The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Engineering True Driver Engagement in a Modern Grand Tourer
For over a decade, the automotive landscape has seen performance vehicles increasingly isolate their occupants from the visceral thrill of driving. Power figures often soared, while the nuanced feedback—the tactile connection to the road, the subtle cues from the chassis, the symphony of mechanical exertion—became casualties of progress. The Audi RS5, particularly in its previous iterations, exemplified this trend. It was undeniably a magnificent machine, a blur of speed and sophisticated German engineering, capable of astonishing feats of velocity. Yet, for all its potency, it often felt like a passenger was being transported at extreme speeds, rather than a driver actively participating in the exhilaration. The car’s inherent talent was undeniable, but its ability to translate that talent into genuine driver enjoyment remained elusive, often leaving enthusiasts yearning for a deeper connection.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package emerges as a transformative force. It’s not a redesign, nor a radical overhaul, but rather a meticulously curated collection of enhancements designed to do one thing: re-ignite the spirit of driver engagement. By equipping the already formidable RS5 Coupe with the $16,100 Competition package, Audi has, in my expert opinion after a decade immersed in this industry, finally unlocked the true potential of this V6-powered grand tourer. This isn’t merely an appearance upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in the car’s dynamic character, proving that even a mature platform can be revitalized with the right focus.
The core of the RS5 Competition remains its potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a marvel of modern engineering that continues to produce a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not directly eclipse the headline numbers of some direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they represent a perfectly judged output for real-world performance. The difference, as we’ll explore, isn’t about raw numbers but about how that power is delivered and, more importantly, how the driver can harness it. In terms of straight-line acceleration, the RS5 Competition still achieves a brisk 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. However, the Competition package bestows upon it a significant advantage in top speed, unlocking a heady 180 mph – a full 25 mph faster than the standard RS5 and even surpassing models equipped with Audi’s Dynamic Plus package. This elevated performance ceiling hints at the broader enhancements at play.
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its chassis and steering revisions. The heart of this transformation is the manually adjustable coilover suspension, a significant departure from the more comfort-oriented setup of the standard car. Complementing this are beefed-up sport sway bars, which dramatically reduce body roll and contribute to a more planted feel. This combination results in a sensation of immediate response the moment you initiate a turn. Dive into a corner, and the RS5 Competition bites with an eagerness previously unmet. The over 3,900-pound coupe feels remarkably agile, its considerable mass seemingly shed as it changes direction with uncanny precision. This newfound nimbleness is intrinsically linked to the quicker steering ratio, a critical element that sharpens the car’s responses. While it might not offer the same granular road texture as some purer sports cars, the increased directness allows the driver to place the car with confidence, building a crucial sense of trust and anticipation.
The upgraded suspension, while undoubtedly firmer, doesn’t render the RS5 Competition an uncomfortable machine for daily commutes. In fact, it highlights a perceived flaw in the standard RS5’s tuning. The base car, in its pursuit of refinement, arguably strayed too far from the aggressive sporting intent implied by its RS badge. The Competition package, by contrast, strikes an exquisite balance. It delivers a planted, secure ride on the highway, yet possesses the tautness and control necessary to inspire confidence when exploring challenging backroads. This duality is a testament to Audi’s ability to engineer a performance vehicle that doesn’t demand a constant sacrifice of comfort for the sake of speed. For those seeking a performance coupe that can seamlessly transition from a weekday commuter to a weekend track weapon, the Audi RS5 Competition price point begins to feel justified by this remarkable versatility.
Audi’s approach to sound engineering has also been re-evaluated for the Competition model. The package includes a revised RS sport exhaust system, and crucially, a reduction in the cabin’s sound-deadening material. This is a welcome decision, as the previous RS5’s tendency to pipe artificial engine noise into the cabin felt like a compromise that undermined the genuine mechanical symphony. With the Competition package, the V6 engine’s voice is allowed to sing. The deep, resonant growl is palpable, particularly during spirited driving, and the exhilarating pops and bangs on upshifts add a layer of auditory drama that significantly enhances the driving experience. The ability to modulate the exhaust note through different drive modes offers a degree of flexibility, allowing for a more subdued experience during leisurely drives or a full-throated roar when the mood strikes. This authentic V6 sound, combined with the direct chassis feedback, finally allows the driver to feel and hear the car’s performance, creating a truly immersive experience.
Visually, the changes brought about by the Competition package are subtle yet impactful. Audi has a penchant for understated aggression, and the RS5 Competition is no exception. The package often incorporates elements like a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, gloss black badging, and distinctive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels that offer a tantalizing glimpse of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes within. These additions, while not overtly flamboyant, contribute to a more focused and purposeful aesthetic. The RS5’s design, a second-generation model that has aged remarkably well since its 2017 debut, retains an elegant and timeless appeal. While it may not possess the aggressive visual flair of some competitors, its sophisticated lines present a more mature and refined statement. For those who appreciate subtle performance cues, the Audi RS5 Competition offers a tastefully enhanced appearance.
The interior of the RS5 Competition also receives a welcome infusion of sporting character. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a highlight, featuring a distinctive hexagonal stitch pattern and substantial side bolstering that provide excellent support during spirited driving. These seats offer a delightful blend of comfort for extended journeys and the necessary grip when navigating dynamic road conditions. The standard Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber interior trim further enhance the cabin’s premium and performance-oriented feel. Unlike some rivals that opt for high-gloss finishes that can be prone to glare, Audi’s use of matte carbon fiber lends an understated elegance that complements the overall dark interior theme. This attention to detail contributes to a cabin that feels both luxurious and purposeful, reinforcing the car’s dual nature as a high-performance machine and a refined grand tourer.
The elephant in the room, however, is the age of the second-generation RS5 platform. While the Competition package has undeniably elevated the driving dynamics, it arrives relatively late in the model’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question for potential buyers: will these significant improvements be enough to sway consumers towards a model that, visually at least, shares its lineage with a car introduced nearly a decade ago? The $16,100 Competition package is a substantial investment, pushing the as-tested price of my RS5 Competition Coupe, with optional packages like the RS driver assistance and navigation systems, to over $100,000. This price point places it squarely in competition with other established performance benchmarks.
In this highly competitive segment of luxury performance sedans and coupes, the Audi RS5 Competition price positioning is crucial. A fully equipped BMW M4 Competition often occupies a similar financial bracket. While the pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains under wraps, it is anticipated to command a premium that aligns with or exceeds this figure. Therefore, the Audi RS5, with its enhanced driving dynamics, finally justifies its premium asking price. It’s a car that, for the first time, truly delivers on the promise of an engaging and exhilarating driving experience, matching the mechanical prowess with the emotional connection that enthusiasts crave.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I had always hoped the RS5 would become. It masterfully blends the raw speed and stability of the base model with a newfound level of driver immersion. The firmer chassis, sharper steering, and more communicative feedback transform the driving experience, making it not just a fast car, but a genuinely involving one. Crucially, these enhancements come without a significant detriment to daily usability or comfort, a testament to Audi’s sophisticated engineering. The enhanced V6 soundtrack, now emanating organically from the exhaust and engine bay, further elevates the sensory experience. In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender against segment leaders like the BMW M4. However, its advanced age cannot be ignored. Despite the monumental improvements brought by the Competition package, the ultimate question remains: is it too little, too late to capture the attention of a discerning market?
For enthusiasts seeking a potent blend of performance, luxury, and genuine driver engagement, the Audi RS5 Competition offers a compelling proposition. If you value a car that connects you to the road, rewards precise inputs, and provides a thrilling auditory experience, then exploring the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is a vital next step in your automotive journey. We invite you to contact your local Audi dealership to schedule a test drive and experience this remarkable transformation firsthand.
