For a decade now, within the discerning circles of performance automotive enthusiasts, the Audi RS5 has been a curious paradox. It’s a car that’s always excelled at the quantifiable metrics of speed and capability. Whether you’re evaluating the sleek coupe or the practical Sportback variant, the RS5 consistently delivers blistering acceleration and handling prowess that punches well above its weight class, often tangling with sports cars in significantly higher price brackets. Yet, despite this immense performance potential, a persistent refrain echoed through reviews and conversations: it often felt detached, requiring minimal driver input to achieve its staggering speeds. This meant that while the RS5 could certainly conquer a winding road at an alarming pace, the raw exhilaration, the visceral thrill of pushing a machine to its limits, was frequently absent.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition enters the narrative. It’s not an entirely new model, but rather a significantly enhanced iteration of the RS5 Coupe, distinguished by the substantial $16,100 Competition package. This is an important clarification, especially given the historical penchant for certain German manufacturers to employ similar nomenclature. Yet, the underlying philosophy driving this Audi upgrade is remarkably focused. It retains the formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine found in the standard RS5, but augments it with a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, quicker steering rack, and a significantly more aggressive exhaust note.
The culmination of these enhancements in the Competition package transforms the RS5 from a supremely capable but somewhat aloof grand tourer into a far more engaging and connected driving instrument. It not only imbues the car with enhanced agility and stability at higher velocities but, crucially, provides a heightened level of road feedback, allowing the driver to truly feel their connection to the tarmac and the car itself. Now, six model years into its second generation, this potent Audi is, in my experienced opinion, finally reaching its apex of performance and driver satisfaction.
Unpacking the $16,100 Competition Package: More Than Just Aesthetic Flourishes
Let’s delve into what that substantial $16,100 investment in the Competition package actually procures. It’s far more than a cosmetic upgrade. The inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes is a significant performance enhancement, offering superior stopping power and fade resistance under demanding conditions. Complementing these are the manually adjustable coilover suspension and the sturdier sport sway bars, both critical components in the RS5 Competition’s newfound dynamic prowess. And for those who truly appreciate the auditory theater of a performance car, the RS sport exhaust system is a welcome addition, transforming the V6’s growl.
Beyond the mechanical upgrades, the package bestows a selection of tasteful visual enhancements. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more aggressive, aerodynamic aesthetic. The car rides on striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, showcasing the impressive carbon-ceramic stoppers beneath. Inside, the cabin receives a significant uplift with Nappa leather seats, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, exuding a sense of premium sportiness. While this list isn’t exhaustive of every single item, it clearly illustrates that despite the significant cost, the Competition package delivers tangible value, justifying its price point through substantial performance and luxury upgrades.
Power: Still Potent, But The Story is in the Delivery
Despite these significant revisions, the heart of the RS5 – its powertrain – remains fundamentally the same. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out a healthy 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might appear modest when juxtaposed with the stratospheric outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the now-discontinued Mercedes-AMG C63 (also 503 hp), it’s crucial to understand that in real-world scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. The benchmark 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at a brisk 3.8 seconds. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching a heady 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and a respectable six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the optional Dynamic Plus package. This elevated top-end capability, while perhaps not frequently utilized on public roads, signifies Audi’s commitment to pushing the performance envelope.
On the Road: Where the Competition Package Truly Shines
It’s on a genuinely challenging, winding stretch of asphalt where the true benefits of the Competition package begin to reveal themselves, from the very instant the steering wheel is turned and the car is tipped into a corner. The new coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than before, does an exceptional job of controlling the RS5’s substantial mass – which, for context, is still well over 3,900 pounds. This firming up of the chassis allows for instantaneous changes in direction, all but eliminating unwanted body roll and keeping the car planted. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t offer a significant increase in tactile feedback – a common Audi trait – its increased precision is undeniable, allowing for more confident and rapid steering inputs.
The Audi RS5 Competition is paired with supremely sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, and combined with a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, this synergy fully capitalizes on the suspension improvements. The result is a car that exhibits phenomenal mid-corner grip, enabling you to carry remarkable speed through bends. Furthermore, it can efficiently deploy its considerable power as you accelerate out of the apex, propelling you forward with conviction. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows the driver to not just witness its immense pace but to actively feel it, to become an integral part of the performance equation. This is a significant evolution for the RS5, moving it from a sophisticated instrument of speed to an engaging partner in the driving experience.
A Harmonious Blend of Performance and Daily Usability
One of the most commendable aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is its ability to deliver these enhanced sporting capabilities without sacrificing the daily comfort and practicality that has long been a hallmark of the A5 lineage. In fact, one could argue that the Competition package actually helps to rectify a minor imbalance in the standard RS5. The base car, in its pursuit of refinement, sometimes felt overly plush and perhaps a touch too comfortable for what is intended to be the most driver-focused variant of the A5 range. The RS5 Competition, with its stiffer chassis and more direct connection to the road, strikes a remarkably effective balance. It’s a thoroughly capable sports car for spirited weekend excursions, yet it remains perfectly at ease as a comfortable and composed daily commuter from Monday to Friday. This duality is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess in refining a well-established platform.
The Sound of Performance: Authenticity Over Artifice
The Competition package also ushers in a reduction in the RS5’s cabin sound deadening. This decision, coupled with the addition of the aggressive RS sport exhaust, is a masterstroke for enthusiasts. While the diminished noise insulation does mean you’ll experience more pronounced road and tire noise within the cabin, this is precisely what’s desired in a high-performance vehicle. Gone are the days when manufacturers felt compelled to pipe artificial engine sounds through the audio system to simulate excitement. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely visceral and throaty V6 soundtrack, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated from a subdued rumble to a full-blown roar, all controllable via the Audi Drive Select modes. This is performance audio as it should be – authentic, engaging, and exhilarating.
Interior Refinements: A Touch of Sporty Sophistication
As mentioned, the Competition package imbues the RS5’s interior with several desirable sporty accoutrements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black trim on the sides, and tasteful embroidered backrests. The actively inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during aggressive driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys.
Furthermore, the standard inclusion of an Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin elevates the sense of occasion. Unlike the often-glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi has opted for a more understated, matte finish for the carbon fiber, which blends seamlessly with the predominantly dark interior, exuding a more elegant, sophisticated sportiness. This attention to detail contributes to the overall premium feel of the RS5 Competition.
Exterior Design: Subtle Evolution for an Enduring Aesthetic
On the exterior, the visual modifications for the Audi RS5 Competition are relatively subtle, opting for a more understated approach. The package essentially bundles some of the more aggressive elements, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional on the standard RS5. It also includes gloss black badging and trim, adding a touch of menacing presence. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and complement the car’s overall proportions perfectly, while also offering a clear view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While one might wish for more dramatic visual differentiation, especially given the model’s current stage in its lifecycle, Audi’s design language has always favored elegance over outright ostentation.
And it’s this enduring elegance that allows the second-generation Audi RS5 to age so remarkably well. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its timeless design continues to feel contemporary, even years after its initial debut. While it may not possess the overtly aggressive or flamboyant styling of some of its German rivals, the RS5 remains, in my estimation, the most aesthetically sophisticated option in its class.
Timing is Everything: A Powerful Update, But Is It Too Late?
The most significant point of contemplation surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably a welcome and significant improvement, elevating the car’s driving dynamics to an entirely new level, it arrives quite late in the second-generation car’s production cycle. This raises a pertinent question: will this substantially enhanced driving experience be enough to captivate buyers, particularly when the car’s exterior styling remains largely unchanged from its 2017 introduction?
The $16,100 Competition package is, without question, a substantial investment, but it undeniably adds significant value. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, before options, carries a starting MSRP of $78,995, including destination fees. My particular test vehicle, outfitted with the aforementioned Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation system, nudged the final tally to $100,565.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might still be a concept that requires some conceptual adjustment for many, this pricing is squarely in line with a fully optioned BMW M4. Although the official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it’s a safe bet to assume it will command a similar, if not higher, figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now commands a premium price, its driving experience finally justifies that expenditure.
The Verdict: The RS5 We’ve Been Waiting For
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I’ve long wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It is undeniably fast, remarkably agile, and, most importantly, deeply engaging. It successfully merges the baseline performance capabilities of the standard RS5 with a level of driver immersion that was previously elusive. Despite its firmer chassis and more direct suspension setup, it remarkably retains almost all of its daily comfort and practicality. And thanks to the deliberate reduction in sound deadening, you’re treated to the authentic, throaty symphony of its V6 engine, rather than relying on artificial sonic enhancements.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable and compelling competitor to the already excellent BMW M4. However, it’s impossible to ignore the inherent age of the platform. While these latest updates finally transform the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely exciting and involving driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will automotive consumers respond enthusiastically to this belated but significant transformation, or has the window of opportunity closed?
For those seeking a refined, performance-oriented grand tourer that now finally delivers on the promise of genuine driving engagement, the Audi RS5 Competition is a compelling proposition. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a manufacturer commits to enhancing the fundamental driving experience.
If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi’s performance in the A5 lineage and discover a driving machine that truly connects you to the road, we invite you to schedule a test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealer today.
