The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A New Era of Driver Engagement
For over a decade, I’ve seen manufacturers grapple with a common automotive paradox: a car that’s so overwhelmingly competent that it borders on aloof. The Audi RS5, in both its sleek coupe and practical Sportback iterations, has been a prime example. It’s undeniably a speed demon, capable of leaving many far more exotic sports cars in its dust, all delivered with an effortless, almost detached, grace. While this proficiency is impressive, it often meant that the sheer joy of commanding such a machine on a spirited drive was somewhat muted. The driver, while a passenger in a symphony of speed, wasn’t always the conductor.
This brings us to the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. It’s important to note that this isn’t an entirely new model, but rather the existing RS5 Coupe, significantly enhanced by the optional $16,100 Competition package. This designation is crucial, as it distinguishes it from other performance variants and underscores a deliberate shift in philosophy. Audi’s Ingolstadt wizards have taken the already potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 – the same powerhouse found in the standard RS5 – and paired it with a suite of enhancements designed to elevate the driving experience to new heights. We’re talking about a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering ratio, and an exhaust system that finally lets the V6 sing its own song.
The result? The RS5 Competition transcends mere speed. It’s a car that finally allows its pilot to feel intimately connected to the road, to the chassis, and to the very act of driving. After six years in its second generation, this potent Audi has finally reached its apex, offering an Audi RS5 Competition driving experience that is nothing short of revelatory.
Unpacking the Competition Package: Value and Visceral Connection
For its considerable $16,100 investment, the Competition package delivers a wealth of performance-oriented upgrades. Beyond the aforementioned suspension and steering tweaks, it includes high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a more aggressive RS sport exhaust, and a set of bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels. Visually, the package adds a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, subtly hinting at the enhanced capabilities. Inside, the cabin receives a significant upgrade with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and carbon fiber interior accents. While the price tag is substantial, the sheer breadth of these enhancements ensures that buyers are indeed getting substantial value for their money. The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition price reflects this comprehensive overhaul.
What’s remarkable is that Audi has resisted the temptation to pump up the horsepower figures, which remain at a potent 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. While this might fall short of the headline numbers from rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, in real-world scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is significantly increased to a potent 180 mph, a substantial 25 mph leap over the base model and a notable increase even over RS5s equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This focus on chassis and driver dynamics, rather than outright power, is where the true innovation lies.
On the winding ribbons of asphalt that truly test a performance car, the benefits of the Competition package become immediately apparent. The moment you turn the wheel and commit to a corner, the RS5 Competition responds with an eagerness and precision that was previously elusive. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, masterfully controls the nearly 4,000-pound chassis, eliminating unwanted body roll and allowing for instantaneous changes in direction. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t offer a flood of tactile feedback, its increased directness allows for more precise inputs and a greater sense of control as you carve through apexes. For enthusiasts seeking Audi RS5 handling upgrades, this package is a game-changer.
The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, combined with a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, work in perfect harmony with the enhanced suspension. The result is tenacious mid-corner grip and the ability to seamlessly deploy all 444 horses as you exit a turn, propelling you forward with exhilarating force. While the standard RS5 is a capable machine, the RS5 Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to not only experience its immense speed but to feel it on a visceral level. This is the essence of performance car tuning – making the car an extension of the driver.
Daily Usability: Comfort Meets Cornering Prowess
One might assume that such a significant tightening of the chassis would come at the expense of everyday comfort. However, this is where the RS5 Competition truly shines, demonstrating a remarkable balance. Despite its firmer and slightly lower stance (0.39 inches lower), the car retains an impressive degree of compliance, making it perfectly suitable for the daily commute. In fact, this refinement says more about the standard RS5, which, in its pursuit of ultimate refinement, perhaps softened the driving experience too much for its intended purpose. The RS5 Competition, however, strikes the perfect chord, offering the thrilling dynamics of a weekend sports car with the day-to-day usability of a comfortable German sedan. This nuanced approach to performance car comfort is a hallmark of Audi’s engineering prowess.
A significant aspect of the Competition package’s appeal is its approach to auditory engagement. Audi has reduced the sound-deadening material within the cabin, a decision that perfectly complements the inclusion of the raucous RS sport exhaust. The increased intrusion of road and tire noise might be off-putting to some, but for those who appreciate a truly sporting soundtrack, it’s a welcome change. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin. Now, the V6 delivers a genuine, throaty roar, punctuated by exhilarating upshifts that can be modulated through the various drive modes. The Audi RS5 exhaust note is now a genuine highlight, not a synthesized imitation. This is a clear indicator of a shift towards more authentic driver-focused automotive technology.
The interior enhancements are equally impressive. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a visual and tactile delight, featuring a unique hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian supercars. The aggressively bolstered side supports provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, yet they remain comfortable for longer journeys. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim create a focused, driver-centric environment. Unlike the glossy carbon fiber often found in competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish, allowing the material to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated cabin. For those looking for luxury performance car interiors, the RS5 Competition sets a high bar.
Exterior Styling: Understated Aggression
Visually, the changes on the RS5 Competition are more subtle than revolutionary. The package essentially aggregates previously optional exterior elements, 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 fill the wheel arches beautifully, offering an unobstructed view of the imposing carbon-ceramic brakes – a testament to the car’s serious performance intentions. While these visual cues are appealing, one might wish for a more dramatic departure from the standard RS5’s styling, especially given the model’s age. However, this understated approach has always been part of the RS5’s allure, offering a more sophisticated take on performance. The RS5 Competition visual enhancements are refined, not flashy.
The fundamental elegance of the second-generation Audi RS5’s design remains a strong suit. Despite being on the market since the 2017 model year, its flowing lines and timeless proportions ensure it still looks contemporary. It might not possess the overt aggression of some rivals, but its sophisticated design offers a more mature and arguably more timeless aesthetic. For buyers who prioritize timeless automotive design over fleeting trends, the RS5 remains a compelling choice.
Age and Investment: A Late Bloom
The primary point of contention for the RS5 Competition is its timing. While the Competition package injects a much-needed dose of driver engagement into an already accomplished machine, its introduction so late in the second-generation’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will this significant improvement in the driving experience be enough to entice buyers towards a car that, visually, hasn’t evolved dramatically since 2017? This is a critical consideration for anyone evaluating new performance car releases in the current market.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its considerable cost, offers a substantial uplift in value and performance. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at approximately $78,995, including destination charges. With the addition of the Competition package, the optional RS driver assistance package, and a navigation system, my test vehicle tipped the scales at over $100,000. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-based platform might seem steep, it aligns the RS5 Competition directly with its key rivals. The BMW M4 Competition, when similarly equipped, commands a comparable price. While the exact pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it is widely expected to be in the same ballpark. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now commands a premium price, it finally has the engaging driving dynamics to justify it. When considering performance coupe pricing, the RS5 Competition offers a well-defined value proposition.
Conclusion: A Driver’s Audi, Finally
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, in essence, is the car I had always hoped the RS5 would be. It’s a masterful blend of blistering speed, razor-sharp agility, and profound driver engagement. It takes the inherent capability of the standard RS5 and elevates it, providing a level of immersion that was previously just out of reach. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis and enhanced performance, it sacrifices none of its daily usability or comfort. The reduced sound deadening ensures you’re treated to a symphony of mechanical noise, rather than a muffled silence. For those searching for premium performance coupes near me, the RS5 Competition presents a compelling argument.
In direct comparison to the BMW M4 Competition, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender. However, the inescapable reality of its model year age cannot be ignored. Despite the significant strides made with the Competition package, transforming the RS5 from a mere speed machine into a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the question remains: will Audi’s latest enhancements be enough to capture the attention of buyers, or has this model’s lifecycle reached its twilight?
If you’re eager to experience this newfound level of driver engagement firsthand and explore the full potential of the Audi RS5 Competition, we encourage you to contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover what makes this the most compelling RS5 yet.
