The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Rediscovering the Joy of the Drive
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious niche. It’s undeniably a performance titan, capable of swallowing miles and dispatching backroads with a ferocity that could humble many dedicated sports cars, often at a price point that would suggest otherwise. Yet, despite its prodigious straight-line speed and sure-footed stability, a certain disconnect often persisted. The experience, while undeniably effective, rarely elicited the visceral thrill, the deep-seated connection between driver, machine, and asphalt that truly defines an engaging automotive encounter. It was a car that could do thrilling things, but it didn’t always make the driver feel the thrill.
Then, in 2023, a crucial shift occurred, heralded by the arrival of the Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a fundamentally redesigned car, but rather a significant enhancement, primarily delivered through the aptly named Competition package. For enthusiasts in the know, the distinction is important; it’s the RS5 Coupe that receives this transformative treatment, eschewing the broader nomenclature that sometimes plagues performance variants from certain Bavarian rivals. Ingolstadt’s approach, however, mirrors a similar ambition: to inject a heightened sense of driver involvement into an already potent formula.
At its heart, the RS5 Competition retains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, a powerplant that dutifully churns out 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This is not a car chasing outright horsepower supremacy against its direct competitors like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, both of which boast higher figures. Instead, the focus here is on refining the experience of deploying that power. The Competition
package introduces a raft of carefully selected upgrades: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, stiffer sway bars, a recalibrated and quicker steering rack, and a more vocal, evocative exhaust system. The result? A car that feels more alive, more connected, and ultimately, far more rewarding to pilot. Six model years into its second generation, this potent Audi has finally unlocked its true driver-centric potential.
The $16,100 Competition package is a substantial investment, but it’s one that delivers a comprehensive suite of performance enhancements. At its core are the aforementioned coilover suspension and uprated sway bars, designed to tighten the car’s dynamic envelope. Complementing this is a significant upgrade in braking hardware with the inclusion of carbon-ceramic discs, a testament to the package’s performance intentions. The auditory experience is also dramatically transformed by the new RS sport exhaust system.
Beyond the mechanical, the visual and tactile elements receive a welcome refresh. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a sharper, more aggressive stance, while lightweight 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to reduced unsprung mass. Inside, the cabin is elevated with deeply supportive Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, complete with a striking hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of more exotic supercars. The steering wheel, shift lever, and headliner are all clad in tactile Alcantara, further reinforcing the performance-oriented theme. While this extensive list underscores the package’s value proposition, it’s the transformative effect on the driving dynamics that truly justifies the expenditure.
Crucially, the Competition package doesn’t add horsepower, but it masterfully enhances the utilization of the existing output. While the 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, the top speed is significantly increased to a formidable 180 mph, a notable jump from the standard RS5 and even surpassing models equipped with lesser performance packages. This suggests a focus on sustained high-speed capability and a more robust chassis that can handle elevated demands.
It’s on the open road, particularly when the asphalt begins to twist and turn, that the true brilliance of the Audi RS5 Competition emerges. From the initial turn of the wheel into a corner, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer than the standard setup, exercises masterful control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. Body roll is dramatically curtailed, allowing for instant, precise changes in direction with a newfound eagerness. This enhanced agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t deliver the granular feedback of some purist sports cars, its increased responsiveness and directness instill a profound sense of confidence, allowing the driver to place the car with surgical precision.
The synergy between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, the retuned eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the upgraded suspension creates a formidable package for dynamic driving. The RS5 Competition exhibits astonishing mid-corner grip, allowing you to carry significant speed through bends and then deploy its considerable power with absolute certainty as you accelerate out. While the standard RS5 is certainly a capable handler, the Competition’s firmer, more communicative chassis provides a direct conduit to the road, transforming the perception of its immense speed from a mere objective measurement to a tangible, exhilarating sensation. This heightened awareness is a critical element in the Audi RS5 Competition driving experience.
Despite the firmer suspension and a ride height lowered by a discernible 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), the added performance capabilities of the Audi RS5 Competition do not come at the expense of everyday usability. In fact, this statement speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which often felt almost too refined, too insulated, for a car designated as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package strikes an admirable equilibrium, offering the razor-sharp dynamics required for spirited weekend drives while remaining perfectly comfortable and composed for the daily commute.
A significant, and for many, a welcome, change is the reduction in sound deadening. This decision perfectly complements the upgraded RS sport exhaust. The consequence of less sound insulation is a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin. However, for a car that aims to thrill, a degree of acoustic drama is not only acceptable but desirable. Where Audi previously resorted to pumping artificial engine notes through the speakers, the RS5 Competition now delivers an authentic, throaty V6 symphony, punctuated by satisfyingly explosive upshifts. The intensity of this soundscape can be modulated through the various drive modes, allowing for a more reserved experience when desired, but the underlying character is undeniably more visceral.
The interior enhancements of the Competition package are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats offer exceptional lateral support, crucial for keeping the driver planted during spirited driving, yet they remain comfortable enough for longer journeys. The distinctive hexagonal stitching and gloss black accents contribute to a bespoke, performance-oriented feel. The Alcantara-clad steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin create an environment that feels both luxurious and purposeful. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some German rivals, Audi’s application of carbon fiber retains a more subtle, matte elegance, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with the dark interior palette.
From a visual standpoint, the changes to the Audi RS5 Competition are subtle rather than overt. The package essentially consolidates elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional on the base car, and pairs them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are beautifully proportioned and provide an unimpeded view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes within. While these visual cues contribute to a sportier aesthetic, some might argue that Audi could have pushed further to create a more distinct visual identity, especially given the model’s age.
Despite this, the second-generation Audi RS5’s design remains remarkably timeless. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its elegant lines continue to project a contemporary and sophisticated aura. While it may not possess the flamboyant or overtly aggressive styling of its direct competitors from BMW and Mercedes-AMG, it remains arguably the most aesthetically refined and understated choice in its class.
The age of the current RS5 generation is perhaps the most significant point of contemplation. While the introduction of the Competition package is a profoundly positive development, enhancing the car’s driving dynamics immeasurably, it arrives relatively late in the model’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will this significantly improved driving experience, delivered through the Audi RS5 Competition package, be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers when the car’s exterior design is so closely aligned with its 2017 debut?
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package, while substantial, represents a significant infusion of value. The 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe has a starting MSRP of $78,995, including destination fees. With the addition of the Competition package, along with optional extras like the RS driver assistance package and the navigation package, the as-tested price can climb to over $100,000. This positions the RS5 Competition squarely in premium territory, a price point that, for an A5-based vehicle, still requires some cognitive adjustment. However, when compared to a comparably equipped BMW M4 Competition, or anticipating the pricing of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63, the Audi’s cost becomes more aligned with its segment. The crucial difference is that, for the first time, the Audi RS5 commands this premium sum not just on its brand prestige, but with a demonstrably engaging driving experience that finally backs up the price tag.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, in essence, is the car that many enthusiasts, including myself, have long wished the RS5 had been from the outset. It is undeniably fast, remarkably agile, and, crucially, deeply engaging. It seamlessly blends the inherent speed of the base car with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Despite its more focused chassis, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening ensures that the driver is treated to the authentic, resonant growl of the V6, rather than relying on synthesized audio cues.
viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable rival to the highly regarded BMW M4. However, the specter of its age looms large. While its latest enhancements have finally transformed the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely thrilling driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will this late-stage transformation resonate sufficiently with the buying public, or has the window of opportunity passed?
For those seeking to elevate their driving pleasure and experience the pinnacle of the RS5’s performance capabilities, exploring the Audi RS5 Competition upgrades is a journey worth undertaking.
