The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Driver Within
For years, the Audi RS5, in both its coupe and Sportback guises, has occupied an interesting automotive space. It’s a machine of undeniable velocity, capable of astonishing feats of acceleration and sustained high-speed cruising, easily keeping pace with performance cars carrying significantly loftier price tags. Yet, this remarkable capability has often been delivered with a detached efficiency, a kind of effortless competence that, while impressive on paper, rarely ignited the visceral thrill of true driving engagement. The RS5, for all its formidable power, often felt more like a sophisticated instrument of speed than a dance partner.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition enters the arena, not as a radical redesign, but as a meticulously honed evolution. It’s crucial to note that “Competition” here refers to the extensive Competition package, a significant upgrade that imbues the RS5 with a newfound focus on the connection between driver and machine. While the core of the beast remains the potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, shared across the RS5 lineup, the Competition package reworks the car’s fundamental dynamics. We’re talking about a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, more robust anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, quicker steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust note.
The result of these strategic enhancements is a car that not only carves through corners with heightened agility and unwavering stability but, more importantly, fosters a profound sense of connection to the tarmac. After six years in its second generation, this Audi RS5 finally feels like it has ascended to its true performance potential. The pursuit of an engaging driving experience in a performance sedan has always been a demanding undertaking, and the RS5 Competition makes a compelling case for itself.
The Value Proposition of the Competition Package
For an investment of $16,100, the Competition package delivers an impressive array of hardware. Prominently featured are the carbon-ceramic brakes, a hallmark of serious performance, paired with the adjustable coilover suspension and uprated sport sway bars. The RS sport exhaust system adds a visceral layer to the auditory experience. Visually, the package enhances the RS5’s aggressive stance with a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, complemented by striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels. Inside, the cabin receives a significant upgrade with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While the price is substantial, the sheer volume and impact of these enhancements provide a clear justification for the expenditure, solidifying its position as a premium performance upgrade.
Despite these significant chassis and aesthetic alterations, the RS5’s heart remains the same. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not reach the stratospheric numbers of direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the departed Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), they are more than sufficient to deliver a sensation of equal or even greater speed in real-world driving scenarios. The car’s 0-60 mph acceleration remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a substantial 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and a notable 6 mph advantage over models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This focus on outright capability underscores the Audi RS5 Competition performance narrative.
Dynamics Redefined: The Thrill of the Twisties
The true magic of the Competition package becomes unequivocally apparent when the asphalt begins to twist and turn. From the instant you initiate a turn-in, the RS5 Competition reveals its transformed character. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts masterful control over the car’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. The body remains remarkably flat, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction with minimal unwanted roll or undulation. This newfound agility is significantly bolstered by the quicker steering ratio, which, although not overwhelmingly communicative in terms of road texture, offers a level of precision that inspires confidence at higher velocities.
Paired with this tenacious chassis is a set of sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination allows the RS5 Competition to exploit its suspension improvements to the fullest. The result is a car with exceptional mid-corner grip, capable of seamlessly deploying its considerable power as you rocket out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undeniably competent, the Competition’s more communicative chassis provides a tangible link to the road, allowing you to not only witness but also feel the immense pace it can achieve. For enthusiasts seeking a more connected Audi RS5 handling experience, this package is a game-changer.
The Balancing Act: Performance Meets Usability
Remarkably, the RS5 Competition achieves its elevated dynamic capabilities without sacrificing the daily comfort and usability that have long been hallmarks of the Audi brand. In fact, this achievement speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its previous iterations, sometimes felt almost too refined for a car positioned as the A5 line’s most engaging variant. The Competition package, with its firmer chassis and lower ride height (by 0.39 inches or 10 mm), strikes an ideal balance. It transitions effortlessly from a thoroughly capable weekend sports car to a comfortable and composed daily commuter, demonstrating the versatility of the Audi RS5.
The Competition package also sees a reduction in sound deadening, a deliberate decision that harmonizes beautifully with the inclusion of the more vocal RS sport exhaust. While this increased intrusion of road and tire noise might be a drawback for some, it’s a welcome addition for those who believe a sports car should offer an unvarnished auditory experience. Gone are the days when Audi had to artificially pipe engine noise into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, throaty V6 soundtrack, complete with exhilarating upshifts that can be amplified or muted through the various drive modes. This focus on automotive sound engineering enhances the overall driving immersion.
Interior Refinements: Sporty Accents, Elegant Execution
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives a suite of subtle yet impactful sporty enhancements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a standout, featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, combined with gloss black accents and embroidered backrests. The inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample room for more relaxed journeys.
The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim are standard across all Competition models. However, Audi eschews the glossy finishes often seen in competitors like the BMW M4, opting instead for a more refined matte application of the lightweight material. This allows the carbon fiber to integrate seamlessly into the dark, sophisticated cabin ambiance, reinforcing the RS5’s elegant aesthetic. This thoughtful approach to car interior design balances sportiness with luxury.
Exterior Evolution: Subtle Cues, Enduring Elegance
Visually, the changes implemented with the Audi RS5 Competition package are more understated than transformative. It essentially curates a selection of desirable options, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser (also available on the base model), and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned to the car’s athletic stance and provide an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are impactful, one might argue that Audi could have explored more distinct visual cues to set this enhanced model apart, particularly given its position later in the current generation’s lifecycle.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age with remarkable grace. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its timeless, elegant design ensures it remains contemporary even years after its initial debut. While it may not possess the overt flashiness of some of its German rivals, it undeniably stands out as the most sophisticated and visually cohesive option in its segment. This enduring appeal contributes to its strong luxury car market positioning.
The Age-Old Question: Is It Too Little, Too Late?
The primary point of contention for the RS5 Competition lies in its timing. While the addition of the Competition package undeniably elevates the car’s driving experience to new heights, its arrival late in the second-generation model’s lifespan inevitably raises questions. Will the significantly improved driving dynamics be enough to capture the attention of buyers for a model that, visually, shares much with its 2017 predecessor? This is a critical consideration for prospective performance car buyers.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its considerable price, represents a significant value proposition given the depth of its enhancements. The base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commenced at $78,995, including destination charges. With optional packages such as the RS driver assistance ($3,000) and navigation ($1,500) in addition to the Competition package, my test vehicle’s final MSRP climbed to a considerable $100,565.
While the prospect of a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem steep, its pricing aligns closely with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is highly probable that it will command a similar or even higher figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 is undoubtedly a premium proposition, its elevated price is now justified by a truly engaging and rewarding driving experience. This positions it strongly within the high-performance coupe segment.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Audi RS5, Finally
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the realization of what many enthusiasts have long wished the RS5 could be. It is a car that is not only fast and agile but also deeply engaging, seamlessly blending the formidable straight-line speed of the standard model with an immersive level of driver involvement that was previously elusive. Crucially, despite its firmer underpinnings, it sheds little, if any, of its daily comfort and practicality. Furthermore, the reduction in sound deadening allows you to fully appreciate its potent V6 exhaust note organically, without resorting to artificial amplification. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking performance vehicles near me.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable challenger to the already excellent BMW M4. However, one cannot overlook the inherent age of the platform. Despite the remarkable transformation brought about by its latest updates, which finally elevate the RS5 from a mere quick car to a genuinely exciting driver’s machine, the pertinent question remains: will this late-blooming engagement resonate with buyers, or has the window of opportunity passed? For those actively searching for a new Audi RS5 for sale, the Competition package offers a compelling reason to reconsider this iconic performance coupe.
If you’re ready to experience a new level of driver engagement and discover what the Audi RS5 Competition can truly offer, we invite you to connect with your local Audi dealership for a test drive and explore the exciting possibilities for your next performance vehicle.
