They tried to silence his voice, but they couldn’t break his spirit. Bound with tape and left to fade away in a cornfield, this baby was waiting for a miracle. 
The tape is off. The fear is fading. Now, his real life begins. 
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Reigniting the Driver’s Spirit in a Performance Sedan
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the automotive industry, dissecting the nuances of performance vehicles, and throughout that time, the Audi RS5 has consistently presented a fascinating paradox. It’s a car that has, in many ways, been a victim of its own extraordinary success. On paper and in straight-line acceleration, the RS5 has always been a formidable contender, effortlessly keeping pace with vehicles priced significantly higher, often outgunning dedicated sports cars. Yet, this immense capability has frequently been delivered with a detached composure, a level of effortless execution that, while impressive, rarely ignited the visceral thrill that truly defines an engaging driving experience. The speed was undeniable, but the joy derived from commanding that speed often felt elusive, especially when navigating the challenging curves of a spirited drive.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition emerges, not as an entirely new model, but as a significant enhancement – specifically, the Audi RS5 Coupe equipped with the optional Competition package. This isn’t merely an aesthetic update; it’s a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s dynamic character. While the Bavarian rivals might be known for their “Competition” badging, Audi’s approach from Ingolstadt is similarly philosophical. At its core, the RS5 Competition retains the potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine found in the standard RS5. However, the real magic lies in the meticulously
engineered additions: a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars for enhanced chassis control, a decidedly quicker steering ratio, and a more vocal exhaust note designed to captivate the senses.
The result of these strategic upgrades is an Audi RS5 that not only exhibits heightened agility and unflappable stability at elevated speeds but, crucially, fosters a profound connection between the driver and the road. After six model years in its second generation, this performance Audi has finally reached its zenith, offering an experience that is as exhilarating as it is refined.
Decoding the Competition Package: Value and Enhancement
The $16,100 Competition package is far from an incremental upgrade; it’s a comprehensive suite of enhancements that significantly elevate the RS5’s performance credentials and sensory appeal. Among its most significant inclusions are the carbon-ceramic brakes, providing exceptional stopping power and fade resistance, and the aforementioned manually adjustable coilover suspension, allowing for fine-tuning of ride height and damping characteristics. Complementing these are the sport-tuned sway bars, which dramatically reduce body roll during cornering, and the RS sport exhaust system, which unleashes a more visceral auditory experience.
Beyond the mechanical prowess, the Competition package also bestows a more aggressive visual identity. A striking carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend an aerodynamic edge, while the bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the aesthetic but also provide a commanding presence. Inside, the cabin receives a significant touch of sportiness with Nappa leather seats featuring diamond stitching, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel that offers a tactile sensation befitting a performance machine. While this list is extensive, it clearly demonstrates that despite its substantial price tag, the Competition package delivers substantial value, transforming the RS5 into a genuinely track-capable yet road-friendly machine. For enthusiasts seeking performance car upgrades that offer tangible benefits, this package is a compelling proposition.
Powertrain: Familiar Heartbeat, Elevated Stamina
It’s important to note that the Competition package does not alter the RS5’s fundamental power output. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might appear modest when compared to the stratospheric outputs of 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 scenarios, the RS5 feels every bit as quick. Its 0-60 mph acceleration remains unchanged at an impressive 3.8 seconds. However, where the Competition package truly shines is in its elevated top speed. With the package installed, the RS5 can reach a blistering 180 mph, a full 25 mph faster than the standard model and six miles per hour beyond even a Dynamic Plus package-equipped variant. This enhancement speaks volumes about the overall chassis and aerodynamic improvements that allow the car to safely exploit higher velocities. For those interested in luxury performance sedans, the RS5 Competition offers a compelling blend of power and poise.
The Drive: A Transformation in Tactile Engagement
It is on a winding, undulating backroad where the profound benefits of the Competition package truly come to the forefront. From the moment you initiate a turn, the RS5 Competition communicates a newfound responsiveness. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, expertly manages the RS5’s considerable mass – tipping the scales at over 3,900 pounds – keeping its body firmly in check. This allows for instantaneous changes in direction, devoid of the unwanted body roll that can plague less focused performance vehicles. This heightened agility is significantly attributed to the Competition’s quicker steering rack, which, while not overflowing with granular feedback, offers a level of precision that instills confidence.
The pairing of the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires with a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission further exploits these suspension advancements. The synergy between these elements results in prodigious mid-corner grip and the remarkable ability to deploy all of the engine’s considerable power as you power out of a bend. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s firmer chassis is exponentially more communicative, enabling the driver to not only witness but also feel the car’s immense pace. This focus on driver engagement in performance cars is what the RS5 has historically lacked, and the Competition package finally delivers it in spades.
Comfort and Usability: A Balanced Equation
Despite its significantly firmer and slightly lower suspension (0.39 inches or 10 mm lower), the Audi RS5 Competition’s enhanced capabilities do not come at the expense of everyday comfort and usability. In fact, this statement speaks more to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which often felt almost too plush for a model intended to be the A5 range’s most engaging variant. The Competition package, by contrast, strikes a masterful balance. It transforms the RS5 into a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions while retaining its composure and comfort for the daily commute from Monday to Friday. This is a crucial distinction for any performance sedan review – the ability to perform both roles without compromise.
The Competition package also involves a deliberate reduction in the RS5’s sound deadening, a decision that harmonizes perfectly with the integration of the more aggressive RS sports exhaust. While this decreased noise insulation leads to a more pronounced presence of road and tire noise within the cabin, a thrilling sports car, in my expert opinion, should not be whisper-quiet. Where previous Audi efforts to enhance refinement sometimes led to the artificial amplification of engine noise through the sound system, the RS5 Competition offers a genuinely throaty V6 soundtrack, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the various drive modes. This more authentic auditory experience significantly contributes to the audi RS5 driving experience.
Interior Accents: A Touch of Performance Elegance
As previously mentioned, the Competition package bestows a suite of sporty accoutrements upon the RS5’s interior. The seats are a prime example, upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica material, featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered RS logos on the backrests. These seats are not merely for show; their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys.
The entirety of the Competition interior is enveloped in Alcantara, adorning the steering wheel, headliner, and trim accents. However, unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte treatment of the lightweight material, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated cabin environment. This refined approach to cabin design is a hallmark of Audi RS5 interior features.
Exterior Differentiations: Subtle but Significant
From a visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Audi RS5 Competition package are more subtle than dramatic. It essentially bundles aesthetic elements that were previously optional or unavailable on the base car, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and harmoniously proportioned with the car’s overall design, also providing an unimpeded view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While these enhancements are welcome, it’s an area where Audi could have potentially pushed further to differentiate this model, particularly given its considerable age. However, it is worth noting that the second-generation Audi RS5 remains a remarkably handsome car, its elegant design aging with grace, making it feel contemporary even after several years on the market.
The Age Factor: A Lingering Question Mark
The primary point of contention for me, as an industry professional with extensive experience, is the age of the second-generation Audi RS5. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably a significant improvement, elevating the car’s driving dynamics to an exceptional level, it arrives quite late in the model’s lifecycle. This inevitably prompts the question: will an intrinsically improved driving experience be sufficient to capture the attention of discerning buyers when the car’s fundamental styling echoes its 2017 debut?
Pricing and Market Positioning: Premium Performance Justified
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its considerable cost, undeniably adds substantial value. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination fees. My tester, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, pushed the final price to a notable $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a stretch, its pricing aligns squarely with that of a comparably equipped BMW M4. While the official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains undisclosed, it is highly probable that it will command a similar or even higher figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 demands a premium sum, it finally possesses an engaging driving experience that justifies the cost. The best performance cars under $100k are often a tight field, and the RS5 Competition makes a strong case for itself.
Conclusion: The RS5 We Always Wanted
In isolation, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I, and many enthusiasts, have always wished the RS5 had been. It is a masterclass in speed, agility, and engagement, seamlessly integrating the raw power of the base model with a level of driver immersion previously unattainable. Critically, despite its firmer chassis and enhanced dynamic capabilities, it sacrifices little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. The reduced sound deadening means you can truly savor its guttural V6 note, without the need for artificially piped-in engine sounds.
When pitted against its direct rivals, such as BMW’s exceptional M4, the Competition-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable competitor. However, one cannot overlook the inherent age of this platform. While its latest updates have finally transformed the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will this late-stage renaissance resonate with buyers, or is it a case of ‘too little, too late’?
For those seeking a performance coupe with advanced driver assistance features and an uncompromised blend of exhilarating performance and sophisticated luxury, the Audi RS5 Competition deserves your serious consideration.
If you’re ready to experience the revitalized spirit of the Audi RS5 and discover if it’s the perfect fit for your driving aspirations, we invite you to contact your local Audi dealer to schedule a test drive today.
