The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Driver’s Triumph Finally Arrives
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the high-performance automotive landscape. It’s undeniably potent, effortlessly capable of devouring miles and keeping pace with exotics that cost considerably more. Yet, despite its blistering acceleration and steadfast composure, a nagging feeling persisted: it often felt too competent, too detached, demanding little of its pilot and thus delivering a commensurate level of outright driving enjoyment. The sheer velocity was there, but the visceral connection, the thrilling dialogue between machine and driver on a challenging ribbon of asphalt, remained largely elusive. Until now.
Enter the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, a designation that signifies not a completely new model, but rather a comprehensively fettled RS5 Coupe that has undergone a significant transformation. This isn’t merely an appearance package; it’s a performance surgery, meticulously designed to inject the RS5 with a level of driver engagement that was previously just out of reach. While the nomenclature might echo certain Bavarian
ompetitors, the intent from Audi Sport is distinct and deeply rooted in enhancing the pure driving experience. Underneath the familiar, elegant lines lies a machine that, for the first time in its second generation, truly feels alive.
The core of this transformation lies in a suite of enhancements, spearheaded by a recalibrated chassis and a more direct steering system. The familiar 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine remains the powerhouse, delivering its formidable torque with urgency. However, the accompanying hardware has been significantly upgraded. We’re talking about manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, and a more communicative steering rack. Add to this a newly liberated, more raucous exhaust note, and the recipe for an engaging Audi RS5 Competition experience is complete. This isn’t just about making the RS5 faster – it’s about making it more communicative, more agile, and ultimately, more fun to drive. After six model years, the second-generation RS5 has finally achieved its true potential.
Decoding the Competition Package: Value Beyond the Sticker Price
The $16,100 Competition package is far from an inexpensive option, but its contents justify the significant investment for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate driving dynamics. This isn’t just a few cosmetic tweaks; it’s a comprehensive performance upgrade that touches upon critical mechanical components. Included are carbon-ceramic brakes, renowned for their fade resistance and stopping power, a significant upgrade for any performance vehicle. The heart of the dynamic improvements lies in the manually adjustable coilover suspension and stiffer sport sway bars, which work in concert to drastically reduce body roll and sharpen the car’s response. The RS sport exhaust system, a key element in the auditory experience, is also part of this extensive offering.
Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the Competition package also introduces a host of visual and interior refinements. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser not only contribute to aerodynamics but also lend a more aggressive stance. The lightweight, 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are visually striking and provide an unobstructed view of the formidable carbon-ceramic stoppers. Inside, the cabin is elevated with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats, offering superior bolstering for spirited driving. The Alcantara steering wheel, a tactile delight, further reinforces the sporty intent. While this list is extensive, it merely scratches the surface of what the Audi RS5 Competition package delivers, proving that despite its substantial cost, it offers tangible and impactful enhancements.
While the raw power figures remain unchanged from the standard RS5 – a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque from its potent V6 – the perceived performance and driver engagement are profoundly different. It’s worth noting that these figures are less than some direct rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition with its 503 horsepower or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, which also boasted over 500 horsepower. However, in real-world scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as quick, if not quicker, thanks to its chassis and transmission tuning. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is significantly increased to an electronically limited 180 mph, a full 25 mph beyond the base model and six miles per hour higher than a Dynamic Plus package-equipped variant. This elevated top-end capability, combined with the sharper dynamics, makes the Audi RS5 price for the Competition package a justifiable expenditure for those prioritizing track-capable performance.
The Drive: Where Agility Meets Audacity
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition reveals itself the moment you steer it onto a winding road. Turn the wheel, and the car responds with an immediacy that was previously absent. The new coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than its standard counterpart, masterfully controls the RS5’s substantial mass, exceeding 3,900 pounds. This allows for instantaneous changes in direction without the unwelcome body motions that can unsettle a less well-sorted vehicle. This newfound agility is not solely attributable to the suspension; the quicker steering ratio plays a crucial role. While it doesn’t necessarily offer abundant feel, its precision is undeniable, allowing for confident placement of the car exactly where you intend it to be.
The synergy between the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a testament to performance tires for Audi RS5, and the meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission further amplifies the chassis’s improvements. The result is a car that exhibits phenomenal mid-corner grip. As you accelerate out of a turn, the RS5 Competition effortlessly deploys its power, clawing for traction and propelling you forward with exhilarating force. While the standard RS5 is a capable performer, the Competition’s firmer chassis provides a much richer tapestry of feedback. You can feel the tires working, the chassis communicating its intentions, allowing you to truly experience and revel in its immense pace. This is the Audi RS5 driving experience that enthusiasts have been craving.
Despite the firmer suspension, which lowers the car by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the added capabilities of the Audi RS5 Competition do not come at the expense of daily comfort and usability. In fact, this speaks more to the character of the standard RS5, which, in its pursuit of refinement, often felt a touch too serene for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition model strikes an impressive balance. It remains a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions, yet it retains the composure and comfort necessary for a pleasant weekday commute. For those considering Audi RS5 Coupe lease deals, the Competition package offers a compelling upgrade for a more dynamic daily driver.
A Symphony of Sound and Substance
The Competition package also involves a reduction in the RS5’s sound-deadening materials, a decision that perfectly complements the inclusion of the aggressive RS sport exhaust. While this does result in a more pronounced level of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a trade-off that is entirely welcome in a car designed to thrill. A true sports car, after all, should not be a silent sanctuary. Where Audi’s previous efforts to enhance the RS5’s sound involved pumping artificial engine notes through the speakers, the Competition model delivers a genuine, throaty V6 growl. The explosive upshifts are now accompanied by satisfying burbles and pops, sounds that can be amplified or muted depending on your selected drive mode, offering a customizable aural experience.
The interior enhancements within the Audi RS5 Competition are equally noteworthy, starting with the striking Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats. These seats feature a distinctive hexagonal stitch pattern, reminiscent of high-end supercar upholstery, complemented by gloss black side accents and embroidered RS logos. The inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during aggressive driving, while also offering ample room and comfort for longer journeys. The inclusion of an Alcantara steering wheel and headliner, along with carbon fiber interior trim, further elevates the cabin’s sporting ambiance. Unlike the often glossy, ostentatious finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated, matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into the dark, sophisticated cabin.
Visually, the changes to the Audi RS5 Competition are subtle rather than overt. It essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser – elements previously available on the base car – with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly proportioned and enhance the car’s aggressive stance while providing a clear view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brakes. However, this is an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed the boundaries further to more distinctly differentiate the Competition model, particularly given the age of the second-generation platform. Still, the enduring elegance of the second-gen RS5, which has been on sale since the 2017 model year, ensures it remains a contemporary and sophisticated design, even when placed alongside newer rivals.
The Crucial Question: Is It Too Late?
The primary point of contention surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition revolves around its timing. While the Competition package is a universally lauded enhancement that dramatically improves the car’s driving dynamics, its introduction arrives quite late in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This inevitably raises a pertinent question: Will a significantly enhanced driving experience be enough to entice buyers towards a car that, visually, shares much with its 2017 predecessor?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, adds considerable value. The starting price for a 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe hovers around $78,995, including destination fees. With the addition of the Competition package, optional driver assistance systems, and navigation, the as-tested price for my evaluation vehicle climbed to just over $100,000. This positions the RS5 squarely in premium territory, a price point that, for an A5-based vehicle, might still be a challenging concept for some to fully embrace. However, this pricing aligns closely with a similarly equipped BMW M4 Competition. While the eventual U.S. pricing for the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is highly probable that it will compete at or above this price point. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 commands a premium, its newfound engaging driving experience finally justifies the expense.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I always wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It is blisteringly fast, remarkably agile, and deeply engaging. It successfully melds the raw performance of the base car with a level of driver immersion that was previously unattainable. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis, it retains a high degree of daily comfort and usability. And with reduced sound deadening, the car’s sonorous V6 provides a captivating soundtrack without resorting to artificial augmentation.
When considered in isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable and compelling alternative to the already excellent BMW M4. However, the inescapable reality of its platform’s age cannot be ignored. Despite the significant strides made by its latest iteration, transforming the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely exhilarating driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: Will this late-blooming dynamism be enough to capture the attention of buyers, or is it a case of too little, too late?
If you’re a driver who values tactile feedback, precise handling, and an engaging connection with your vehicle, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents a significant leap forward. Don’t let the calendar year fool you; this is a performance car that finally lives up to its potential. Discover the difference that true driver engagement makes – schedule a test drive of the Audi RS5 Competition today and experience the pinnacle of Audi’s performance coupe.
