Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in Unrivaled Driver Engagement
For the better part of a decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the high-performance automotive landscape. It’s a car that has consistently delivered blistering speed and formidable capability, often surpassing its rivals in sheer pace and technical prowess. Yet, for many enthusiasts, myself included after years behind the wheel of various Audi Sport models, it has also been a car that, while immensely competent, felt somewhat detached from the visceral thrill of the drive. It’s the automotive equivalent of a perfectly executed mathematical equation – precise, powerful, but lacking a certain human element. This is where the Audi RS5 Competition steps in, not as a revolutionary redesign, but as a masterful refinement of an already exceptional platform, finally achieving the elusive trifecta of speed, sophistication, and genuine driver engagement.
This isn’t merely a new model year update; it’s the culmination of a generation’s worth of learning and a testament to Audi’s commitment to listening to its most discerning customers. The Audi RS5 Competition package, a significant investment at $16,100, is the catalyst for this transformation. It takes the already potent RS5 Coupe and imbues it with a level of dynamism and directness that elevates it from a grand touring machine capable of incredible speeds to a truly involving sports car for the discerning driver. After a decade immersed in the automotive industry, observing the evolution of performance sedans and coupes, I can confidently state that the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents a pivotal moment for the model.
Unlocking the Dynamic Potential: The Competition Package Explained
At its core, the RS5 has always been a performance powerhouse. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine remains the heart of the beast, churning out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not directly compete with the sheer horsepower numbers of some rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than sufficient to deliver exhilarating acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at a brisk 3.8 seconds, a testament to the car’s inherent ability to translate power to pavement. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher ceiling for top speed, nudging it up to a remarkable 180 mph, a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six mph beyond even models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about the car’s ability to maintain composure and capability at extreme velocities, a characteristic that becomes even more pronounced when pushed.
The magic of the Audi RS5 Competition lies not in a revised engine tune, but in the meticulously engineered hardware that complements it. The centerpiece of the Competition package is the manually adjustable coilover suspension. This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it affair; it’s a system designed to be tuned, allowing for an unprecedented level of control over the car’s ride and handling characteristics. Complementing the coilovers are beefed-up anti-roll bars, which play a crucial role in minimizing body roll and keeping the nearly 4,000-pound coupe remarkably flat through corners.
Perhaps the most significant, yet often subtle, upgrade is the recalibrated steering system. The RS5 Competition steering is perceptibly quicker, requiring less input to initiate a turn. While some might fear a loss of feel with such a change, Audi has managed to strike a delicate balance. The steering isn’t overloaded with artificial feedback, but it offers a more direct connection to the front tires, allowing the driver to better anticipate and react to the road surface. This newfound precision, combined with the firmer suspension, transforms the RS5’s demeanor on a winding road.
The package also includes carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant upgrade that not only enhances stopping power but also reduces unsprung weight, further contributing to the car’s improved agility. Furthermore, a rowdier RS sport exhaust system is fitted, liberating the V6’s voice and adding a crucial layer of auditory engagement to the driving experience. Visually, subtle yet purposeful enhancements like a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with distinctive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, distinguish the Competition model. Inside, the upgrades continue with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats and an Alcantara steering wheel, all designed to enhance the driver’s tactile connection with the machine.
The Tactile Transformation: Feeling the Road Like Never Before
Where the standard RS5 often felt a step removed from the road, the Audi RS5 Competition pulls you in. From the moment you turn the wheel and commit to a corner, the difference is palpable. The noticeably firmer chassis, a direct result of the revised suspension and sway bars, keeps the car’s considerable mass in remarkably tight check. Turn-in is sharper, more immediate, and the car settles with an authoritative calm that inspires confidence. This newfound agility isn’t just about improved lap times; it’s about the qualitative feel of the car.
The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a potent adversary to any loss of traction, work in perfect harmony with the tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, a familiar and capable unit, now feels more eager to exploit the chassis’s enhanced grip, delivering rapid and precise shifts that keep the V6 singing in its optimal power band. The result is a car that can accelerate out of corners with a newfound sense of purpose, the immense power being delivered with much greater confidence and control.
What truly sets the RS5 Competition apart is its enhanced road feedback. The firmer chassis, while undeniably more sporting, doesn’t sacrifice the nuanced communication with the driver that was previously lacking. You can feel the subtle shifts in weight transfer, the nuances of the road surface, and the precise moment the tires begin to approach their limit. This is the hallmark of a truly engaging driver’s car, where the machine and the human behind the wheel operate in a symbiotic relationship. The Audi RS5 handling upgrades are not just about numbers; they are about translating mechanical prowess into a tangible, exhilarating experience.
Daily Usability Meets Weekend Warrior: A Balanced Approach
One of the most impressive aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is its ability to retain a remarkable degree of daily usability despite its significantly enhanced performance capabilities. While the suspension is undeniably firmer, it avoids the jarring harshness that often plagues performance-oriented vehicles. This is, in part, a testament to the inherent refinement of the base RS5 platform. However, it also speaks to Audi’s careful calibration of the Competition package, ensuring that the car remains a comfortable and compliant companion on your daily commute.
In fact, one could argue that the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition comfort levels are actually improved for the enthusiast. The previous generation RS5, while incredibly capable, sometimes felt overly plush and isolated, betraying its A5 coupe roots. The Competition package injects a welcome dose of purposeful firmness that, rather than detracting from comfort, actually enhances the sense of connection and control, making even mundane drives more enjoyable. This balance between a capable sports car for the weekend and a refined commuter for the weekday is a delicate act, and the RS5 Competition performs it with aplomb.
The auditory experience within the cabin also undergoes a significant transformation. The Competition package deliberately reduces sound deadening, a decision that pairs perfectly with the addition of the aggressive RS sport exhaust. While this means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will undoubtedly embrace. The days of Audi artificially pumping engine noise through the speakers are over. Instead, you’re treated to the genuine, throaty V6 growl, punctuated by explosive upshifts that provide an aural soundtrack to your driving adventures. And for those moments when discretion is preferred, the selectable drive modes allow you to dial down the exhaust note, offering a welcome versatility. This focus on authentic sound contributes significantly to the RS5 Competition driving feel.
Interior Refinements: A Focus on the Driver
The interior of the Audi RS5 Competition receives subtle yet impactful enhancements that underscore its driver-focused mission. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example. They feature a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered RS logos. More importantly, these seats provide exceptional lateral support, crucial for keeping occupants securely in place during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys.
The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim further elevate the cabin’s sporting ambiance. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior. This attention to detail creates an environment that is both luxurious and purposeful, reinforcing the car’s identity as a premium performance machine.
Exterior Styling: Understated Elegance Endures
Visually, the Audi RS5 Competition leans towards subtlety rather than overt aggression. The changes are primarily focused on enhancing the existing design. The carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, elements that were often optional extras on the base model, are now standard. Gloss black badging and trim replace the chrome accents, adding a more menacing and cohesive look. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only fill the wheel arches perfectly but also provide an unimpeded view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes peeking through.
While some might desire more dramatic visual differentiation, particularly given the model’s age, the RS5’s enduring elegance is one of its strongest suits. It possesses a timeless design that, even years after its debut, remains contemporary and sophisticated. It may not shout its performance from the rooftops like some rivals, but its understated aggression possesses a certain quiet confidence. For those who appreciate refined aesthetics, the RS5 Competition exterior continues to be a benchmark for tasteful performance design.
A Generation’s Maturity: The Lingering Question of Age
The biggest quandary surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. The addition of the Competition package represents a significant leap forward in terms of driver engagement and dynamic capability. However, it arrives quite late in the second generation’s lifecycle. This naturally leads to the question: Is a significantly improved driving experience enough to captivate buyers when the fundamental design has been around since 2017?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, undeniably adds significant value. It transforms the RS5 from a fast and capable car into a truly desirable driver’s machine. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, with destination fees. With the addition of the Competition package, alongside optional packages for driver assistance and navigation, our test vehicle tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565.
This price point positions the Audi RS5 Competition price firmly in premium territory, aligning it with heavily optioned competitors like the BMW M4. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is anticipated to be in a similar, if not higher, bracket. The RS5 now demands a premium sum, but crucially, its finally elevated driving experience justifies the investment.
The Verdict: A Masterclass in Refinement
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I, and many other enthusiasts, have been waiting for. It takes the inherent strengths of the RS5 – its potent V6, sophisticated AWD system, and elegant design – and elevates them with a focus on driver engagement that was previously missing. It is fast, agile, and genuinely involving, offering a level of immersion that was, until now, out of reach. The firmer chassis, sharper steering, and enhanced feedback combine to create a car that is not only exhilarating to drive but also profoundly communicative.
Remarkably, this enhanced performance comes without sacrificing the daily comfort and usability that Audi is renowned for. The reduced sound deadening allows you to savor the car’s authentic V6 symphony, a far cry from the artificial soundscapes of earlier models. In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition review leads to a strong endorsement, positioning it as a formidable rival to the likes of the BMW M4.
However, the lingering question of its age remains. Despite its significant mid-cycle maturation, the fundamental platform is mature. The ultimate success of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition will hinge on whether buyers are willing to embrace this polished, engaging driver’s car, even as the industry inevitably looks towards the next generation of automotive innovation. If you are seeking a blend of potent performance, sophisticated luxury, and a truly engaging driving experience that appeals to the enthusiast soul, then the Audi RS5 Competition offers an compelling proposition that deserves your serious consideration.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi RS5 performance firsthand? Contact your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive and discover the difference that a decade of refinement can make.
