The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Driver Within a Refined Performance Coupe
As a seasoned automotive journalist with over a decade immersed in the performance car landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of vehicles designed to thrill. For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious position – a remarkably potent machine, undeniably swift, capable of obliterating highway miles and even tackling spirited drives with an almost effortless grace. Yet, this very proficiency often came at the expense of genuine driver involvement. It was a car that could perform astonishing feats of speed, but seldom asked its pilot to participate fully in the dance. That is, until the arrival of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition.
This isn’t merely a trim level; it’s a profound recalibration, a surgical enhancement package meticulously designed to inject soul and sensation into an already formidable platform. The core of the Audi RS5 Competition package, a significant $16,100 addition to the already premium RS5 Coupe, lies in its transformation of the driving dynamics. Audi has managed to elevate the RS5 from a master of rapid transit to a genuine contender for drivers seeking an elevated emotional connection to the road.
At the heart of this transformation beats the familiar, yet potent, 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It still churns out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, figures that, on paper, might seem modest when compared to some rivals. However, to judge the Audi RS5 Competition solely on horsepower is to miss the forest for the trees. In real-world scenarios, its acceleration is explosive, its 0-60 mph sprint a blistering 3.8 seconds, and its top speed now capped at a thrilling 180 mph, a substantial leap over the standard model.
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds when the pavement begins to twist. The engineers in Ingolstadt have implemented a suite of enhancements that fundamentally alter the car’s character. A manually adjustable coilover suspension forms the bedrock of this change, complemented by beefier sway bars. This is not simply about making the car stiffer; it’s about making it more responsive, more communicative. The ride is undeniably firmer, a palpable difference from the standard RS5, but it’s a welcome sensation. It translates the road surface into the cabin with a clarity that was previously lacking, allowing the driver to anticipate and react with newfound confidence.
This enhanced feedback is crucial. The steering, sharpened with a quicker ratio, provides a more direct link to the front wheels. While it may not offer the granular detail of some hyper-focused sports cars, it is significantly more precise and confidence-inspiring. Flicking the Audi RS5 Competition into a corner feels immediate, the car changing direction with an agility that belies its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. The stiffer chassis, a direct result of the coilover suspension and sway bar upgrades, dramatically reduces body roll, keeping the car remarkably flat and composed as you carve through apexes.
The interplay between the firmer suspension, quicker steering, and the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires is where the Audi RS5 Competition truly shines. Mid-corner grip is prodigious, allowing you to carry more speed and feel utterly planted. As you exit a turn, the eight-speed automatic transmission, expertly tuned to work in harmony with the chassis upgrades, seamlessly delivers power to the wheels, propelling you forward with relentless enthusiasm. This is where the Audi RS5 Competition finally bridges the gap between raw speed and pure driving enjoyment. You don’t just hear the speed; you feel it in your fingertips and through the seat of your pants. This is the essence of what performance enthusiasts crave.
Beyond the dynamic improvements, the Audi RS5 Competition package thoughtfully addresses other aspects of the driving experience. The reduction in sound deadening, for instance, is a masterstroke. While some might lament the increased road and tire noise, I find it to be an integral part of the enhanced engagement. Gone are the days of artificially piped-in engine notes; the V6 now sings a guttural, authentic tune, punctuated by dramatic, explosive upshifts that are music to any performance enthusiast’s ears. The RS sport exhaust system, an included component of the package, amplifies this sonic symphony, allowing you to modulate the intensity of the exhaust note via the car’s drive modes. It’s a sensory experience that elevates the entire drive.
The interior of the Audi RS5 Competition receives a welcome infusion of sportiness without sacrificing its inherent luxury. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a standout, featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern and excellent lateral bolstering, providing secure support during spirited driving. The Alcantara-clad steering wheel, headliner, and carbon-fiber trim pieces lend a race-inspired, yet sophisticated, ambiance. Audi’s choice of a matte finish for the carbon fiber offers a more restrained elegance compared to the often-glossy, sometimes overdone, treatments found in rivals.
Visually, the changes to the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle, a testament to the timeless design of the second-generation RS5. The package bundles attractive elements like a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with gloss-black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and offer a clear view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes, a crucial component of the Competition package that enhances stopping power and reduces unsprung weight. While some might wish for more dramatic visual differentiation, the understated elegance of the RS5 remains one of its strongest selling points, making it a sophisticated choice in a segment often characterized by ostentatious styling.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the age of the second-generation RS5. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its fundamental platform is well-established. The Audi RS5 Competition package, while transformative, arrives relatively late in the lifecycle. This begs the question: can these significant improvements, a decade in the making in terms of refinement, overcome the inherent aging of the core design to capture buyers’ attention?
The price point for the Audi RS5 Competition package, $16,100, is substantial. When you factor in the base price of the 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, which starts around $78,995 (including destination), a fully optioned Competition model, with additional packages like the driver assistance and navigation systems, can easily push the final sticker price north of $100,000. This places it squarely in the premium performance coupe segment, competing directly with the likes of the BMW M4 Competition. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains to be seen, it’s highly probable it will occupy a similar, if not higher, price bracket. Therefore, the Audi RS5 Competition demands a premium sum, and for the first time, its driving experience truly justifies that investment.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I’ve always wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It’s a masterful blend of blistering speed, razor-sharp agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement. It takes the inherent capabilities of the standard RS5 and injects a level of immersion that makes every journey an event. Crucially, it achieves this without significantly compromising the daily comfort and usability that have always been hallmarks of the A5 lineage. The reduced sound deadening, far from being a detractor, enhances the auditory experience, allowing the driver to truly connect with the powerful V6.
When viewed in isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a compelling alternative to established rivals like the BMW M4. However, the question of its age lingers. While the Competition package injects a vital dose of driver focus, ensuring the RS5 is no longer just a fast car but a genuinely engaging one, the ultimate success will depend on whether this belated transformation is enough to sway discerning buyers in a competitive market.
If you’re a driving enthusiast seeking a performance coupe that offers thrilling dynamics, a sophisticated interior, and the prestige of the Audi brand, the Audi RS5 Competition should be at the very top of your consideration list. It represents a significant leap forward for the RS5, finally delivering the visceral experience that its potent V6 and elegant styling have always promised.
Ready to experience the future of performance driving? Explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealer and schedule a test drive today to feel the difference firsthand.
