Unlocking the Drive: How the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Package Transforms Performance Driving
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the intricate world of automotive engineering and performance vehicles, and in that time, I’ve seen countless machines designed to excel. Yet, few cars have presented the intriguing paradox of the Audi RS5. It’s a vehicle that has, for years, been a masterclass in effortless velocity. Whether you opted for the sleek coupe or the practical Sportback, the RS5 delivered blistering acceleration and unwavering stability, capable of humbling sports cars with far more exotic pedigrees and steeper price tags. However, this formidable pace often came at a cost: a detachment from the driving experience itself. It could conquer a winding road at speeds that defied logic, but the true joy, the visceral connection between driver and machine, remained somewhat elusive. It was a car that was undeniably fast, but not always intrinsically fun.
This brings us to the much-anticipated 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, or, to be precise, the Audi RS5 Coupe generously equipped with the $16,100 Competition package. This distinction is crucial, especially when considering the naming conventions adopted by certain rivals across the Atlantic. Yet, despite its Ingolstadt lineage, the RS5 Competition’s ethos mirrors that of its competitors in its pursuit of a more visceral driving encounter. At its heart beats the same potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 engine found in the standard RS5. What sets the Competition apart is the inclusion of a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system.
The impact of this meticulously curated Competition package is profound. It doesn’t just render the RS5 a more agile and composed machine at elevated speeds; it actively fosters a deeper connection with the road. Improved tactile feedback allows the driver to truly feel the car responding, creating an immersive experience that was, until now, somewhat out of reach for this generation of RS5. Now, six years into its second generation, this potent Audi finally feels poised to claim its rightful place at the pinnacle of performance and driver engagement.
A Deep Dive into the $16,100 Transformation
Let’s dissect what that $16,100 investment in the Competition package truly brings to the table. It’s not merely a cosmetic dress-up; it’s a fundamental enhancement of the RS5’s dynamic capabilities. The package proudly boasts the inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes, a race-bred coilover suspension system, stiffer sport sway bars, and a more resonant RS sport exhaust. Visually, subtle yet impactful upgrades include a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, lightweight 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a cabin trimmed with premium Nappa leather seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this isn’t an exhaustive inventory, it clearly illustrates that despite the substantial outlay, the Competition package delivers substantial value, transforming the RS5 from a potent grand tourer into a genuinely exciting performance coupe.
Crucially, the power figures remain unchanged, which might initially seem like a missed opportunity for some. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers might trail those of direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), they are more than sufficient to ensure the RS5 Competition feels every bit as quick in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but where the Competition truly shines is in its elevated top speed. It now crests a remarkable 180 mph, a significant 25 mph leap over the standard car and a full six miles per hour beyond a model equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability underscores the package’s focus on outright performance.
The Art of the Corner: Where the Competition Package Excels
It’s on a ribbon of twisting asphalt, however, that the true brilliance of the Competition package unfurls. From the very first turn of the steering wheel into a tight bend, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. This translates into an almost instantaneous response to steering inputs, allowing the car to change direction with a nimbleness that belies its size, all while suppressing unwanted body roll. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the Competition’s recalibrated steering system. While it may not offer a surfeit of additional road feel, its increased directness and precision instill a profound sense of confidence when pushing the limits.
The Audi RS5 Competition pairs this invigorated chassis with ultra-sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination capitalizes on the suspension’s enhancements, resulting in tenacious mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy its considerable power with absolute certainty as you accelerate out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is undeniably a capable machine, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to not only experience its formidable pace but to truly feel it. This is where the magic happens, where the car becomes an extension of the driver, fostering a connection that was previously missing.
A Balanced Act: Daily Usability Meets Weekend Warrior
Despite the firmer and slightly lower (0.39-inch or 10 mm) suspension setup, the Audi RS5 Competition’s heightened performance doesn’t come at the expense of daily comfort and practicality. In fact, this speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its pursuit of refinement, sometimes erred on the side of being overly plush for a vehicle positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, achieves a remarkable equilibrium. It strikes a sweet spot, delivering a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend adventures while remaining a comfortable and composed companion for the daily commute. This balance is a testament to the engineering prowess behind the package.
Furthermore, the Competition package wisely dials back the RS5’s sound-deadening, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the newly fitted RS sport exhaust. While this reduction in acoustic insulation means increased road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will gladly embrace. A true sports car should engage the senses, and the RS5 Competition certainly does. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin; now, you’re treated to a genuinely sonorous V6 symphony, complete with crackling upshifts and a sound profile that can be modulated to suit your mood and chosen drive mode. This auditory feedback is a vital component of the enhanced driver engagement.
Inside the Enhanced Cockpit
The interior enhancements within the RS5 Competition are equally thoughtful and contribute to the overall experience. The seats, now a blend of Nappa leather and Dinamica trim, feature a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern. Coupled with gloss black side accents and embroidered backrests, they offer exceptional lateral support during spirited driving and ample comfort for longer journeys. The bolstering is adjustable, allowing for a more relaxed fit on the highway and a secure embrace when carving through corners.
The Competition package mandates an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and headliner, complemented by carbon-fiber interior trim. Unlike the often glossy finishes found in some German rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish on the carbon fiber, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the dark, sophisticated cabin. This subtle approach maintains an air of elegance while reinforcing the car’s performance pedigree.
Subtle Visual Cues, Enduring Design
From a purely visual standpoint, the modifications on the Audi RS5 Competition are not immediately dramatic. It essentially consolidates previously optional aesthetic elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, pairing them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and complement the car’s proportions, while also providing an unobstructed view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brakes. However, this is perhaps an area where Audi could have pushed the envelope further to create a more visually distinct model, especially given the current generation’s age.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 has aged remarkably well. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its elegant and timeless design continues to exude a contemporary appeal. While it may not possess the overt aggression or visual fanfare of some of its direct competitors from BMW or Mercedes-AMG, it remains arguably the most sophisticated and elegantly styled option in its class. This enduring design language ensures that the RS5 still turns heads for all the right reasons.
The Calculus of Age and Engagement
The age of the second-generation Audi RS5 is, however, the most significant point of contention. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably a welcome and transformative update, its arrival this late in the model’s lifecycle inevitably raises questions. Will this significantly enhanced driving experience be enough to sway potential buyers towards a car that, visually, has remained largely unchanged since 2017?
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial price tag, undoubtedly adds considerable value. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commenced at $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. My test vehicle, optioned with the aforementioned Competition package, a $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might seem steep, its pricing aligns closely with a fully loaded BMW M4. While official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is highly anticipated to fall within or even exceed this range. Therefore, the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, but for the first time, its engaging driving experience finally justifies that expenditure.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I had always hoped the RS5 would be. It’s a compelling fusion of raw speed, razor-sharp agility, and profound driver immersion, finally bridging the gap between the base car’s formidable performance and the visceral connection that defines a truly engaging driving machine. Crucially, despite its more focused chassis, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or usability. And with the purposeful reduction in sound insulation, the delightful growl of its V6 is no longer a synthesized illusion but a genuine auditory reward.
viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable challenger to the already excellent BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of the platform lingers as a persistent consideration. While these latest enhancements finally elevate the RS5 from a mere quick car to a genuinely engaging driver’s vehicle, the crucial question remains: will automotive enthusiasts embrace this late-blooming transformation, or has the opportune moment passed?
If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi’s performance engineering and unlock a new level of driving exhilaration, it’s time to explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealership and schedule a test drive that promises to redefine your expectations.
