Unleashing the Driver: How the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Package Redefines Performance Engagement
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious space in the performance car landscape. It’s been a masterclass in effortless velocity, a car that could dispatch rapid mileage with uncanny ease, shaming sports cars with significantly higher price tags. Yet, this proficiency often came at the expense of true driver involvement. The RS5, in its previous iterations, was akin to a finely tuned instrument that played beautiful music without the musician truly feeling the vibrations. It was blisteringly fast, undeniably capable, but rarely did that raw speed translate into the exhilarating, heart-pounding joy one associates with truly engaging driving.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. More precisely, it’s the Audi RS5 Coupe adorned with the $16,100 Competition package – a distinction worth noting, especially considering the automotive industry’s penchant for similar naming conventions. However, this addition from Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters shares a core philosophy with its rivals: elevating the driving experience. Underneath its sculpted hood lies the same formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine found in the standard RS5. The magic of the Competition package lies in its meticulously engineered enhancements: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars for enhanced stability, a recalibrated steering system for quicker responses, and a gloriously vocal sports exhaust system that amplifies the V6’s inherent aural character.
The result of these strategic modifications is not just a more agile and stable RS5 at higher velocities. Crucially, it’s a car that actively communicates with its driver, fostering a profound connection to the asphalt below. Now, six model years into its second generation, this potent Audi has finally ascended to its apex, a true testament to the pursuit of performance refinement.
The Genesis of Engagement: A Deep Dive into the Competition Package
For an investment of $16,100, the Competition package delivers an impressive suite of performance and aesthetic enhancements. The mechanical upgrades are substantial and include the adoption of high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a sophisticated coilover suspension setup, larger sport sway bars to minimize body roll, and the aforementioned RS sport exhaust. Visually, the package bestows a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, distinct 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a luxurious interior featuring Nappa leather seats accented with Dinamica, along with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this list doesn’t encompass every single detail, it clearly demonstrates that despite its significant cost, the Competition package represents exceptional value for money, transforming the RS5 into a genuinely compelling proposition for the driving enthusiast.
What remains untouched, crucially, is the powertrain’s output. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might trail the absolute peak outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than sufficient to ensure the RS5 feels every bit as rapid in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a figure that feels even more immediate when unleashed on a winding road. Perhaps more significantly, the top speed is elevated to a remarkable 180 mph, a substantial 25 mph increase over the base model and a notable 6 mph advantage over a similarly optioned model with the Dynamic Plus package. This surge in top-end capability underscores the RS5 Competition’s focus on outright performance.
The Symphony of the Steering Wheel: Experiencing the RS5 Competition on the Open Road
The true metamorphosis of the RS5 becomes evident the moment you engage with a challenging stretch of tarmac. On a spirited drive along a winding backroad, the benefits of the Competition package manifest from the very first turn of the wheel. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts an iron grip on the RS5’s considerable mass (over 3,900 pounds), banishing unwanted body roll and enabling instantaneous changes in direction. This newfound agility is amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t offer an overwhelming surge of granular feedback, its increased precision allows the driver to place the car with uncanny accuracy, fostering a deep sense of control.
This enhanced dynamic capability is further complemented by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This synergistic combination allows the RS5 Competition to exploit its suspension refinements to the fullest. The result is prodigious mid-corner grip and the ability to seamlessly deploy its formidable power as you accelerate out of a bend. While the standard RS5 is a competent handler, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to not only witness its rapid progress but to genuinely feel it. This is where the heart of the driver-focused revolution within the RS5 lies.
Balancing the Scales: Daily Usability Meets Track-Ready Dynamics
Remarkably, the RS5 Competition’s enhanced performance – achieved through a firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension – does not come at the expense of everyday comfort and practicality. This achievement speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, in retrospect, often felt overly plush and a touch too subdued for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package masterfully strikes a delicate balance, transforming the RS5 into a thoroughly capable weekend sports car without compromising its credentials as a comfortable and refined daily commuter. This duality is a critical hallmark of modern performance vehicles, and the RS5 Competition excels in this regard.
The Competition package also sees a reduction in the RS5’s sound-deadening materials, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the aggressive growl of the RS sport exhaust. While this enhanced aural experience means a heightened awareness of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a welcome trade-off for any enthusiast seeking a truly visceral sports car experience. Gone are the days when Audi had to artificially pipe engine noise into the cabin; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, sonorous V6 soundtrack, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated to suit your mood through the car’s selectable drive modes. This raw auditory feedback is a significant contributor to the overall engagement factor.
An Interior Reimagined: The Driver-Centric Cabin of the RS5 Competition
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives a fittingly sporty upgrade. The front seats, now clad in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica, feature a distinctive Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern, complemented by gloss black side accents and embroidered backrests. These seats not only provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving but also offer ample comfort for longer journeys, a testament to their well-designed bolstering.
The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, while carbon fiber trim pieces are strategically integrated throughout the cabin. Unlike the often-glossy, sometimes overwhelming carbon fiber finishes found in some German rivals, Audi opts for a more subtle, matte application in the RS5 Competition. This sophisticated approach allows the lightweight material to blend seamlessly with the otherwise dark and elegant cabin, creating an atmosphere of understated sportiness.
Subtle Evolution, Significant Impact: Exterior Differentiations
From a visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Competition package are not immediately dramatic, a deliberate choice by Audi to maintain the RS5’s timeless elegance. The package essentially bundles select styling elements, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned, offering an unobstructed view of the immense carbon-ceramic brakes peeking through. While these visual cues are tasteful, one might argue that Audi could have explored more distinct exterior differentiators, especially given the model’s lifecycle.
However, the fundamental design of the second-generation Audi RS5 remains exceptionally strong. Introduced in the 2017 model year, its elegant lines continue to exude a contemporary appeal. While it may lack the overt aggression of some of its BMW and Mercedes-AMG competitors, the RS5 offers a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic that stands the test of time, making it arguably the most visually refined option in its segment.
The Ticking Clock: A Question of Timing and Value
The most complex aspect of the RS5 Competition is its timing. While the addition of the Competition package undeniably elevates the driving experience to new heights, it arrives relatively late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will a significantly improved driving dynamic be enough to captivate buyers for a model that, in essence, retains the visual identity of its 2017 predecessor?
The $16,100 Competition package certainly bolsters the argument for value, packing substantial upgrades into its price point. The 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe carries a starting MSRP of $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. A fully optioned tester, featuring the aforementioned Competition package, an optional RS driver assistance package ($3,000), and a navigation package ($1,500), pushed the total to a considerable $100,565.
While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived Audi might seem steep at first glance, it aligns squarely with the cost of a similarly equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it is widely anticipated to command a similar or even higher premium. Therefore, the Audi RS5 Competition, while a significant financial commitment, now offers a compelling driving experience that justifies its asking price. It has finally caught up to its performance aspirations.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Machine, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car I had always hoped the RS5 would be. It is a potent blend of exhilarating speed, razor-sharp agility, and profound driver engagement, finally bridging the gap between the base car’s effortless pace and a truly immersive driving experience. Despite its resolutely firm chassis, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort and usability. Furthermore, the judicious reduction in sound deadening allows you to savor the V6’s rich auditory character without resorting to artificial enhancements.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package transforms the Audi RS5 into a formidable contender against segment stalwarts like the BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of the platform remains a factor. While the latest enhancements have undeniably elevated the RS5 from a mere fast car to a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question for potential buyers is whether this late-stage evolution will resonate strongly enough in the market.
If you are a driver who prioritizes an intoxicating blend of performance and feedback, who yearns for a car that rewards skillful input with exhilarating response, then the Audi RS5 Competition deserves your immediate and serious consideration. Don’t let the passage of time overshadow a truly remarkable automotive evolution.
Ready to experience the future of performance engagement? Contact your local Audi dealer to schedule a test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and discover what happens when Ingolstadt finally lets the driver take the reins.
