Audi RS5 Competition: The Driver’s Audi Finally Arrives
For a decade now, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of piloting some of the automotive industry’s most potent machines. Over the past ten years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of performance vehicles, and with that, a growing divergence between raw speed and true driver engagement. For a long time, the Audi RS5, in both its coupe and Sportback guises, exemplified a fascinating paradox: it was undeniably, astonishingly fast. It could reel in sports cars that commanded significantly higher price tags, yet this prowess often felt detached, a testament to its engineering brilliance rather than a direct invitation to the driver to participate actively in the experience. You could blaze down a winding road at warp speed, but the exhilaration rarely seeped into the core of the driving experience.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, or more precisely, the Audi RS5 Coupe adorned with the $16,100 Competition package. This distinction is important, especially in a segment where nomenclature can sometimes feel a bit… ambitious. However, setting aside any regional comparisons, the philosophy behind this enhanced RS5, hailing from Ingolstadt, is clear: elevate the driver’s connection. It retains the formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 from the standard model, but crucially, it introduces manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a sharpened steering ratio, and a more vocal exhaust system.
The result? The Competition package doesn’t just imbue the RS5 with a newfound agility and steadfast stability at higher velocities. More significantly, it fosters a palpable connection between driver, machine, and the asphalt beneath. After six model years of its second generation, this potent Audi has finally ascended to its rightful throne as a truly engaging driver’s car.
A Deep Dive into the Competition Package: More Than Just Bling
At $16,100, the Competition package is not an inexpensive addition, but it’s a substantial one. It’s a comprehensive upgrade that includes performance-enhancing elements like carbon-ceramic brakes, the aforementioned coilover suspension, sport sway bars, and a throaty RS sport exhaust. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, there are notable visual upgrades: a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and within the cabin, Nappa leather seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this list might not encompass every single detail, it clearly illustrates that while the price of entry is steep, the value proposition is undeniably strong.
It’s important to note that despite these significant enhancements, the powertrain remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While this might be less than the stratospheric figures of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, in real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 feels every bit as quick. Its 0-60 mph time remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but its top speed is now capped at a formidable 180 mph – a full 25 mph above the standard car and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This is a significant uptick in outright performance potential, particularly for those seeking ultimate track-day capability.
The Transformative Impact on the Driving Experience
The true magic of the Competition package unfolds when you steer the RS5 onto a sinuous ribbon of asphalt. From the very first turn-in, the enhancements are palpable. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, masterfully manages the RS5’s substantial curb weight (approaching 4,000 pounds). This allows for instantaneous directional changes, devoid of the unwanted body roll that can plague less focused performance cars. This heightened agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it might not flood your hands with mountains of tactile feedback, its precision is remarkable, allowing for confident and accurate placement of the car.
This symphony of chassis and steering improvements is harmoniously complemented by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a recalibrated eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination creates a car with prodigious mid-corner grip, enabling you to exploit the chassis’s capabilities and effortlessly deploy its ample power as you exit bends. While the standard RS5 is an inherently capable machine, the Competition package’s firmer chassis becomes a conduit for information, allowing you to not only feel the car’s immense pace but truly experience it. This is where the true heart of a performance car lies, and the RS5 Competition finally delivers it in spades. For enthusiasts seeking a more visceral connection, exploring options for Audi RS5 Competition tuning can unlock even further potential, though the stock setup is a revelation.
The Delicate Balance: Performance Without Sacrificing Daily Usability
One of the most impressive aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is its ability to deliver these enhanced performance credentials without compromising daily comfort and usability. While the firmer suspension and reduced ride height (0.39 inches lower) might suggest otherwise, the truth is that this speaks volumes about the standard RS5’s inherent refinement, which, frankly, could sometimes feel overly plush for a car designed to be the A5’s most dynamic variant. The Competition package strikes an almost perfect equilibrium, offering a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend exploits and a comfortable, compliant commuter for the weekday grind. This balance is crucial for a luxury performance vehicle in today’s market, especially when considering its premium luxury car segment.
The Competition package also takes a welcome step back from excessive sound deadening, a decision that pairs beautifully with the upgraded RS sports exhaust. While this means a more pronounced influx of road and tire noise into the cabin, a thrilling sports car shouldn’t be a silent sanctuary. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine notes through the speakers. Now, you’re treated to a genuinely visceral V6 soundtrack, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated to your preference through the various drive modes. This auditory engagement is a vital component of the overall driving experience, and the RS5 Competition finally gets it right. For those interested in performance exhaust systems for Audi RS5, the factory option on the Competition model sets a high bar.
A Cabin Designed for the Driver
Inside the RS5 Competition, the enhancements continue, focusing on both aesthetics and function. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a standout feature. With a design reminiscent of Lamborghini’s signature hexagonal stitching, gloss black side accents, and embroidered backrests, they offer exceptional lateral support, crucial for spirited driving. Yet, their inflatable side bolsters ensure ample comfort for longer journeys.
The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim create a decidedly sporty ambiance. However, unlike the often-glossy, sometimes overwhelming finishes found in rivals like the BMW M4, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for its carbon fiber. This allows the lightweight material to blend seamlessly with the predominantly dark cabin, exuding an understated elegance rather than outright raciness. This attention to detail elevates the interior from merely functional to thoughtfully crafted. When considering Audi RS5 interior upgrades, the Competition package sets a high standard for sport-luxury.
Subtle Exterior Tweaks, Timeless Design
Visually, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than revolutionary. It essentially bundles desirable extras like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser – options previously available on the standard car – with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels fill the arches perfectly, harmonizing with the car’s proportions and providing an unimpeded view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes peeking from behind. While these additions are attractive, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed further to differentiate the Competition model, especially given the model’s current age.
On the flip side, the second-generation Audi RS5’s design has aged remarkably well. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its elegant lines and balanced proportions still look contemporary, a testament to Audi’s design prowess. While it may not possess the overt aggression of some of its German counterparts, it remains, in my estimation, the most aesthetically refined choice in its class. This timeless design ensures that even a well-equipped Audi RS5 Coupe price reflects enduring style.
The Conundrum of Timing
The most significant point of contemplation surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. While the introduction of the Competition package is unequivocally a positive development, significantly enhancing the car’s driving dynamics, it arrives quite late in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This inevitably raises a pertinent question: will a dramatically improved driving experience be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers for a car that, at its core, looks much like it did in 2017? This is a crucial consideration for anyone researching new Audi RS5 models.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its considerable cost, does add substantial value and transforms the RS5’s character. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe had an MSRP starting around $78,995, including destination. With optional extras like the Competition package, the RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and the navigation package ($1,500), the as-tested price of my press vehicle nudged into six figures, around $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might still seem like a considerable sum, this pricing is competitive with a fully loaded BMW M4. Although the U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remained unannounced at the time of writing, it was widely speculated to be in a similar, if not higher, bracket. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now commands a premium price, its transformed, engaging driving experience finally justifies the cost. When looking at Audi RS5 Coupe deals, the Competition model often represents a compelling upgrade.
The Verdict: An Audi RS5 Finally for the Enthusiast
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I had always hoped the RS5 would be. It’s a masterclass in combining raw speed with genuine driver engagement. It takes the already potent performance of the base model and injects it with a level of connection and excitement that was previously elusive. Despite its more focused chassis, it remarkably retains a high degree of daily comfort and usability. And with its reduced sound insulation, you’re treated to the car’s glorious V6 growl without relying on artificial enhancements. This makes it a strong contender in the luxury performance coupe segment.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable adversary to the excellent BMW M4. However, the car’s age cannot be entirely overlooked. While its latest enhancements have finally propelled the RS5 from merely being a fast car to a truly engaging and rewarding driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will buyers respond to this late-blooming enthusiast focus, or is it a case of “too little, too late”? For those who have long admired the RS5’s aesthetics but yearned for more visceral feedback, the RS5 Competition presents a compelling, albeit late, opportunity to finally experience the drive you’ve been waiting for. For those considering an Audi RS5 lease, the Competition package offers a significantly enhanced driving experience for the duration of the term.
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of a performance car that truly connects you to the road, we invite you to schedule a test drive of the Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealer today. Discover firsthand how this enhanced model redefines what it means to drive an Audi.
