The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Precision Unleashed for the Discerning Driver
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the performance car landscape. It’s always been undeniably potent, a masterclass in straight-line speed and sophisticated touring that could effortlessly keep pace with bona fide sports cars, often at a significantly lower price point. Yet, this immense capability often arrived with a detached serenity, a feeling that the car was doing all the work, leaving the driver a mere passenger in their own high-speed journey. The thrill of the drive, the visceral connection that separates a fast car from an engaging one, was often a secondary consideration.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a standalone model, but rather the culmination of the potent RS5 Coupe receiving the extensive and transformative $16,100 Competition package. It’s important to clarify this distinction, especially in a market where performance variants can sometimes blur the lines with nomenclature. However, irrespective of its Audi roots in Ingolstadt, the philosophy behind this enhanced RS5 is a clear departure. At its heart beats the familiar, yet formidable, 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine. But accompanying it are a host of meticulously engineered upgrades: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, quicker steering rack, and a delightfully aggressive sports exhaust system.
The result of these enhancements is a car that doesn’t just excel at speed; it actively invites the driver to participate in it. The Competition package doesn’t merely firm up the chassis and sharpen the reflexes; it injects a crucial element of road feedback, forging a palpable connection between the driver, the machine, and the asphalt beneath. Six years into its second generation, this iteration of the RS5 has finally ascended to its rightful place as a truly compelling performance machine.
An Investment in Driving Dynamics: Decoding the Competition Package
For a not-insignificant investment of $16,100, the Competition package delivers a wealth of performance-enhancing hardware. The inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes signals a serious commitment to track-capable stopping power, while the adjustable coilover suspension and reinforced sport sway bars are the cornerstones of its newfound agility. The RS sport exhaust, meanwhile, ensures the auditory experience matches the mechanical prowess.
Beyond the mechanicals, the Competition package bestows subtle yet impactful aesthetic enhancements. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more aggressive visual stance, complemented by striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels. Inside, the cabin receives a luxurious and sporty upgrade with Nappa leather sport seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this list is not exhaustive, it clearly illustrates that despite the considerable price tag, the Competition package offers substantial value in terms of tangible performance and refined luxury.
Crucially, the powertrain remains unchanged, a testament to the inherent strength of the existing setup. The 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 continues to churn out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might seem modest when directly compared to the stratospheric outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), in real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as quick and potent. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is significantly elevated to a formidable 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour more than a model equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability underscores the car’s evolution into a more focused performance instrument.
Unlocking the Thrill: The Driving Experience Reimagined
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition package reveals itself the moment you point its nose towards a series of challenging curves. From the initial turn of the steering wheel, the car’s transformation is profound. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer than its standard counterpart, exerts an almost surgical control over the RS5’s considerable mass (over 3,900 pounds). Body roll is dramatically minimized, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without the unsettling oscillation that can plague less sorted machines. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the quicker steering ratio, which, while not transmitting an abundance of raw road texture, is remarkably precise and direct, enabling confident placement and apex clipping.
The RS5 Competition partners its tenacious grip, aided by sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, with a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This seamless pairing capitalizes on the suspension enhancements, ensuring that as you exit a corner, the car can effortlessly deploy its substantial power without squandering grip. The result is a deeply satisfying driving experience, characterized by impressive mid-corner stability and the confidence to accelerate hard out of bends. While the standard RS5 is undeniably capable, the Competition’s stiffer chassis acts as a far more communicative conduit, allowing the driver to not only perceive but truly feel the car’s immense speed and handling prowess. This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition driving experience truly shines.
Despite the substantial increase in dynamic capability, courtesy of the firmer and 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the added performance doesn’t come at the expense of everyday livability. In fact, this speaks more to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, perhaps ironically, sometimes felt a touch too supple for a model positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition-equipped RS5 strikes an admirable equilibrium, proving itself equally adept as a thrilling weekend sports car and a comfortable, composed daily commuter.
The Symphony of Speed: Sound and Sensory Immersion
Further enhancing the driver-focused ethos, the Competition package actively reduces sound deadening within the RS5’s cabin. This decision is harmoniously integrated with the addition of the aggressive RS sport exhaust. While this means a heightened awareness of road and tire noise, it’s a trade-off that arguably enhances the character of a performance vehicle. Gone are the days when Audi felt compelled to artificially pipe engine noise into the cabin; the Competition RS5 delivers a genuine, sonorous V6 soundtrack, punctuated by satisfyingly explosive upshifts. This aural experience can be modulated through the various drive modes, allowing for a more subdued ambiance or a full-throated roar, depending on the driver’s preference and the driving environment. The Audi RS5 Competition exhaust note is a significant upgrade for enthusiasts.
Inside, the Competition package introduces subtle yet impactful stylistic cues. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats feature a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, accentuated by gloss black side panels and embroidered backrests. Beyond their visual appeal, these seats provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, thanks to their inflatable bolsters, while still offering ample comfort for longer journeys. The inclusion of an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim imbues the cabin with a race-inspired yet sophisticated ambiance. Unlike some competitors that opt for glossy carbon fiber finishes, Audi embraces a more understated matte texture, allowing the lightweight material to blend seamlessly with the dark interior palette.
Subtle Aggression: Exterior Design and the Passage of Time
Visually, the changes brought about by the Audi RS5 Competition package are more evolutionary than revolutionary. It essentially bundles aesthetic enhancements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were available as standalone options on the base car, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels fill the arches pleasingly, offering a clear view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brake rotors within. While these are attractive additions, one could argue that Audi might have explored more distinctive visual cues to better differentiate this performance flagship, particularly given the model’s considerable age.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 has aged remarkably well. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its timeless and elegant design language continues to resonate, maintaining a contemporary presence even after nearly a decade on the market. While it may not possess the overt flamboyance of some of its German rivals, the RS5 retains an undeniable sophistication, making it arguably the most aesthetically refined choice in its class. However, this very age does present a quandary.
A Late Bloom: The RS5 Competition and Market Timing
The inherent age of the second-generation RS5 is perhaps the most significant point of contemplation. While the addition of the Competition package undoubtedly elevates the driving experience to new heights, its introduction so late in the model’s lifecycle raises a crucial question: will a dramatically improved driving dynamic be sufficient to sway buyers towards a car that, visually, remains largely unchanged from its 2017 debut?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, does add considerable value. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe started at $78,995, including destination. My test vehicle, optioned with the aforementioned Competition package, the $3,000 RS Driver Assistance package, and the $1,500 Navigation package, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. This pricing places the RS5 Competition squarely in premium territory, aligning it with a fully equipped BMW M4. While U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is widely anticipated to command a similar or even higher price point. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now commands a premium sum, its enhanced driving engagement finally justifies the investment. The Audi RS5 Competition price reflects its elevated status.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car the RS5 always aspired to be. It is a symphony of speed, agility, and profound driver engagement, seamlessly blending the base car’s blistering performance with an immersive experience that was previously elusive. Astonishingly, despite its firmer chassis and sharper reflexes, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening allows for a more authentic and thrilling auditory experience, without resorting to artificial enhancements. For those seeking performance coupes with advanced driver engagement and the prestige of a German luxury marque, the RS5 Competition is a compelling proposition.
In direct comparison, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable rival to the already excellent BMW M4. However, one cannot entirely overlook the model’s age. Despite the Competition package’s remarkable ability to transform the RS5 from a mere swift machine into a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the ultimate question remains: will this late-stage evolution capture the attention and desire of a discerning clientele, or has the window of opportunity passed?
For those who value a deeply connected driving experience, unparalleled engineering, and the sophisticated prowess of German performance, the journey with the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is one worth embarking on. Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and experience this remarkable transformation firsthand.
