The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Finally Unleashing the Driver Within
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the ever-shifting landscape of automotive engineering, a journey that has afforded me a unique perspective on the evolution of performance vehicles. Over those ten years, I’ve witnessed the relentless pursuit of speed, power, and technological advancement. Yet, amidst this blizzard of progress, a particular breed of car has consistently presented a fascinating paradox: immense capability coupled with a curious detachment from the driver. The Audi RS5, for a significant stretch of its life, has embodied this very quandary. It’s been a master of effortless velocity, a car that could shrink distances and devour highways with astonishing ease, but rarely did it elicit that visceral thrill, that primal connection between human and machine, that truly defines an engaging driving experience.
This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition emerges, not as a revolutionary redesign, but as a masterclass in refinement, a potent package that injects the RS5 with the soul it arguably always possessed but struggled to fully express. It’s important to note that “Competition” isn’t a standalone model in the traditional sense; rather, it’s an optional, albeit substantial, upgrade package – the RS5 Competition Package – for the existing RS5 Coupe. This distinction is crucial, especially given the German penchant for naming conventions. Nevertheless, the philosophy behind this enhanced RS5 is clear and profoundly effective.
At its heart, the RS5 Competition retains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerhouse churns out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not immediately eclipse those of some direct rivals, such as the admittedly potent BMW M4 Competition or the now-departed Mercedes-AMG C63, they represent a performance envelope that, in real-world driving scenarios, feels every bit as rapid, if not more so. The sprint to 60 mph remains a blisteringly quick 3.8 seconds, but where the Competition package truly distinguishes itself is in its elevated top speed. With this package, the RS5 Competition can achieve an exhilarating 180 mph, a significant leap from the standard RS5 and a figure that underscores its newfound commitment to high-speed capability. This isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about how those numbers translate into a more involving and exhilarating drive.
The transformative magic of the RS5 Competition package lies in its comprehensive mechanical enhancements. For a significant investment of $16,100, buyers receive a suite of upgrades designed to sharpen the car’s dynamics and amplify driver engagement. This includes a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, which allows for a more precise tuning of ride height and damping. Complementing this are beefier sport sway bars, engineered to combat body roll and enhance cornering stability. The steering system undergoes a significant recalibration, offering a quicker ratio for more immediate responses to driver input. And to complete the sensory symphony, a decidedly more aggressive RS sport exhaust system is fitted, promising a soundtrack that befits the car’s performance credentials.
Beyond these core mechanical components, the Competition package also bestows a range of aesthetic and functional upgrades. The inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes is a significant performance enhancement, offering superior stopping power and fade resistance under demanding conditions. Visually, the RS5 Competition gains a more assertive stance with a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, elements that not only look purposeful but also contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. It rolls on distinctive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, a design that visually bridges the gap between sporting aggression and Audi’s signature elegance. Inside, the cabin is treated to a sumptuous blend of Nappa leather and Dinamica trim on the seats, offering both comfort and exceptional lateral support. The steering wheel is upgraded to Alcantara, providing a tactile connection that further immerses the driver. While the list is extensive, it clearly illustrates that the substantial cost of the package is matched by the breadth and depth of the enhancements received.
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition emerges when you encounter a winding stretch of asphalt, the kind of road that separates mere transportation from genuine driving pleasure. From the moment you initiate a turn, the benefits of the Competition package become palpably clear. The coilover suspension, while decidedly firmer than the standard setup, masterfully manages the RS5’s considerable weight – a figure just north of 3,900 pounds. This sophisticated chassis control allows the car to change direction with an astonishing alacrity and precision, minimizing unwanted body movements and keeping the car planted. This newfound agility is significantly aided by the quicker steering rack. While it might not inundate the driver with granular road texture feedback, its directness and responsiveness are transformative, enabling the driver to place the car exactly where they intend with unwavering confidence.
This heightened dynamic capability is further amplified by the synergy between the RS5 Competition’s sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and its expertly tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination allows the chassis improvements to be fully exploited. The car exhibits impressive mid-corner grip, a testament to the engineering prowess invested in this package. As you accelerate out of a bend, the RS5 Competition is remarkably adept at deploying its considerable power without drama or hesitation, catapulting you towards the next apex. Where the standard RS5 felt capable but somewhat insulated, the Competition package’s firmer, more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only appreciate the immense pace but to feel it. This is the essence of driver engagement, the missing ingredient that the Competition package so effectively remedies.
A common concern with performance-oriented upgrades is the potential compromise in daily comfort and usability. However, the Audi RS5 Competition manages to strike an impressive balance. Despite its firmer suspension and a ride height that is lowered by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the car remains remarkably compliant for everyday commuting. In fact, this speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its pursuit of refinement, sometimes leaned too heavily towards comfort, diluting its sporting intent. The Competition package, conversely, injects a welcome dose of dynamism without sacrificing the practicality that many buyers seek in a performance sedan or coupe. It’s a car that can confidently tackle a spirited weekend drive and then serve as a comfortable and capable daily driver from Monday to Friday.
Audi’s decision to reduce sound-deadening material in the RS5 Competition is another pivotal element that contributes to its enhanced character. This is artfully paired with the introduction of the racy RS sports exhaust. The result is a cabin that is more alive with the V6’s formidable soundtrack. While some might lament the increased intrusion of road and tire noise, for a performance car, this is not a detractor but a feature. The days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin are thankfully behind us. The RS5 Competition delivers a genuine, guttural V6 rumble, punctuated by explosive upshifts from the transmission. The driver has the discretion to modulate this auditory experience through the selectable drive modes, allowing for a more subdued commute or a full-throated symphony on demand.
The interior enhancements within the RS5 Competition package further underscore its driver-centric philosophy. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a visual and tactile delight. They feature a distinctive hexagonal stitch pattern, reminiscent of high-end supercar interiors, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered RS logos. Crucially, these seats incorporate inflatable side bolsters, providing exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering a comfortable embrace for longer journeys. The Alcantara trim extends to the steering wheel and headliner, reinforcing the sporty, focused ambiance. The carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin, finished in a subtle matte texture, add a touch of understated luxury and highlight the lightweight material’s presence without the ostentatious gloss often found in rivals. This sophisticated application of materials ensures the interior feels both performance-oriented and elegantly appointed.
From a visual standpoint, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The package essentially bundles desirable, often optional, features from the base RS5, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and enhances them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a handsome addition, perfectly complementing the car’s athletic proportions and offering an unimpeded view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes housed within. While these visual cues are certainly appealing, one might argue that Audi could have pushed the envelope further in differentiating the Competition model, especially given the second-generation RS5’s maturity in the market.
However, the inherent elegance of the second-generation Audi RS5’s design is a significant asset. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its design language has aged remarkably well. It retains a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic that allows it to feel contemporary even today. While it may not possess the flamboyant, attention-grabbing presence of some of its more aggressively styled competitors from BMW or Mercedes-AMG, the RS5 offers a more understated and arguably more enduring elegance. It’s a car that commands respect through its poise rather than its provocation.
The age of the second-generation RS5 is, paradoxically, both its strength and its most significant challenge. The arrival of the Competition package is undeniably a welcome development, injecting a level of driving engagement that elevates the entire experience. However, its introduction so late in the model’s lifecycle begs a crucial question: will a significantly improved driving dynamic be enough to capture the attention of buyers for a car that, visually, still harks back to 2017?
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package is substantial, but the value it imparts is undeniable. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, with destination fees included, begins around $78,995. When optioned with the Competition package, a driver assistance suite, and navigation, the total can easily crest the $100,000 mark. This places the RS5 Competition squarely in premium territory, a figure that aligns it with a fully equipped BMW M4. While specific pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 in the U.S. remains unannounced, it is anticipated to be in a similar, if not higher, price bracket. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 Competition commands a premium sum, its newfound ability to deliver a truly engaging driving experience finally justifies that cost.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, in my professional opinion, is the car the RS5 should have been from its inception. It is a masterful fusion of blistering speed, agile handling, and deep driver immersion, finally bridging the gap between the base car’s formidable performance and a truly connected driving experience. Despite its stiffer chassis, it remarkably retains the everyday comfort and usability that have always been hallmarks of the A5 family. And thanks to the judicious reduction in sound deadening, occupants are treated to the V6’s authentic and thrilling soundtrack, rather than relying on artificial amplification.
Viewed in isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition package positions the car as a formidable and compelling alternative to the excellent BMW M4. However, the undeniable reality of the RS5’s age in the market cannot be overlooked. While its latest upgrades have finally transformed it from merely a swift car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will this belated awakening resonate with the automotive buying public, or has the window of opportunity closed?
If you’re in the market for a high-performance German coupe or Sportback that finally delivers on the promise of driver engagement, exploring the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealership is a step well worth taking. Experiencing its refined dynamics firsthand is the surest way to understand its transformative impact.
