competition truly shines is its elevated top speed: 180 mph, a full 25 mph beyond the standard RS5 and 6 mph higher than even a model equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased performance ceiling is a testament to the engineering focus on sustained high-speed capability.
However, the true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition lies not on the straightaways, but when the tarmac begins to twist and turn. From the instant you initiate a turn-in, the differences are profound. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than the standard setup, manages to keep the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound curb weight remarkably composed. Body roll is dramatically reduced, allowing for near-instantaneous changes in direction with an absence of the unsettling float or excessive pitch that can plague less focused performance cars. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t provide an overwhelming amount of granular feedback, the directness and precision with which the front wheels respond to driver input are remarkable, instilling a confidence that encourages you to push harder. This is a significant step forward in Audi performance tuning, demonstrating a clear priority for dynamic handling.
Complementing the revised suspension and steering is the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tire compound, a choice that further enhances grip and communication. The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, now tuned to work in concert with the chassis upgrades, executes shifts with a satisfying blend of speed and smoothness. This cohesive package results in exceptional mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy the V6’s considerable torque with confidence as you exit a bend. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition package imbues it with a far more communicative chassis. You don’t just witness the immense pace; you feel it through the steering wheel, through the seat of your pants, and through the subtle nuances of tire adhesion. It’s an immersive experience that elevates the entire driving affair. This focus on driver feedback is a key differentiator.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is how it manages to enhance its performance capabilities without sacrificing an iota of daily usability. Despite the firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the ride quality remains surprisingly compliant for most road surfaces. This speaks volumes about the inherent comfort of the standard RS5, which some might argue was perhaps too refined, bordering on plush, for a car designated as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package strikes a masterful balance. It delivers a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions into the mountains, yet seamlessly transitions into a comfortable and refined commuter for the Monday-to-Friday grind. This dual personality is a hallmark of truly successful performance vehicles.
The Competition package also addresses another area where the standard RS5 could be perceived as overly subdued: its auditory experience. The reduction in sound deadening, coupled with the aggressive RS sport exhaust, creates an aural soundtrack that is far more befitting of a performance machine. While this means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a welcome trade-off. A true sports car shouldn’t be a silent assassin; it should announce its presence with a healthy dose of mechanical symphony. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine notes into the cabin. Instead, you are treated to a genuinely throaty V6 growl, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the various drive modes, offering a visceral thrill when desired, or a more subdued demeanor when cruising. This emphasis on authentic exhaust notes adds significant character.
The interior enhancements within the Competition package further underscore the driver-focused philosophy. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not just visually striking, featuring a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, but also incredibly supportive. The inflatable side bolsters provide ample lateral support during spirited driving, yet can be adjusted for greater comfort on longer journeys. The inclusion of an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim lends a decidedly sporty and upscale ambiance to the cabin. Unlike the often-glossy and fingerprint-prone finishes found in some competitors, Audi’s execution of carbon fiber here leans towards a more elegant matte finish, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the predominantly dark interior palette. This meticulous attention to detail in luxury car interiors distinguishes the RS5.
From a visual standpoint, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than dramatic, which aligns with Audi’s penchant for understated elegance. The package essentially bundles desirable elements that were previously optional or unavailable, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a perfect complement to the car’s proportions, drawing attention to the massive carbon-ceramic brakes peeking through. While some might yearn for more aggressive styling cues to set it apart from the standard RS5, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed the envelope further, especially given the model’s age. This subtle approach, however, maintains the RS5’s timeless appeal. For those seeking a more aggressive aesthetic, exploring performance car customization options might be an avenue.
The enduring elegance of the second-generation Audi RS5 is a testament to its design. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its lines remain clean, sophisticated, and decidedly contemporary. While it may not possess the overt flashiness of some of its German counterparts, the RS5 offers a refined aesthetic that is arguably the most timeless of the bunch. It’s a car that exudes presence without resorting to ostentatious displays. This is where understanding automotive design trends is crucial; the RS5’s enduring appeal lies in its classic proportions.
However, the age of this second-generation RS5 does present a point of contemplation. The arrival of the Competition package, while a welcome and significant enhancement to the driving experience, comes late in the car’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: Will a substantially improved driving dynamic be enough to attract buyers to a car that, in terms of its fundamental design and architecture, has been around for nearly a decade? The success of this particular configuration hinges on buyers prioritizing driving pleasure over the latest styling trends.
The value proposition of the $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial cost, is undeniable. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins its journey with a base MSRP of $78,995, including destination charges. My test vehicle, further outfitted with the aforementioned Competition package, the optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at an impressive $100,565. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived platform might initially seem steep, it’s important to place it within the context of its competitive set. A similarly optioned BMW M4 Competition commands a comparable sum. While the pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. market is yet to be fully disclosed, it’s highly probable that it will occupy a similar, if not higher, price bracket. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 indeed asks for a premium, the significant improvements in its driving dynamics and performance finally justify that investment. This is where understanding luxury car pricing becomes essential.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I had always hoped the RS5 would be. It masterfully blends the inherent speed and capability of the base model with a newfound level of driver immersion and engagement. It’s fast, agile, and communicative, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road and the car’s considerable performance potential. Crucially, even with its firmer chassis and sportier tuning, it retains a remarkable degree of daily comfort and practicality. The enhanced auditory experience, with its richer V6 note and explosive exhaust pops, adds a layer of visceral excitement that was previously missing, all without resorting to artificial sound augmentation.
When assessed independently, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against established benchmarks like the BMW M4. Its dynamic improvements are undeniable and genuinely elevate the driving experience. However, the car’s inherent age remains a factor. Despite these latest updates finally transforming the RS5 from merely a quick car into a truly engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question is whether this belated transformation will resonate with buyers, or if it has arrived too late in the model’s lifecycle to capture significant market share. For enthusiasts prioritizing engaging sports car driving, the RS5 Competition is a compelling choice, but its long-term success may depend on Audi’s strategic marketing and customer perception.
If you’re seeking a performance coupe that offers thrilling dynamics, sophisticated luxury, and a driving experience that finally lives up to its potent V6, the Audi RS5 Competition package presents an exceptional opportunity to elevate your driving journey. We invite you to experience this remarkable transformation firsthand. Schedule a personalized test drive at your local Audi dealership today and discover the difference true driver engagement makes.
