The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Masterclass in Elevated Driving Dynamics
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the automotive industry, witnessing firsthand the evolution of performance vehicles. In that time, the Audi RS5 has consistently presented a curious paradox. It’s always been a remarkably potent machine, effortlessly capable of keeping pace with, and often surpassing, its pricier sports car counterparts. Yet, this formidable performance often felt detached, delivered with such clinical precision that the visceral thrill of pushing a machine to its limits remained largely elusive. The driver, while enjoying astonishing speed, was often a mere passenger in their own high-performance vehicle. This is where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition, more specifically the RS5 Coupe adorned with the extensive Competition package, steps into the spotlight, aiming to rewrite that narrative entirely.
For those unfamiliar, let’s clarify: we’re discussing the RS5 Coupe equipped with the $16,100 Competition package. This isn’t just an aesthetic tweak; it’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to fundamentally transform the driving experience. It retains the potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 from the standard RS5, but it meticulously integrates a manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly reinforced anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, quicker
steering rack, and an audibly more aggressive exhaust system. The result is a machine that doesn’t just accelerate rapidly; it invites engagement, rewarding spirited driving with newfound agility, stability, and, crucially, genuine connection to the asphalt. After six years in its second generation, this potent Audi finally feels like it has reached its zenith.
The investment in the Competition package, while substantial at $16,100, yields a wealth of enhancements. Beyond the aforementioned performance hardware, it includes formidable carbon-ceramic brakes, a set of striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and an interior festooned with Nappa leather and Alcantara. Visually, the additions include a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, contributing to a more aggressive stance. While this comprehensive list doesn’t encompass every single feature, it clearly demonstrates that the price of admission, though steep, is justified by the tangible improvements delivered.
Crucially, the powertrain remains unchanged, a testament to the already impressive capabilities of the V6. With 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, it might not boast the headline figures of a BMW M4 Competition or a Mercedes-AMG C63, but in real-world scenarios, its acceleration is every bit as impactful. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching an impressive 180 mph – a significant leap from the standard RS5 and even a few ticks above models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This is a car that not only accelerates with authority but also maintains its composure at extreme velocities, a characteristic that becomes even more pronounced when exploring its dynamic limits.
The true revelation of the RS5 Competition unfolds the moment you point its nose towards a winding road. From the initial turn-in, the benefits of the enhanced chassis are immediately palpable. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exercises exceptional control over the RS5’s considerable mass – just shy of 4,000 pounds. This translates to an uncanny ability to change direction with immediate response, devoid of the unwanted body roll that can plague less focused performance cars. This heightened agility is further amplified by the quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t transmit an overwhelming amount of unfiltered feedback, its precision is remarkable, allowing for incredibly accurate placement and a confident connection to the road’s intentions.
This symphony of mechanical enhancements is orchestrated by a tenacious grip from the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination ensures that the RS5 Competition can exploit its improved suspension, providing immense mid-corner grip and the ability to decisively deploy its power as you exit a turn. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition package imbues it with a newfound communicative nature. The firmer chassis acts as a conduit, allowing the driver to not only witness the car’s rapid progress but to actively feel it. This is the essence of true driver engagement, transforming a rapid point-to-point machine into a joyous dance partner.
One of the most impressive aspects of the RS5 Competition is its ability to elevate its performance without sacrificing everyday usability. Despite the firmer, slightly lower (0.39 inches or 10 mm) suspension setup, the car remains remarkably composed on daily commutes. This speaks volumes about the inherent comfort of the base RS5, which some might argue was almost too refined for a model intended to be the most engaging within the A5 lineup. The Competition package, however, strikes a masterful balance. It transforms the RS5 into a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions while retaining its civility for the Monday-to-Friday grind. This duality is a rare and highly sought-after trait in the high-performance segment.
Audi’s decision to reduce sound deadening in the Competition package is a masterstroke, perfectly complementing the addition of the sonorous RS sport exhaust. While this means a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will readily embrace. A true sports car should deliver an aural experience that matches its performance, and the RS5 Competition finally provides this in spades. Gone are the days of artificially piped-in engine notes; the V6 now unleashes a genuinely throaty growl, punctuated by thrillingly explosive upshifts. The intensity of this auditory spectacle can be modulated through the car’s drive modes, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired, but always offering the option of unadulterated aural exhilaration.
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives its own tasteful upgrades. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a highlight, featuring a distinctive Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black accents, and embroidered backrests. These seats are not just aesthetically pleasing; their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys. The Alcantara-clad steering wheel and headliner, coupled with carbon-fiber trim, lend a premium and purposeful ambiance to the cabin. Unlike some rivals that opt for overtly glossy carbon finishes, Audi’s application of matte carbon fiber here feels more sophisticated, seamlessly integrating with the predominantly dark interior.
From a visual standpoint, the changes to the RS5 Competition are subtle rather than overt. The package essentially consolidates previously optional elements like the carbon fiber splitter and diffuser, adding gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a handsome addition, perfectly complementing the car’s proportions and providing an unobstructed view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes – a clear visual cue to the car’s enhanced capabilities. While these visual cues are effective, one could argue that Audi could have introduced more distinct styling elements to better differentiate this enhanced model, particularly given the car’s age.
However, the underlying elegance of the second-generation RS5 design continues to hold up remarkably well. Introduced for the 2017 model year, its timeless styling ensures it remains contemporary, even as newer rivals emerge. While it may not possess the flamboyant or attention-grabbing presence of some of its German competitors, its understated sophistication remains its strongest visual asset, making it arguably the most elegantly styled car in its class.
The age of the second-generation RS5 does, however, present a point of reflection. While the Competition package represents a significant and highly welcome improvement in driving dynamics, its arrival so late in the model’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a substantially enhanced driving experience be enough to sway buyers towards a car that, visually, has been around for nearly a decade?
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package is undeniably substantial, but it’s crucial to assess the value proposition it delivers. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at $78,995, including destination fees. My particular test vehicle, optioned with the Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, pushed the final sticker price to $100,565. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-based vehicle might initially seem steep, it firmly aligns with the cost of a similarly equipped BMW M4. While official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it is widely anticipated to land at or above this figure. Therefore, the Audi RS5, with its newly honed driving dynamics, finally commands a premium price with a commensurate level of engagement to justify it.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I had hoped the RS5 would be all along. It’s a meticulously engineered machine that seamlessly blends the raw speed of its predecessor with a deeply immersive and engaging driving experience. Its firmer chassis, while providing razor-sharp handling, remarkably preserves much of the original car’s daily comfort and usability. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening ensures that the thrilling V6 soundtrack is experienced directly, rather than through artificial augmentation.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package elevates the Audi RS5 into direct contention with exceptional rivals like the BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age cannot be overlooked. Despite how effectively its latest enhancements transform the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will this late-stage evolution be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers in a highly competitive market, or is it a case of “too little, too late”?
If you’re a driver who prioritizes a visceral connection to the road and demands an engaging experience that matches blistering performance, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition warrants your immediate consideration. Explore the configurator, visit your local Audi dealership for a test drive, and discover how this significantly enhanced RS5 can reignite your passion for driving.
