Unleashing the Driver’s Machine: The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Package Redefines Performance
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a unique, almost paradoxical space in the automotive landscape. It’s a car that achieved so much success in its core performance metrics that it inadvertently became a victim of it. In both its sleek coupe and practical Sportback iterations, the RS5 has always been a powerhouse, effortlessly keeping pace with and even outclassing sports cars positioned considerably higher in the market. Yet, this prodigious capability has historically been delivered with an almost detached ease, a polished veneer that, while impressive, rarely ignited the visceral thrill typically associated with spirited driving. The immense speed it could conjure on a winding country road, while undeniably effective, often felt like a passenger’s experience rather than a driver’s intimate engagement.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package arrives, not as a redesign, but as a profound recalibration. It’s crucial to clarify that “Competition” here refers to the optional $16,100 package fitted to the RS5 Coupe, a designation that underscores its targeted enhancement of the driving experience. While the nomenclature might echo a certain Bavarian marque’s penchant for similar naming conventions, Audi’s Ingolstadt-based engineers
have approached their task with a singular focus: to transform the RS5 from a formidable straight-line missile into a truly connected and exhilarating driver’s machine. The heart of the beast remains the same potent 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6, but this new iteration imbues it with a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up sway bars, a more immediate steering ratio, and a raucous, characterful exhaust system. The result? An RS5 that not only grips the tarmac with tenacious resolve but, more importantly, allows its pilot to genuinely feel the road and the car’s dynamic ballet. After six years in its second generation, this potent Audi finally feels like it’s operating at the absolute zenith of its potential.
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package unlocks a significant array of enhancements, transforming the RS5’s dynamic prowess. Among the most impactful additions are the carbon-ceramic brakes, the aforementioned coilover suspension, performance-tuned sport sway bars, and a gloriously untamed RS sport exhaust system. Beyond the mechanical, the visual enhancements are equally compelling: a carbon fiber front splitter for enhanced aerodynamics, a rear diffuser that hints at the car’s performance intent, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and within the cabin, sumptuous Nappa leather seats complemented by an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this list only scratches the surface of the package’s comprehensive offerings, it clearly demonstrates that despite its substantial cost, the return on investment in terms of driving engagement and outright capability is substantial.
Power figures remain unchanged, a testament to the already potent nature of the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It continues to churn out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers might fall short of the raw output figures found in some rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (also 503 hp), they are more than sufficient to ensure the RS5 feels every bit as rapid in real-world scenarios. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a significant 25 mph increase over the standard model and a respectable six miles per hour more than an RS5 equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased headroom speaks to the chassis’s newfound capability to harness and manage its considerable power.
On a ribbon of tarmac sculpted for spirited driving, the true revelation of the Competition package becomes apparent from the very first turn of the wheel. As you initiate a corner, the coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s considerable mass – tipping the scales at well over 3,900 pounds – keeping its body movements impeccably composed. This allows for instantaneous changes in direction, devoid of the unsettling roll or wallow that can plague less focused performance sedans. This newfound agility is intrinsically linked to the Competition’s significantly quicker steering ratio. While it might not inundate the driver with granular road texture, it provides a directness and precision that instills unwavering confidence, enabling you to precisely place the car with minimal input.
Complementing the upgraded suspension and steering is the RS5 Competition’s sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber, a crucial element in maximizing grip. The meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission also plays a vital role, expertly managing power delivery to exploit the full potential of the chassis improvements. The synergy between these components creates a car that exhibits remarkable mid-corner adhesion, allowing you to accelerate out of bends with a confidence that borders on audacious. While the standard RS5 is a capable performer in its own right, the Competition package’s firmer, more communicative chassis transforms the experience. You don’t just witness the car’s immense pace; you feel it resonating through every control surface, creating a deeply immersive driving sensation. This is a crucial distinction for any discerning driver seeking an engaging driving experience in a luxury performance car.
Even with its resolutely firmer and 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the Audi RS5 Competition’s enhanced dynamic capabilities do not come at the expense of everyday comfort and practicality. In fact, this observation speaks volumes more about the standard RS5’s inherent tuning. The base model, in its quest for refinement, sometimes felt almost too plush for a vehicle designated as the A5 lineup’s most engaging variant. The Competition, however, strikes an exquisite balance. It delivers the visceral thrill of a thoroughly capable weekend sports car without sacrificing the composure and comfort required for a comfortable Monday-to-Friday commute. For those seeking performance upgrades for Audi RS5, this package offers a compelling proposition.
The Competition package also thoughtfully reduces the RS5’s sound insulation, a decision that synergizes perfectly with the inclusion of the louder, more evocative RS sports exhaust. While this reduction in noise-canceling results in a more pronounced presence of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a welcome trade-off for a true sports car. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine notes into the cabin to compensate for a lack of aural drama. The Competition RS5 delivers a genuinely sonorous V6 growl, punctuated by exhilarating upshifts that can be modulated from a subtle rumble to an outright bellow, depending on your chosen drive mode. This is what Audi RS5 performance tuning is all about – authentic character.
Internally, the Competition package introduces a suite of sporty refinements that elevate the RS5’s cabin ambiance. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a standout feature, boasting a unique hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics. Coupled with gloss black trim accents and embroidered backrests, these seats provide exceptional lateral support during spirited drives, while their inflatable bolsters can be adjusted for increased comfort on longer journeys. The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, creating a tactile and visually appealing environment. A carbon fiber trim package further enhances the sporty aesthetic. Unlike the sometimes overtly glossy finishes found in certain competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish on the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior palette, a hallmark of premium sports coupe interiors.
Visually, the changes wrought by the Audi RS5 Competition package are subtle rather than overtly dramatic. It essentially bundles desirable elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously available as standalone options, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and perfectly proportioned, offering an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes, a clear indicator of the car’s performance pedigree. However, it’s in this area where one might wish Audi had pushed the boundaries further to create a more distinct visual identity, especially considering the model’s relatively mature lifecycle. Still, for those seeking Audi RS5 styling enhancements, the existing options are refined.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age with remarkable grace. Launched in 2017, its elegant and timeless design still projects an air of contemporary sophistication, a testament to Audi’s design philosophy. While it may not possess the overt flamboyance of some of its German rivals, it remains arguably the most aesthetically refined choice in its class. This enduring design appeals to a buyer who values understated elegance alongside raw power. The best Audi RS5 models often combine this timeless design with enhanced driving dynamics.
It is the very age of this generation of the Audi RS5 that presents the most compelling point of contemplation. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably a welcome and substantial improvement, its arrival so late in the car’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: Will this significantly enhanced driving experience be enough to entice buyers towards a car whose fundamental design echoes its 2017 debut? The Audi RS5 Coupe price for the Competition package, $16,100, is substantial but clearly delivers added value. The base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe began at $78,995, including destination fees. My tester, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, a $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, commanded a price of $100,565.
While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived Audi might initially seem steep, it positions the RS5 squarely within the competitive landscape, aligning closely with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it is widely anticipated to command a similar or even higher figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now demands a premium sum, its significantly elevated and genuinely engaging driving experience finally justifies that price point. For those searching for Audi RS5 performance deals or considering luxury performance car financing, the RS5 Competition offers a unique proposition.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package has successfully transformed the RS5 into the car I always wished it could be. It is undeniably fast, remarkably agile, and, crucially, deeply engaging. It marries the base car’s prodigious straight-line speed with an immersive sense of connection that was previously out of reach. Astonishingly, despite its firmer chassis and reduced sound deadening, it sacrifices little in terms of daily comfort or usability. The result is a more visceral auditory experience, one that allows the V6’s inherent character to shine through without the need for artificial amplification. This is what the Audi RS5 driving experience should always have been.
When viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against established benchmarks like the BMW M4. However, the elephant in the room remains the car’s age. Despite its latest enhancements finally elevating the RS5 from merely quick to genuinely thrilling, the critical question persists: Will buyers respond to this late-stage evolution, or has the moment passed? For those who prioritize a connected and engaging drive, and perhaps reside in areas like Audi RS5 performance Los Angeles or Audi RS5 enthusiast New York, the answer may lie in experiencing this transformed machine firsthand.
If you’re seeking to understand the pinnacle of Audi’s performance tuning or are in the market for a sophisticated yet thrilling luxury sports coupe, we invite you to explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package. Arrange a test drive at your local Audi dealership and discover for yourself how this iconic model has finally embraced its true driver-focused potential.
