The Audi RS5 Competition: Sharpening a Precision Instrument for the Enthusiast Driver
For over a decade, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of evaluating high-performance automobiles, witnessing firsthand the evolution of automotive engineering and the relentless pursuit of the ultimate driving experience. In this landscape, the Audi RS5 has consistently occupied a peculiar niche. It’s always been a monument to Germanic precision, a blisteringly fast machine capable of effortlessly devouring miles and shaming lesser sports cars. Yet, for all its prodigious talent, it often felt like a highly competent, albeit detached, instrument. The power was there, the grip was undeniable, but the crucial element of raw, visceral engagement often felt… diluted. It was a car that could deliver astonishing speed, but rarely did it elicit the heart-pounding exhilaration that true driving enthusiasts crave.
This brings us to the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. Now, it’s vital to clarify: this isn’t a standalone model but rather the exceptionally well-equipped Competition package, a $16,100 option that injects a newfound dynamism into the already potent RS5 Coupe. While some might flinch at the price tag, this package represents a fundamental re-evaluation of the RS5’s purpose, transforming it from a supremely capable grand tourer into something far more focused and, crucially, far more engaging. Underneath the hood, the familiar 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 remains, churning out a potent 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This power output, while perhaps not reaching the stratospheric figures of some direct rivals, proves more than adequate in the real world, offering acceleration that feels every bit as rapid as its competitors. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the true magic of the
Competition package emerges in its top-end performance, with a V-max now capped at a lofty 180 mph, a significant jump from the standard RS5.
The essence of the Audi RS5 Competition package lies in its comprehensive chassis and suspension revisions. Audi Sport has meticulously honed the RS5’s underpinnings, equipping it with manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, and a significantly quicker steering ratio. Complementing these mechanical enhancements is a new RS sport exhaust system, adding a vocal prowess that was previously more simulated than authentic. These are not mere cosmetic tweaks; they are fundamental alterations designed to forge a deeper connection between the driver, the car, and the asphalt. The result is an RS5 that doesn’t just go fast; it feels fast, and more importantly, it allows the driver to actively participate in the process.
Stepping inside the RS5 Competition, the changes are immediately palpable, even if they don’t scream “all-new.” The seats, upholstered in a blend of Nappa leather and Dinamica, feature a striking hexagonal stitching pattern and offer significant lateral support, crucial for keeping occupants planted during spirited driving. The steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara, provides a tactile interface that enhances the sense of occasion. Carbon fiber trim, thoughtfully presented with a matte finish rather than the ubiquitous gloss, subtly communicates the car’s lightweight, performance-oriented nature. These interior enhancements contribute to the overall feeling of occasion and exclusivity, reinforcing the notion that this is a car built for those who appreciate the finer details of automotive craftsmanship.
The most transformative aspect of the Audi RS5 Competition, however, is its dynamically improved handling. On a winding ribbon of asphalt, the difference is night and day. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, effectively tames the RS5’s considerable mass, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction with minimal body roll or unsettling oscillations. The quicker steering, a significant upgrade, provides a more direct and responsive feel. While it may not deliver the granular feedback of a hydraulic system, it’s precise enough to inspire confidence, allowing the driver to place the car exactly where they want it with uncanny accuracy.
This newfound agility is amplified by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The combination allows the RS5 Competition to carve through corners with exceptional mid-corner grip, exiting bends with a planted resolve that encourages you to apply power earlier and more aggressively. The chassis now communicates its intentions far more effectively, allowing the driver to feel the subtle shifts in weight and grip, building confidence with every mile. It’s a sensation that was largely absent in the standard RS5, transforming it from a spectator sport to an active participation event.
Despite its significantly firmer chassis and a suspension that sits 10mm lower, the Audi RS5 Competition surprisingly retains a commendable level of daily usability. This is less a testament to the sheer comfort of the Competition package and more a reflection of how the standard RS5, in its pursuit of refinement, had arguably become too soft for its performance aspirations. The Competition package strikes a more appropriate balance, delivering the thrill of a track-bred machine on the weekend while remaining composed and comfortable enough for the daily commute. It’s this duality that makes the RS5 Competition a truly compelling proposition.
One of the most welcome, and perhaps surprising, changes brought about by the Competition package is the reduction in sound deadening, coupled with the aforementioned RS sport exhaust. While the standard RS5 often relied on artificial engine notes piped through the audio system, the Competition variant allows the true V6 symphony to permeate the cabin. The increased road and tire noise might be a turn-off for some seeking ultimate tranquility, but for a performance car of this caliber, it’s a trade-off that amplifies the sensory experience. The guttural growl of the V6, punctuated by explosive upshifts, creates an intoxicating soundtrack that is both thrilling and authentic. Drive modes allow for modulation of this auditory aggression, offering a more subdued experience when desired, but the raw potential is always present.
Visually, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are subtle, bordering on understated. The package incorporates elements like a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously optional on the standard car, along with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly designed and provide an unobstructed view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes, a substantial performance upgrade that imbues confidence in the car’s stopping power. While these additions enhance the RS5’s aggressive stance, one could argue that Audi might have benefited from more distinct visual cues to set the Competition model apart, especially considering the car’s age.
However, the fundamental elegance of the second-generation Audi RS5’s design is undeniable. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, it has aged remarkably well. Its sculpted lines and sophisticated proportions still hold their own against more contemporary rivals. While it may lack the overt flamboyance of some German competitors, its restrained beauty offers a timeless appeal, making it arguably the most elegantly styled car in its class.
The primary quandary surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its timing. The addition of the Competition package undeniably elevates the driving experience to a new level, finally realizing the RS5’s full potential as an engaging driver’s car. Yet, this significant upgrade arrives late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises the pertinent question: can these late-stage improvements, however substantial, overcome the inherent challenge of selling a car that, from a design perspective, carries the visual DNA of a model first introduced nearly a decade ago?
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package, while substantial, is justifiable when considering the depth of the enhancements it delivers. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, with destination fees included, starts at $78,995. My test vehicle, equipped with the Competition package, the optional RS driver assistance package, and the navigation package, pushed the total to just over $100,000. This pricing positions the RS5 Competition squarely against formidable rivals like the BMW M4 Competition, which, when similarly optioned, can command a comparable figure. While the eventual U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unconfirmed, it’s a safe bet it will land in a similar ballpark. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now commands a premium sum, it finally offers a driving experience that truly warrants that investment.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I, and many enthusiasts, have long hoped the RS5 would be. It seamlessly merges the inherent speed and capability of the base model with a level of driver immersion that was previously elusive. The firmer chassis and enhanced feedback do not come at the dire expense of everyday comfort and practicality. Furthermore, the increased auditory engagement, thanks to reduced sound deadening and the sport exhaust, provides a genuine and thrilling V6 soundtrack, eschewing any reliance on artificial enhancements.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition package stands as a potent and compelling adversary to segment benchmarks like the BMW M4. However, the age of the platform remains a critical factor. Despite its latest iteration finally transforming the RS5 from a mere fast car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question lingers: will these significant enhancements be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers, or has the moment for this particular evolution passed?
If you’re a driver who values a sublime blend of exhilarating performance, sophisticated design, and a deep connection to the road, then the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition warrants your immediate attention. We invite you to experience this remarkable transformation firsthand. Contact your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive and discover the pinnacle of RS5 performance for yourself.
