The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Finally Unleashing the Driver Within
For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of steering some of the most exciting machines on four wheels. In that time, I’ve seen countless vehicles morph from raw performance beasts into refined, yet often sterile, grand tourers. The Audi RS5, for much of its tenure, has been a prime example of this phenomenon. It’s a car that’s consistently delivered stratospheric speed and undeniable capability, a true wolf in sheep’s clothing, able to dispatch highways and surprise bona fide sports cars with alarming ease. Yet, for all its prodigious power and razor-sharp reflexes, it often felt like a beautifully engineered instrument that demanded very little of its pilot. The result was a sensation of immense velocity that rarely translated into genuine, heart-pounding driver engagement. You could cover ground at an astonishing rate, but the thrill of how you were doing it often felt diluted.
This brings us to the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. It’s important to clarify, as nomenclature can sometimes be a minefield (especially with certain Bavarian rivals), that this isn’t a standalone model but rather the existing RS5 Coupe meticulously upgraded with the $16,100 Competition package. This isn’t a mere cosmetic facelift; it’s a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s driving dynamics. Ingolstadt’s engineers have taken the already potent 444-horsepower, twin
turbocharged V6 and paired it with a suite of enhancements aimed squarely at the driving enthusiast. We’re talking about a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a quicker steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system.
The impact of these additions is profound. The Competition package doesn’t just make the RS5 a more stable and agile machine at high velocities; it fundamentally reconnects the driver with the road. After six model years of its second generation, this blistering Audi has finally achieved its true potential, transforming from a remarkably fast car into a genuinely engaging driving machine. This is the RS5 I, and many enthusiasts, have been waiting for.
Unpacking the Competition Package: A Deep Dive into Enhanced Performance
For the $16,100 investment, the Competition package delivers a substantial list of performance-oriented upgrades. The headline inclusions are undoubtedly the carbon-ceramic brakes, the manually adjustable coilover suspension, the uprated sport sway bars, and the aggressively tuned RS sport exhaust. These are not trivial components; they are the building blocks of a truly track-capable, yet street-legal, performance coupe.
Beyond the mechanical prowess, the Competition package also bestows a subtle yet distinct visual enhancement. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser add a touch of aggressive aero, while new 20-inch Y-spoke wheels give the car a purposeful stance. Inside, the cabin receives a significant uplift with Nappa leather sport seats featuring Dinamica inserts and a striking Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this comprehensive list isn’t exhaustive, it clearly demonstrates that despite the considerable cost, the package offers substantial value for those seeking the ultimate RS5 experience.
It’s worth noting that the heart of the beast remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine continues to churn out a healthy 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might fall short of the raw horsepower numbers boasted by competitors like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (also 503 hp), they are more than sufficient to ensure the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a significant increase over the standard RS5 and even surpassing models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This added top-end capability speaks volumes about the chassis’s enhanced stability and composure.
On the Edge: How the RS5 Competition Redefines Engagement
The true transformation of the RS5 becomes evident the moment you venture onto a winding stretch of asphalt. Turn the wheel, and the car’s response is immediate and precise. The newly calibrated steering, while still prioritizing smoothness over granular feedback, offers a noticeably quicker ratio, shrinking the perceived distance between driver input and vehicle reaction. This sharper steering, combined with the significantly firmed-up coilover suspension, transforms the RS5’s nearly 3,900-pound mass into something far more lithe and responsive.
The coilover suspension, though firmer than its standard counterpart, effectively tames body roll and keeps the RS5 planted through corners. Rapid changes in direction are executed with an eagerness that was previously only hinted at. This newfound agility, a hallmark of true performance vehicles, allows the driver to place the car with confidence, precisely modulating throttle and steering inputs.
Complementing the suspension and steering upgrades is the recalibrated eight-speed automatic transmission, which works in tandem with the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. This potent combination maximizes the benefits of the chassis enhancements, allowing for exceptional mid-corner grip and effortless deployment of power out of bends. While the standard RS5 is undeniably capable, the Competition’s stiffer chassis and more communicative nature allow the driver to not only experience its immense pace but to feel it. This tactile connection is what separates a fast car from an engaging one. The Audi RS5 Competition tuning has clearly prioritized this crucial element.
Beyond the Track: Everyday Usability Remains Intact
One of the most impressive aspects of the RS5 Competition package is its ability to enhance performance without sacrificing everyday usability. Despite the firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the car remains remarkably compliant for daily commutes. In fact, this speaks more to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5 than it does to any compromise in the Competition’s setup. The base RS5, in its quest for comfort, sometimes felt overly plush for a car designated as Audi’s performance flagship within the A5 range.
The RS5 Competition, however, strikes an admirable balance. It’s a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend blasts, yet it seamlessly transitions into a comfortable and refined daily driver from Monday to Friday. This duality is a testament to the sophisticated engineering and thoughtful execution of the Competition package.
Another significant change, and one that dramatically enhances the sensory experience, is the reduction in sound deadening. This decision, coupled with the aggressive RS sport exhaust, transforms the RS5’s auditory character. While the reduced noise isolation means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, this is precisely what a thrilling sports car should deliver. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin; the Competition package offers a genuine, throaty V6 soundtrack. The exhaust note is a visceral experience, complete with explosive upshifts that can be amplified or subdued by selecting different drive modes. This is a crucial aspect of Audi RS5 performance upgrades.
A Tactile and Visual Feast: The RS5 Competition Interior and Exterior
The interior enhancements of the Competition package are equally considered. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats are a standout feature, boasting a Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern, gloss black side accents, and embroidered backrests. Crucially, their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample room for comfort on longer journeys.
The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, complemented by carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin. Unlike the often-garish glossy finishes found in some rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior. This approach to materials and finishes underscores Audi’s commitment to elegant performance.
Visually, the changes to the RS5 Competition are subtle rather than overt. The carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with gloss black badging and trim, are the most apparent modifications. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only complement the car’s proportions but also provide a clear view of the immense carbon-ceramic brakes, hinting at the performance lurking beneath. While these aesthetic tweaks are welcome, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed further to create a more distinct visual identity for this special edition, especially given the model’s age.
A Timeless Design, But Is It Too Late?
The second-generation Audi RS5, despite its introduction in the 2017 model year, continues to age gracefully. Its elegant design language remains contemporary and sophisticated, setting it apart from the more overtly aggressive styling of its BMW and Mercedes-AMG competitors. It’s undeniably the most visually refined option in its segment.
However, the age of the platform does present a significant question. The Competition package arrives late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. While it undeniably elevates the driving experience, making the RS5 a genuinely engaging machine, will this late-in-the-game improvement be enough to sway buyers who are accustomed to its styling for nearly a decade? This is a key consideration for anyone looking at Audi RS5 purchase decisions.
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, adds significant value to the base price. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at approximately $78,995, including destination. A fully optioned tester, incorporating the Competition package, the optional RS driver assistance package, and navigation, tipped the scales at around $100,565. This price point places it squarely against similarly equipped rivals. While U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 is yet to be announced, it’s expected to command a similar, if not higher, premium. Therefore, while the RS5 Competition asks for a considerable sum, its newfound engaging driving dynamics finally justify the cost.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Audi, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car the RS5 was always destined to be. It’s blisteringly fast, remarkably agile, and, for the first time, deeply engaging. It finally marries the immense straight-line speed of the standard car with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Crucially, it achieves this without significantly compromising daily comfort or usability, a testament to the underlying excellence of the RS5 platform. And with the reduction in sound deadening, you get to revel in the genuine V6 symphony without the artificial enhancements of the past.
In isolation, the RS5 Competition stands as a compelling counterpoint to the excellent BMW M4. It offers a more elegant aesthetic and a uniquely satisfying driving experience. However, one cannot overlook the car’s age. Despite the significant improvements brought about by the Competition package, which finally transform the RS5 from merely a quick car into a truly rewarding driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond to this refined performance, or has the moment passed for this generation of the best Audi RS5 Coupe?
If you’re a driver who appreciates sophisticated engineering, breathtaking performance, and a driving experience that truly connects you to the road, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition warrants your immediate attention. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this exceptional machine for yourself. Visit your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover the thrill of the driver-focused RS5.
