Unleashing the Driver’s Machine: The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Package – A Decade of Driving Refinement
For a significant portion of its second-generation run, the Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback have occupied a curious space in the high-performance automotive landscape. They’ve consistently delivered blistering straight-line acceleration and an undeniable sense of effortless capability, easily keeping pace with, and often surpassing, vehicles with significantly higher price tags. Yet, for all its prodigious speed, the standard RS5 has often been criticized for a certain detachment, a refined competence that, while impressive, rarely ignited a true sense of driver exhilaration. It was a master of the swift journey, but not always a champion of the spirited drive.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package steps into the spotlight, acting as a potent corrective to that enduring critique. More accurately, it represents the RS5 Coupe equipped with a substantial upgrade – an $16,100 cherry on top that fundamentally transforms the driving experience. It’s a distinction worth noting, especially given the industry’s penchant for similar naming conventions. But setting aside such semantic nuances, the core philosophy behind this enhanced RS5 is clear: elevate driver engagement without sacrificing the inherent strengths that have defined the model.
Underneath the hood, the familiar yet potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine remains, churning out an undiluted 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This isn’t a power race; this is about harnessing and communicating that power. The Competition package introduces a suite of carefully curated enhancements: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, more robust sway bars for reduced body roll, a recalibrated, quicker steering ratio, and a
decidedly more vocal RS sport exhaust system. The cumulative effect is a car that not only becomes more agile and stable at elevated speeds but, crucially, transmits a far richer tapestry of road feel back to the driver, forging a palpable connection between man, machine, and asphalt. Now, six years into its lifecycle, this potent Audi is arguably at its zenith, finally fulfilling its performance potential with genuine driver involvement.
The Value Proposition of the Competition Package
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package unlocks a significant array of performance and aesthetic enhancements. Among the most impactful are the adoption of carbon-ceramic brakes, providing immense stopping power and fade resistance, and the aforementioned manually adjustable coilover suspension, offering granular control over ride height and damping. Beefier sport sway bars further contribute to a flatter cornering stance. The inclusion of a freer-flowing RS sport exhaust is a sonic signature that announces its sporting intent.
Visually, the package imbues the RS5 with a more aggressive stance. A carbon fiber front splitter adds aerodynamic aggression, complemented by a matching rear diffuser. Twenty-inch Y-spoke wheels provide a commanding presence and offer a clear view of the formidable braking hardware within. Inside, the transformation continues with RS sport seats clad in Nappa leather and Dinamica, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel for enhanced grip, and a host of carbon fiber trim accents. While the price tag is undeniably substantial, the breadth and depth of these upgrades offer compelling value for those seeking a more visceral driving experience.
It’s important to acknowledge that the power figures remain unchanged. The 444 horsepower might seem modest when compared to direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition, which boasts over 500 horsepower, or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63. However, real-world acceleration is a complex equation involving power, torque, weight distribution, and gearing. The RS5 Competition, with its refined drivetrain and chassis, feels every bit as potent as its rivals from behind the wheel. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but where it truly distinguishes itself is at the top end. A lifted top speed of 180 mph is a significant leap over the standard RS5, and even surpasses models equipped with Audi’s Dynamic Plus package, underscoring the performance-oriented nature of this iteration.
Sharpening the Edge: Dynamics and Handling
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition package unfolds when the road begins to twist and turn. From the initial turn of the steering wheel into a challenging bend, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, masterfully manages the RS5’s considerable mass (approaching 4,000 pounds). It keeps the body remarkably composed, allowing for immediate and decisive changes in direction without the unsettling, languid body motions often associated with larger grand tourers. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t deliver a deluge of granular feedback, its increased precision allows the driver to place the car with unerring accuracy, building confidence with every corner entry.
This dynamic prowess is further enhanced by the synergy between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, the retuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and the thoroughly revised suspension. The result is a car that exhibits tenacious mid-corner grip, enabling drivers to carry more speed and, crucially, to deploy all 444 horsepower with confidence as they accelerate out of a turn. While the standard RS5 is a competent performer, the Competition package’s firmer chassis serves as a far more communicative conduit, allowing the driver to not only witness but actively feel the car’s immense capability. This is where the RS5 Competition truly transcends its previous iterations.
Daily Usability: A Harmonious Balance
Despite the sportier tuning, including a suspension that sits approximately 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower, the Audi RS5 Competition package surprisingly doesn’t impose a significant penalty on daily comfort and usability. In fact, this speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in its quest for polish, occasionally verged on being overly plush for what is positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition RS5 strikes an impressive equilibrium, functioning as a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend adventures while remaining a civilized and comfortable commuter during the week. This balance is a testament to meticulous engineering and a deep understanding of driver expectations.
The Competition package also addresses the RS5’s previously muted auditory experience by reducing sound deadening, a decision that perfectly complements the introduction of the more raucous RS sport exhaust. While this means a more pronounced presence of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a trade-off that thrill-seekers will gladly embrace. A true sports car should engage the senses, and the RS5 Competition now does precisely that. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine sounds into the cabin; instead, drivers are treated to a genuine, throaty V6 growl, punctuated by exhilarating upshifts. The intensity of this sonic experience can be modulated, offering a welcome degree of flexibility through the various drive modes.
Interior Refinements: A Touch of Performance Luxury
The interior enhancements within the RS5 Competition package further underscore its performance-oriented persona. The RS sport seats are a highlight, combining the visual appeal of Nappa leather with the grippy texture of Dinamica. They feature a distinctive Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, accented by gloss black side bolsters and embroidered RS logos on the backrests. Crucially, their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, yet can be adjusted for a more relaxed fit during extended journeys.
The inclusion of an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim adds a tactile and visual richness to the cabin. Unlike the often-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 predominantly dark and sophisticated interior aesthetic. This approach prioritizes a sense of refined performance over overt flashiness.
Exterior Cues: Subtle but Significant
From a purely visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Audi RS5 Competition package are not overtly dramatic. It effectively bundles elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously available as standalone options on the base car, with gloss black badging and trim for a more cohesive, aggressive look. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly proportioned and draw attention to the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these are welcome additions, one could argue that Audi might have explored more distinctive styling cues to differentiate this package, particularly given the age of the second-generation RS5 platform.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the second-generation Audi RS5, even in its twilight years, possesses a timeless elegance. Having been on the market since the 2017 model year, its design remains remarkably contemporary and sophisticated. While it may not possess the overt aggression of some of its direct rivals, it offers a more understated and arguably more enduring aesthetic, making it a consistently attractive proposition.
The Elephant in the Room: Age and Expectation
The most significant point of contention surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition package is its timing. While the enhancements are undeniably transformative and elevate the driving experience to a new level, their introduction arrives quite late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This prompts a critical question: will a significantly improved driving dynamic be sufficient to sway potential buyers towards a car whose fundamental design has been in production for nearly a decade?
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its considerable cost, does inject substantial value into the RS5. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commenced its retail journey at approximately $78,995, including destination. A generously optioned tester, incorporating the Competition package, a driver assistance suite, and navigation, could easily push the total price north of $100,000. This places the RS5 firmly in premium territory, a figure that, for an A5-based vehicle, still requires some cognitive adjustment. However, when viewed in the context of a fully equipped BMW M4, the pricing becomes more competitive. While the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63’s U.S. pricing remains undisclosed, it is anticipated to align with or exceed this figure. Consequently, the Audi RS5 commands a premium, but for the first time, its driving experience finally justifies that expense.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Audi, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package represents the vehicle many enthusiasts have yearned for: a fast, agile, and genuinely engaging driver’s machine. It successfully marries the inherent speed of the base RS5 with a level of immersion and connection that was previously elusive. Crucially, despite its stiffer chassis and more focused suspension, it largely preserves the daily comfort and usability that discerning buyers expect. And with less sound-deadening material, the intoxicating roar of the V6 engine is now a genuine soundtrack, not an artificial imposition.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable challenger to the acclaimed BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of the platform cannot be entirely overlooked. Despite how its latest revisions finally transform the RS5 from a mere quick car into a truly engaging driver’s automobile, the lingering question remains: will this late-stage evolution be enough to capture the attention of the market, or is it simply a case of “too little, too late” for a platform nearing the end of its production run?
If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of RS5 driving dynamics and explore how this meticulously engineered package can redefine your connection to the road, we invite you to contact your local Audi dealership or a performance vehicle specialist today. Discover firsthand what a decade of refinement can truly achieve.
