Unleashing the Driver: The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Transforms an Elegant GT into a True Performance Machine
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the high-performance automotive landscape. It’s always been a masterclass in potent, effortless velocity, a grand tourer masquerading as a sportscar. Its twin-turbocharged V6 lunges forward with ferocious intent, capable of shrinking continents and dispatching rivals with unnerving ease. Yet, for all its blistering speed, the experience behind the wheel often felt… detached. The immense capability was undeniable, but the visceral thrill, the raw connection between driver, machine, and asphalt, often seemed to be an optional extra. This disconnect left many enthusiasts, myself included, wishing for an RS5 that truly felt as exhilarating as it was fast.
Enter the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a fundamentally redesigned RS5, but rather a meticulously curated enhancement, a $16,100 Competition package that transforms the already potent Audi RS5 Coupe into something altogether more engaging, more communicative, and, dare I say, more fun. While other manufacturers might slap on a badge and a few cosmetic tweaks, Audi’s approach with the Competition package is a testament to their commitment to the driving experience. It’s a comprehensive suite of hardware and software updates designed to awaken the chassis, sharpen the reflexes, and amplify the sensation of motion. This, in my decade of evaluating performance vehicles, is what elevates a fast car into a truly desirable one.
The core of the RS5 remains its potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, delivering a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. In today’s hyper-powered landscape, these figures might not shatter records on paper, especially when compared to some of the more extreme outputs from Bavarian and Affalterbach rivals. However, real-world performance is a nuanced equation. The RS5 Competition’s power delivery is potent and immediate, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 3.8 seconds. But where the Competition package truly shines is in its ability to translate that power into an engaging driving experience, especially when the road begins to twist and turn. The top speed is also notably increased to a blistering 180 mph, a significant leap from the standard model, hinting at the enhanced dynamic capabilities.
The magic lies within the $16,100 Competition package itself, a substantial investment that unlocks a significant uplift in performance and driver involvement. Audi has equipped this special edition with manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up sway bars for reduced body roll, and a recalibrated steering system for a more direct feel. The exhaust system receives a performance tune, adding a welcome guttural growl to the V6’s soundtrack. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the package also includes substantial visual and material upgrades: carbon-ceramic brakes—a vital component for sustained performance driving—a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a luxurious interior appointed with Nappa leather and Alcantara. While the price tag is significant, the sheer breadth and impact of these upgrades justify the expenditure, transforming the RS5 from a supremely competent highway cruiser into a genuine track-day contender.
From the moment you engage the steering wheel on a challenging back road, the RS5 Competition’s transformation becomes palpable. The firmer chassis, a direct result of the coilover suspension and upgraded sway bars, imposes an impressive level of control over the RS5’s substantial, over-3,900-pound curb weight. Body roll is dramatically reduced, allowing the car to transition from corner to corner with astonishing immediacy. The steering, while not delivering the granular feedback of a pure sports car, has been significantly quickened and sharpened. This allows for more precise turn-in, building confidence as you approach apexes and feel more connected to the front tires’ grip. This is a crucial differentiator – the ability to feel the car’s intentions and react accordingly is the essence of driver engagement.
The partnership between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is a masterful stroke. This combination allows the RS5 Competition to harness its substantial power, putting it down with impressive efficacy as you accelerate out of bends. The mid-corner grip is tenacious, instilling a level of confidence that encourages you to explore the car’s limits. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly capable, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to truly experience its immense pace, rather than just witnessing it. It’s the difference between watching a fireworks display and being in the heart of the celebration.
One of the most impressive achievements of the Competition package is its ability to enhance dynamic prowess without sacrificing everyday usability. Despite the firmer suspension (which lowers the ride height by approximately 0.39 inches), the RS5 Competition remains surprisingly comfortable for daily commutes. This speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the base RS5, but also about how well Audi has balanced the performance upgrades. It’s a car that can tackle a spirited weekend drive with aplomb and then smoothly transition into a comfortable and composed daily driver without complaint. This dual personality is a hallmark of a truly exceptional sports GT, a delicate balance that the RS5 Competition finally strikes perfectly.
Audi’s decision to reduce sound deadening in the Competition package, coupled with the RS sport exhaust, is a masterstroke. Gone are the days of artificially piped-in engine noise. Now, the V6 sings a genuine, resonant song, punctuated by dramatic, explosive upshifts. The auditory experience is a vital component of the driving sensation, and the RS5 Competition delivers it in spades. The increased road and tire noise, while noticeable, is a welcome trade-off for the authentic exhaust note. This auditory feedback enhances the feeling of being connected to the road and the machine, transforming every drive into a more immersive event. The ability to tailor the exhaust note through selectable drive modes further adds to the car’s versatility, allowing for discreet cruising or outright aural aggression.
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives a fittingly sporty, yet sophisticated, treatment. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not only visually striking with their hexagonal stitching, reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, but they also provide exceptional lateral support. Those inflatable side bolsters are a godsend during spirited driving, keeping you firmly planted, yet they can be adjusted for added comfort on longer journeys. The standard Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim exude a sense of occasion. Unlike some rivals that opt for glossy, fingerprint-prone finishes, Audi’s matte carbon fiber offers a more understated, elegant aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the dark, driver-focused cabin.
From a visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Competition package are more subtle than revolutionary. Audi has bundled desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously available separately, and added gloss black badging and trim for a sportier appearance. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly designed, complementing the car’s overall proportions and providing an excellent view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. However, it’s in this area where one might wish for a more dramatic visual differentiation, especially considering the car’s relatively advanced age in its second generation.
The enduring elegance of the second-generation Audi RS5 is undeniable. Having been on the market since the 2017 model year, its design remains strikingly contemporary, a testament to Audi’s timeless styling philosophy. It eschews the ostentatious displays of some competitors, offering a more understated, sophisticated presence. It’s a car that commands attention through its refined proportions and athletic stance, rather than through overt aggression.
The inherent age of the second-generation RS5 does present a point of contemplation. While the Competition package imbues the car with a newfound dynamic prowess and a deeply satisfying driving experience, its late arrival in the model cycle raises a pertinent question: will these significant improvements be enough to sway buyers towards a platform that visually mirrors its 2017 origins? The $16,100 Competition package is a substantial addition, and its value is undeniable, but its late-stage introduction warrants consideration.
A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins its journey at a respectable $78,995, including destination fees. However, with the inclusion of the Competition package, optional driver assistance systems, and navigation, the as-tested price of my evaluation vehicle climbed to a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure price tag for a car based on the A5 platform might initially seem steep, it positions the RS5 Competition squarely within the competitive set. A comparably equipped BMW M4 Competition often reaches similar stratospheric figures. While the pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the United States remains unannounced, it’s a safe bet that it will also command a premium sum. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 demands a significant investment, the Competition package finally aligns its driving engagement with its aspirational price point, making it a compelling, albeit expensive, proposition.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I’ve always hoped the RS5 would be. It’s a potent blend of blistering speed, razor-sharp agility, and, crucially, genuine driver engagement. It elevates the base car’s formidable performance to new heights of immersion and exhilaration. Remarkably, this enhanced dynamic capability comes without significant compromises in daily comfort or usability. The reduced sound deadening ensures you’re treated to the V6’s glorious, unadulterated symphony, rather than relying on digital trickery.
In isolation, the Competition package transforms the Audi RS5 into a formidable adversary for its segment rivals, particularly the excellent BMW M4. However, the car’s established age remains a factor. While these latest enhancements finally solidify the RS5 not merely as a swift machine, but as a truly engaging driver’s car, the ultimate question lingers: will this late-blooming dynamism capture the attention and imagination of discerning buyers, or has the moment passed?
If you’re seeking a performance coupe that masterfully blends elegant design with exhilarating driving dynamics and a truly connected feel, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition warrants your immediate attention. Explore the specifications, find a dealer near you, and schedule a test drive to experience this remarkable transformation firsthand.
