Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driver’s Machine for 2025
For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of putting countless performance vehicles through their paces. In that time, I’ve witnessed automotive evolution firsthand, particularly within the fiercely competitive luxury performance sedan segment. Audi, a brand renowned for its sophisticated engineering and upscale interiors, has consistently delivered potent machines. Yet, for years, the Audi RS5 Competition (or more accurately, the RS5 Coupe with the Competition package) has felt like a car holding back, a paradox of immense capability tethered by a certain aloofness from the driver. It possessed the raw speed to rival established titans like the BMW M4 Competition and the Mercedes-AMG C63, yet often felt more like a highly sophisticated simulator than a true connection to the asphalt. This has been the persistent challenge for the RS5 – a car suffering from success, so adept at isolating its driver from the act of driving that the thrill often remained an abstract concept.
However, the landscape shifted significantly with the introduction of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. While the core of this machine remains the same formidable twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, delivering a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, the Competition package is where the magic truly unfolds. This isn’t just an appearance upgrade; it’s a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s dynamic character. Audi has equipped this potent beast
with a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, significantly beefed-up anti-roll bars, a quicker steering rack, and a more evocative exhaust note. The result? An Audi RS5 Competition review that finally aligns with the badge’s performance aspirations. After six years in its second generation, this high-performance Audi has finally ascended to its rightful place at the pinnacle of driver engagement.
The Competition Package: More Than Just an Option, It’s a Transformation
The $16,100 Competition package is not a superficial addition; it’s a comprehensive suite of upgrades designed to sharpen the RS5’s edge. Included are carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant upgrade for track-day enthusiasts and those who frequently push the limits. The aforementioned coilover suspension and sport sway bars are pivotal in reducing body roll and enhancing responsiveness. Complementing these mechanical enhancements is an RS sport exhaust, promising a more visceral auditory experience.
Visually, the package adds subtle yet impactful touches: a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser contribute to aerodynamics and aggressive styling, while 20-inch Y-spoke wheels offer a bold statement. Inside, Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats provide a luxurious and supportive environment, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel offers a tactile connection to the driver. While the price tag is substantial, the sheer breadth and depth of these enhancements make a compelling case for their value, solidifying the Audi RS5 Competition price as a worthwhile investment for those seeking the ultimate driving experience.
Performance Reimagined: The V6 Powerhouse and Its Dynamic Enhancements
Despite the extensive revisions to its chassis and handling, the RS5’s power output remains unchanged. The twin-turbo V6’s 444 horsepower, while not eclipsing the stratospheric figures of some rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), proves more than sufficient to deliver exhilarating acceleration. In real-world conditions, the RS5 feels every bit as rapid as its competitors. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This surge in top-end performance, combined with the package’s handling prowess, truly elevates the Audi RS5 Competition performance.
The true revelation, however, emerges when the road begins to twist and turn. From the initial turn of the wheel, the benefits of the Competition package become immediately apparent. The coilover suspension, while decidedly firmer, masterfully controls the RS5’s considerable mass, exceeding 3,900 pounds. This allows for near-instantaneous changes in direction without any hint of unwanted body movement. This newfound agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t offer an abundance of nuanced feedback, its precision is undeniable, guiding the car with unerring accuracy. This transformation is a testament to Audi’s engineering, making the Audi RS5 Competition handling a standout feature.
Coupled with sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, the RS5 Competition capitalizes on its suspension enhancements. The synergy between these components results in impressive mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy all 444 horsepower out of bends with confidence and composure. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s firmer chassis communicates a far greater sense of the road beneath. This allows the driver to not only experience the car’s immense pace but to truly feel it, forging a profound connection that was previously elusive. For those researching Audi RS5 Competition upgrades, this package represents the most significant transformation.
Balancing Sport and Comfort: The Daily Drive Advantage
Remarkably, despite its firmer and slightly lower suspension (0.39 inches lower), the Audi RS5 Competition’s enhanced capabilities do not come at the expense of daily usability. This speaks volumes not only about the Competition package but also about the standard RS5, which, in its previous iterations, sometimes felt almost too refined and plush for a car intended to be the A5 lineup’s most engaging variant. The latest RS5, particularly in Competition guise, strikes an exceptional balance. It serves as a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions and a comfortable, compliant commuter during the week. This duality is a hallmark of exceptional performance vehicle design, and the Audi RS5 Competition daily driver capability is a significant factor in its appeal.
Furthermore, the Competition package judiciously reduces sound deadening, a decision that pairs perfectly with the enhanced RS sport exhaust. While this means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, it’s a welcome trade-off for a thrilling sports car. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely throaty V6 soundtrack, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the selectable drive modes. This enhanced auditory experience contributes significantly to the Audi RS5 Competition sound becoming a celebrated feature.
Interior Refinements: A Driver-Centric Sanctuary
Inside, the Competition package introduces a suite of sporty yet elegant enhancements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a standout feature, boasting a hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian sports cars. These seats offer exceptional lateral support for spirited driving, thanks to their inflatable bolsters, yet remain comfortable for longer journeys.
The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim further enhance the performance-oriented ambiance. Unlike some competitors that opt for glossy finishes, Audi presents the lightweight material with a sophisticated matte finish, seamlessly integrating it into the dark, refined cabin. This attention to detail underscores the Audi RS5 Competition interior as a meticulously crafted space for the driver.
Exterior Evolution: Subtle Statements of Intent
Visually, the changes brought by the Competition package are more understated than transformative. They essentially bundle desirable carbon fiber elements like the front splitter and rear diffuser with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing and provide a clear view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions enhance the RS5’s already elegant design, one might wish for a more dramatic visual differentiation, especially considering the model’s age. However, the second-generation RS5’s design has aged remarkably well since its 2017 debut. Its timeless elegance makes it feel contemporary, and while it may not possess the overt flashiness of some rivals, it remains arguably the most sophisticated choice in its class. This enduring appeal contributes to the Audi RS5 Competition design remaining a strong selling point.
The Age-Old Question: Will Late-Cycle Improvements Win the Day?
The primary point of contention for the RS5 Competition lies in its timing. While the Competition package is undeniably a significant and welcome enhancement that elevates the driving experience, its introduction comes quite late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This naturally raises a critical question: will a vastly improved driving dynamic be enough to lure buyers to a car that, in many respects, looks the same as it did in 2017? This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the Audi RS5 Competition value proposition.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its considerable cost, adds a substantial amount of desirability and capability. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commenced at $78,995, including destination fees. With optional extras such as the Competition package, a driver assistance suite, and a navigation package, the as-tested price of my vehicle climbed to over $100,000. This places the RS5 squarely in premium territory, a price point that aligns with a fully equipped BMW M4. While the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63’s pricing is yet to be announced, it’s anticipated to fall within a similar range. Therefore, the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, but finally, its engaging driving experience justifies that expense.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Dream, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I had long wished the RS5 had been. It is exhilaratingly fast, remarkably agile, and deeply engaging. It seamlessly marries the inherent speed of the base car with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis, it sacrifices little, if any, in terms of daily comfort or practicality. And thanks to the reduced sound deadening, you’re treated to the V6’s rich, authentic growl without artificial augmentation.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the exceptionally talented BMW M4. However, the car’s age cannot be ignored. Even with its latest updates transforming it from a mere quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the pertinent question remains: will buyers embrace this refined performer, or is it simply too late in the model’s lifecycle?
For enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled driving experience that balances exhilarating performance with sophisticated luxury, the Audi RS5 Competition for sale represents a compelling option. It offers a level of engagement that audiophiles have been craving, delivering a potent blend of speed, agility, and sensory feedback. If you’re in the market for a high-performance coupe that finally delivers on its promise of driving pleasure, we encourage you to explore the capabilities of the Audi RS5 Competition and schedule a test drive at your local Audi dealership to experience this transformation firsthand.
