The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Reawakening the Driver’s Soul in Ingolstadt’s Performance Coupe
For nearly a decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious space in the automotive landscape. It’s undeniably a masterclass in brute force, a supremely capable performance machine that can reel in and decisively dispatch swathes of asphalt with astonishing rapidity. Yet, for many seasoned drivers, myself included after years behind the wheel of various performance Audis, there’s been a lingering sense that this potent package has been somewhat… detached. While it would effortlessly devour miles and erase corners at speeds that would humble many dedicated sports cars, the visceral connection, the thrilling dialogue between car and driver, often felt muted, a whisper rather than a roar. This was the paradox of the RS5: a car that offered prodigious performance without demanding an equal measure of driver engagement.
This narrative takes a significant and profoundly welcome turn with the arrival of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. To be precise, this isn’t a distinct model but rather the highly compelling Audi RS5 Coupe, elevated by the addition of the $16,100 Competition package. A crucial distinction, as the pursuit of automotive nomenclature can sometimes lead to fascinating parallels, and in this instance, a certain Bavarian marque might share a similar naming convention for its own performance variants. Nevertheless, the ethos driving this Audi iteration is unequivocally Ingolstadt’s, culminating in a package that finally unlocks the dynamic potential hinted at for years. At its heart, it retains the formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine found in the standard RS5, but it’s the supporting cast of upgrades – manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a significantly quicker steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system – that transforms the driving experience.
The Competition package doesn’t just endow the RS5 with a sharper edge; it fundamentally rewrites its personality. It’s a transformation that imbues the car with a heightened sense of agility and stability, but more importantly, it cultivates a profound sense of connection. Through an elevated level of road feedback, the driver is no longer a passenger experiencing speed but an active participant, intimately entwined with the machine and the asphalt beneath. Now, deep into its second generation, this potent Audi coupe feels, at long last, like it’s operating at the pinnacle of its intended purpose.
Unpacking the Competition Package: More Than Just Cosmetic Flourishes
For a substantial investment of $16,100, the Competition package delivers a comprehensive suite of mechanical and aesthetic enhancements. Mechanically, the highlights include the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes, a meticulously engineered coilover suspension system, substantially reinforced sport sway bars, and the aforementioned RS sport exhaust. These are not superficial additions; they are foundational elements designed to sharpen the car’s dynamic prowess.
Visually, the package further refines the RS5’s aggressive stance with a bespoke carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, underscoring its aerodynamic intent. The introduction of lightweight, 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only contributes to reduced unsprung mass but also serves as a striking showcase for the massive carbon-ceramic stoppers. Inside, the cabin receives a similarly sport-focused upgrade, featuring deeply bolstered Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, along with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this extensive list might seem daunting, the sheer volume and impact of these upgrades strongly suggest that for those seeking the ultimate RS5 experience, the investment is undeniably justified.
Intriguingly, the powertrain remains unchanged from the standard RS5. The robust 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out a potent 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might fall short of the headline numbers from direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), it’s crucial to understand that in real-world driving, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. The 0-to-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is significantly elevated to a remarkable 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the base car and a notable six miles per hour above models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability, coupled with the enhanced chassis dynamics, creates a formidable performance envelope.
The Heart of the Matter: An Engaging Drive Redefined
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition materializes the moment you encounter a winding road. From the initial turn of the steering wheel into a tightening bend, the car’s newfound character asserts itself. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, masterfully tames the RS5’s considerable mass (well over 3,900 pounds), exhibiting an immediate and precise response to directional changes, all without the unsettling body roll or excessive oscillation that can plague less focused machines. This enhanced agility is significantly bolstered by the Competition’s recalibrated steering. While it doesn’t offer the granular feedback of some hydraulic systems, its increased responsiveness and sharper ratio translate into a more direct and confident connection to the road. This is a critical element in unlocking true driver engagement, allowing for more precise line holding and a greater understanding of the front axle’s behavior.
This dynamic prowess is further amplified by the synergy between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and the meticulously tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This potent combination allows the RS5 Competition to fully exploit its suspension advancements, delivering tenacious mid-corner grip and enabling a rapid and composed deployment of its considerable power as you accelerate out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable performer, the Competition’s more communicative chassis provides a palpable sense of what the car is doing, allowing the driver to not just witness its impressive pace but to actively feel it. This level of tactile feedback is a game-changer, transforming the driving experience from one of effortless competence to one of exhilarating involvement.
Despite the firmer ride height, lowered by 0.39 inches (10 mm), and the more rigid chassis setup, the Audi RS5 Competition surprisingly retains a commendable level of daily comfort and usability. This observation speaks volumes about the inherent capabilities of the standard RS5, which, in its quest for refinement, perhaps leaned too heavily towards plushness for a car designated as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, strikes a masterful balance. It delivers a thoroughly capable and exhilarating sports car experience for weekend excursions while remaining perfectly civilized and comfortable for the weekday commute. This duality is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess.
The Symphony of Sound and Substance
A subtle yet significant alteration accompanying the Competition package is the reduction in cabin sound deadening. This decision is a brilliant complement to the inclusion of the aggressive RS sport exhaust. While it means you’ll experience a heightened awareness of road and tire noise within the cabin, this is precisely what a performance enthusiast desires. Gone are the days of Audi resorting to artificial engine sound pumped through the speakers; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, sonorous V6 soundtrack, punctuated by thrilling, explosive upshifts. This auditory experience can be modulated, of course, through the selectable drive modes, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired or a full-blown aural assault when the mood strikes. This unadulterated engine note adds a vital layer of sensory engagement, completing the transformation into a true driver’s car.
The interior enhancements are equally noteworthy. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not merely aesthetically pleasing with their striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching and gloss black accents; they are supremely functional. The inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, ensuring you remain planted and focused, while also offering ample room for comfort on longer journeys. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim contribute to a decidedly sporty and premium ambiance. Unlike the sometimes-overpowering gloss finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated, matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the dark, sophisticated cabin environment. This approach prioritizes a sense of refined luxury alongside the performance pedigree.
Subtle Evolution, Significant Impact
From a visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Competition package are more nuanced than overt. It essentially bundles previously optional carbon fiber elements, such as the front splitter and rear diffuser, with a suite of gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a perfect fit, enhancing the car’s athletic proportions and offering a clear view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are attractive, it’s an area where Audi could have potentially pushed further to create a more visually distinct model, especially considering the vehicle’s lifecycle.
However, one of the Audi RS5’s enduring strengths is its timeless design. Even now, several years after its debut, the second-generation RS5 Coupe possesses an elegant and contemporary aesthetic that continues to impress. While it may not possess the flamboyant or ostentatious styling of some rivals, its understated sophistication and sculpted lines make it a compelling and refined choice within its segment. It’s a design that ages gracefully, exuding a quiet confidence that appeals to a discerning buyer.
The Dilemma of Timing and Value
The most significant point of contention surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its timing. The introduction of this highly desirable performance package so late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a dramatically improved driving experience be enough to sway potential buyers towards a model that, visually, bears a strong resemblance to its 2017 predecessor?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, undeniably injects significant value into the RS5. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commands a starting price of $78,995, including destination fees. With the addition of the Competition package, the RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and the navigation package ($1,500), my test vehicle’s price tag swelled to a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might still be a concept that requires some contemplation, this pricing aligns it directly with a fully equipped BMW M4 Competition. Although official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it is highly probable that it will command a similar, if not higher, premium. Consequently, while the Audi RS5 now demands a premium sum, its newfound engaging driving dynamics finally provide a compelling justification for that price.
Conclusion: A Driver’s Audi, Finally Arrived
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, in essence, represents the car I had always hoped the RS5 would become. It is a harmonious blend of exhilarating speed, razor-sharp agility, and, crucially, profound driver engagement. It successfully merges the raw performance capabilities of the standard RS5 with an immersive driving experience that was previously just out of reach. Remarkably, even with its firmer chassis and more focused suspension, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening allows you to revel in its throaty V6 symphony without resorting to artificial sound enhancement.
When viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable challenger to the exceptional BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of this generation of the RS5 cannot be overlooked. Despite its latest performance-oriented updates finally elevating the RS5 from a mere straight-line missile to a genuinely engaging and rewarding driver’s car, the ultimate question remains: will buyers embrace this late-blooming dynamism, or has the window of opportunity passed?
For those seeking an impeccably engineered performance coupe that offers both exhilarating driving dynamics and everyday usability, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition presents an unmissable opportunity to experience a reawakened legend. Explore the specifications, arrange a test drive, and discover firsthand the profound transformation that the Competition package has bestowed upon this already impressive machine.
