The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Driver’s Triumph, Finally Arrived
For nearly a decade, the Audi RS5 has presented a curious paradox in the performance car landscape. It’s been a masterclass in effortless velocity, a vehicle so adept at whisking its occupants to astonishing speeds that it could easily play in the same sandbox as dedicated sports cars from a segment above, all without demanding undue effort from the pilot. While this sheer capability is undeniably impressive, it often left a lingering question: where was the raw, visceral engagement that defines truly exhilarating driving? This is the narrative the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition so brilliantly rewrites, marking a significant evolution for Ingolstadt’s potent grand tourer.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Audi’s model designation, it’s important to clarify: the “Competition” isn’t a standalone model but rather a deeply transformative package. In the United States, this specifically refers to the $16,100 Competition package meticulously integrated into the existing RS5 Coupe. This crucial distinction is vital, particularly when compared to competitors who might employ similar nomenclature. The core philosophy driving this enhancement is a singular focus on elevating the driver’s connection to the machine. Underpinning this are several key upgrades: the potent 444
horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine remains the powerhouse, but it’s now complemented by a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering ratio, and an enhanced, audibly more aggressive exhaust note. The result? A car that’s not just faster, but fundamentally more alive and communicative, finally delivering on the promise of an engaging driving experience that transcends mere rapid transit. After six years on the market, this iteration of the RS5 has unequivocally reached its zenith.
The investment of $16,100 for the Competition package unlocks a treasure trove of performance-oriented hardware. Beyond the revised suspension and steering components, this package boldly includes the lauded carbon-ceramic braking system, a significant upgrade for track-day enthusiasts and spirited driving alike. Complementing these mechanical enhancements are a suite of aesthetic refinements designed to signal the car’s enhanced capabilities. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more aggressive visual stance, while bespoke 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the car’s profile but also offer a clear view of the formidable stoppers behind them. Inside, the cabin receives a welcome dose of sportiness with Nappa leather and Alcantara-appointed seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While the comprehensive list of inclusions could span pages, the essence is clear: this package, though substantial in price, delivers an equally substantial increase in value, both in terms of tangible performance and the overall sensory experience.
Crucially, this surge in dynamic prowess doesn’t come at the expense of the RS5’s renowned powertrain. The heart of the beast remains the familiar twin-turbo V6, pumping out a stout 444 horsepower and a formidable 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may fall shy of the stratospheric outputs of some direct rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than adequate to deliver a driving experience that feels every bit as rapid in real-world scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains an unchanged, yet still blistering, 3.8 seconds. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching a remarkable 180 mph – a full 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This elevated top-end capability further underscores the track-tuned nature of this variant.
It is on the sinuous embrace of a winding back road, however, where the true magic of the Competition package unfurls. The transformation is palpable from the very first turn of the wheel as you initiate a descent into a tight corner. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer than its predecessor, exerts an almost uncanny level of control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. Body roll is dramatically curtailed, and the car dispatches direction changes with an alacrity that belies its size. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering rack. While it might not provide the granular road feel of a purely analog system, its increased precision allows for confident and immediate responses, enabling drivers to place the car with pinpoint accuracy.
This tenacious grip is further enhanced by the pairing of sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires with a retuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination extracts the absolute maximum from the suspension’s improvements. The outcome is a car that exhibits tenacious mid-corner grip, capable of effortlessly deploying its substantial power as you rocket out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undeniably a capable performer, the Competition’s recalibrated chassis offers a far more communicative dialogue between car and driver. It allows you to not only witness its astonishing pace but to truly feel it, fostering a deep sense of connection and confidence.
Despite the significant chassis stiffening and a ride height reduction of approximately 0.39 inches (10 mm), the Audi RS5 Competition surprisingly retains a commendable level of daily comfort and usability. This speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in retrospect, may have leaned too heavily into plushness and an almost detached sense of refinement for a car marketed as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition, however, strikes a masterful equilibrium. It is a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend escapades, yet it remains a perfectly viable and comfortable commuter for the weekday grind. This nuanced approach to ride quality is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess.
A particularly welcome evolution in the RS5 Competition is its revised approach to cabin acoustics. The package actively reduces sound deadening, a deliberate decision that harmonizes beautifully with the inclusion of the aggressive RS sport exhaust system. While this heightened awareness of road and tire noise might be perceived as a detraction by some, for a true sports car, a certain level of sonic immersion is not just desirable, but essential. Gone are the days when Audi felt compelled to pipe artificial engine notes through the speakers. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely guttural V6 symphony, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the selectable drive modes. This auditory experience transforms the driving experience from merely observing performance to actively participating in a thrilling sonic ballet.
The interior enhancements within the Competition package further underscore its driver-centric philosophy. The seats, upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica, feature a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern and gloss black accents. These seats not only offer exceptional lateral support during spirited maneuvers, thanks to their generously bolstered side bolsters, but also provide ample comfort for longer journeys. The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, while carbon fiber trim pieces are judiciously applied throughout the cabin. Unlike the overtly glossy carbon found in some German rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish, allowing these premium materials to blend seamlessly into the dark, sophisticated interior aesthetic.
From a visual standpoint, the changes on the exterior of the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than dramatic. The package essentially aggregates desirable standalone options, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim elements. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and complement the car’s overall proportions, while also providing an unobstructed view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are welcome, one could argue that Audi might have explored more distinctive visual cues to further differentiate this performance-oriented variant, especially considering the second-generation RS5’s extended production run.
On the positive side, the aging design of the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to hold its own with remarkable grace. Having been in production since the 2017 model year, its elegant lines and timeless proportions ensure it remains a contemporary and sophisticated presence on the road. While it may not possess the overt aggression or flamboyant styling of some of its BMW or Mercedes-AMG counterparts, it remains arguably the most aesthetically refined option in its class.
The age of the RS5 platform, however, is a factor that warrants careful consideration. While the advent of the Competition package undeniably elevates the driving experience to a level previously unattainable, its introduction so late in the second-generation’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a significantly enhanced driving engagement be sufficient to sway buyers towards a car whose exterior design evokes a model from 2017? The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package is a considerable sum, yet the value it imparts is undeniable, transforming the car’s fundamental character. The base price for a 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, including destination charges, stands at $78,995. With optional extras like the aforementioned Competition package, the RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and the navigation package ($1,500), our tester tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a stretch, its pricing aligns competitively with a fully optioned BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is highly probable that it will also command a similar, if not higher, price point. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 necessitates a premium investment, it is now a sum that is demonstrably justified by an engaging driving experience that finally lives up to its billing.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the culmination of what the RS5 should have been all along. It is a car that masterfully blends exhilarating speed with a profound sense of driver immersion, finally bridging the gap between mere velocity and genuine excitement. Even with its more resolute chassis tuning, it manages to retain an impressive degree of daily comfort and practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening allows the V6’s glorious, throaty note to permeate the cabin, eliminating the need for artificial sonic augmentation.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the already excellent BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of the platform looms as a significant consideration. Despite the fact that these latest enhancements have transformed the RS5 from a merely quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the critical question remains: will the buying public respond to this late-cycle awakening, or has the opportunity for widespread appeal passed?
If you’re seeking a grand tourer that finally prioritizes the thrill of the drive without sacrificing everyday usability, we invite you to experience the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition firsthand. Schedule a test drive at your local Audi dealership today and discover the difference that true driver engagement makes.
