The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Reawakening the Driver’s Soul
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the automotive landscape, from the raw, visceral thrill of track-focused machines to the refined luxury of grand tourers. In that time, I’ve seen countless vehicles capable of blistering speed, but few that truly connect the driver to the asphalt beneath. The Audi RS5, in its previous iterations, has always been a prime example of this paradox. It’s been a masterclass in effortless velocity, a car that could dispatch miles of highway or carve through challenging backroads with unnerving precision. Yet, for all its prodigious power and technological prowess, there was always a sense of detachment, a feeling that the car was performing its duties for you, rather than with you.
This all changed with the arrival of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a wholly new model, but rather the existing RS5 Coupe, significantly enhanced by the addition of the aptly named Competition package. For a substantial investment of $16,100, Audi has fundamentally transformed the RS5’s character, injecting it with a level of driver engagement that was, frankly, missing from its predecessors. It’s a crucial distinction, especially when considering the broader landscape of performance vehicles, where nomenclature can often be as nuanced as chassis tuning.
At its core, the RS5 Competition retains the formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine found in the standard RS5. However, the magic of the Competition package lies in its meticulously engineered hardware upgrades. We’re talking about a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering rack for quicker responses, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system. These aren’t mere cosmetic tweaks; they represent a fundamental shift in the RS5’s performance philosophy. The result is a car that is not only more agile and stable at higher speeds but, more importantly, provides a richer tapestry of road feedback, forging a profound connection between driver, machine, and the ever-changing surface of the road. After six years on the market, the second-generation RS5 has finally reached its zenith, a testament to Audi’s commitment to refining its performance offerings.
The $16,100 Competition package is a significant investment, but for those seeking the pinnacle of RS5 performance, it delivers a substantial suite of upgrades. Among the headline features are the carbon-ceramic brakes, a coilover suspension system for unparalleled adjustability, uprated sport sway bars to minimize body roll, and an RS sport exhaust that amplifies the V6’s aural symphony. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the package also bestows a more aggressive aesthetic, including a carbon fiber front splitter, a sculpted rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a lavish interior appointed with Nappa leather seats and an Alcantara steering wheel. While the price tag is undoubtedly steep, the comprehensive nature of these enhancements ensures that buyers receive considerable value for their outlay, positioning the RS5 Competition as a compelling option in the high-performance luxury coupe segment.
Crucially, the powertrain remains unchanged, still delivering a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo V6. While these figures might appear modest when stacked against the stratospheric output of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), it’s essential to remember that raw numbers don’t always tell the full story. In real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid and potent as its competitors. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains a blistering 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, capable of reaching 180 mph – a significant leap from the standard RS5 and even exceeding models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This enhanced capability is particularly noticeable when pushing the limits on a dynamic road, where the car’s newfound composure allows it to exploit its speed more effectively.
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds on a winding ribbon of asphalt. The moment you initiate a turn, the transformation is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undoubtedly firmer, masterfully contains the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without any undue body roll or hesitation. This newfound agility is further amplified by the recalibrated steering system. While not as talkative as some purist performance machines, it offers a heightened sense of precision and responsiveness that instills confidence and encourages more aggressive driving. This is a significant departure from the previous RS5, where steering feedback was often muted, leaving the driver feeling somewhat disconnected from the front axle.
Complementing the enhanced suspension and steering is the symphony of the eight-speed automatic transmission, working in concert with the grippy Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. This potent combination allows the RS5 Competition to maximize its newfound grip through corners and efficiently deploy its considerable power on the exit. You feel the chassis working, communicating the subtle nuances of the road surface, allowing you to anticipate and react with newfound intimacy. It’s a level of engagement that transforms spirited driving from a mere exercise in speed into a deeply rewarding sensory experience. The firmest chassis tuning on the RS5 Competition makes it a more communicative and thrilling vehicle to drive, allowing you to feel the road beneath you.
Despite the more athletic chassis tuning and a ride height that’s been lowered by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the RS5 Competition remarkably retains its daily usability and comfort. This speaks volumes not only about the efficacy of the Competition package but also about the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in retrospect, might have been too refined for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The latest RS5 strikes an enviable balance: it’s a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend adventures and a comfortable, compliant commuter for the weekday grind. This duality is a hallmark of a truly well-executed performance grand tourer.
The Competition package also thoughtfully dials back the RS5’s sound-deadening, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the inclusion of the more aggressive RS sports exhaust. While this reduction in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) does result in a more pronounced presence of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will likely embrace. A truly thrilling sports car shouldn’t be an acoustically sterile environment. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely guttural V6 soundtrack, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated to your preference through the various drive modes. This authentic auditory experience is a significant contributor to the car’s enhanced emotional appeal.
Inside, the Competition package introduces a host of tactile and visual enhancements designed to elevate the driver’s experience. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black side accents, and elegantly embroidered backrests. These seats not only provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, thanks to their inflatable bolsters, but also remain comfortable for longer journeys. The Alcantara-clad steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber interior trim exude a premium, performance-oriented ambiance. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more subtle, matte finish for its carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated cabin. This understated approach enhances the cabin’s overall elegance.
From a visual standpoint, the changes brought about by the Audi RS5 Competition package are more evolutionary than revolutionary. It essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously available on the standard model, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing, complementing the car’s proportions and providing an unimpeded view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are welcome, one might argue that Audi could have pursued more distinctive styling cues to set the Competition model apart, especially given the model’s current lifecycle stage.
On the other hand, the second-generation Audi RS5’s design has aged remarkably well. Introduced in 2017, its elegant and timeless lines continue to look contemporary, a testament to Audi’s design philosophy. While it may not possess the overt aggression of some of its rivals from BMW or Mercedes-AMG, the RS5 remains the most understatedly stylish and sophisticated option in its class, appealing to those who prefer refined aesthetics over overt flashiness.
It is precisely the age of this platform, however, that presents a point of contention. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably a triumph, imbuing the RS5 with a driving dynamism it desperately needed, it arrives rather late in the second-generation car’s life. This raises a pertinent question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to sway buyers towards a model that, visually, shares much with its 2017 counterpart? The answer may lie in the considerable value proposition of the $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial cost.
A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commands a price of $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. My test vehicle, however, with the aforementioned Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a stretch, its pricing is remarkably competitive when compared to a similarly equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it is highly probable that it will land at or above this price point. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, it finally justifies that cost with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience that was previously elusive.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, in my ten years of experience, is the car I’ve always wished the RS5 had been from the outset. It is a harmonious blend of blistering speed, razor-sharp agility, and profound driver engagement, finally bridging the gap between the base car’s effortless performance and a truly immersive driving experience. Crucially, it achieves this without sacrificing its inherent daily comfort and usability, a testament to its well-balanced chassis. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening allows you to truly appreciate the V6’s resonant growl, unadulterated by artificial amplification.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the exceptional BMW M4. However, the elephant in the room remains the car’s age. Despite the latest updates finally transforming the RS5 from a merely quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question is whether these late-cycle improvements will resonate with buyers. Is it too late for the RS5 Competition to carve out its rightful place in a fiercely competitive segment?
For those who have yearned for an Audi RS5 that truly sings to the driver, the 2023 RS5 Competition presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience this exceptional performance coupe at its absolute best. We invite you to visit your local Audi dealer to schedule a test drive and discover for yourself the profound transformation that the Competition package has brought to this iconic performance machine. Experience the difference that genuine driver engagement makes.
