The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Audi’s High-Performance Coupe Finally Hits Its Stride
For over a decade, the automotive landscape has been populated by potent machines that, while undeniably swift, often fell short of delivering the visceral connection enthusiasts crave. The Audi RS5, in its various iterations, has been a prime example of this phenomenon. Possessing formidable acceleration and remarkable composure, it could effortlessly reel in exotic sports cars at a fraction of their cost. Yet, this prowess frequently came without demanding much from the pilot. The consequence? An astonishingly rapid backroad blitz that, more often than not, translated into a technically proficient but ultimately detached driving experience. This all changes with the advent of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition.
This isn’t merely an appearance package; it’s a significant recalibration aimed squarely at enhancing driver engagement. The Audi RS5 Competition represents a pivotal moment for Audi’s performance division, finally aligning its formidable engineering with the emotional rewards sought by discerning drivers. By incorporating a series of targeted upgrades, Audi has transformed the RS5 from a supremely capable grand tourer into a genuinely thrilling sports coupe.
At its heart, the RS5 Competition retains the potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may not eclipse those of some direct rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than sufficient to deliver exhilarating real-world performance. The car’s 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a testament to its inherent speed
However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a significant increase over the standard RS5 and even models equipped with lesser performance packages, underscoring its track-oriented intent.
Engineering for Engagement: The Competition Package’s Core Enhancements
The magic of the Audi RS5 Competition lies not in brute horsepower, but in the meticulous tuning of its chassis and dynamics. The $16,100 Competition package, a substantial investment, introduces a suite of transformative hardware. At its forefront is a manually adjustable coilover suspension system. This allows for a noticeable firming of the ride, but crucially, it does so with a level of control that maintains composure even during aggressive maneuvers. Gone is the tendency for the substantial mass of the nearly 4,000-pound coupe to feel unsettled through rapid directional changes. Instead, the RS5 Competition carves through corners with an immediacy and precision that was previously elusive.
Complementing the new suspension are beefier anti-roll bars, further minimizing body roll and enhancing stability at higher speeds. The steering system also receives a significant revision, offering a quicker ratio that shortens the distance between lock-to-lock. This, in turn, translates to more immediate steering response, allowing the driver to place the car with greater confidence and surgical accuracy. While the steering feedback isn’t overtly heavy, it’s significantly more communicative than in standard RS5 models, providing a crucial link between the driver’s inputs and the car’s reactions. This enhanced Audi RS5 Competition handling is paramount to its newfound appeal.
The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, standard with the Competition package, provide exceptional levels of grip, working in concert with the retuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This sophisticated gearbox, while still an automatic, is programmed to execute swift, decisive shifts, seamlessly integrating with the chassis’s enhanced capabilities. The result is a car that can devour challenging curves with confidence, maintaining impressive mid-corner grip and enabling drivers to exploit the full potential of its powertrain as they accelerate out of bends. This synergy between suspension, tires, and transmission is what elevates the Audi RS5 Competition price justification, transforming it into a compelling performance proposition.
Beyond the Track: Daily Usability and Auditory Thrills
A common pitfall for performance-oriented vehicles is the compromise on daily comfort. However, the Audi RS5 Competition masterfully navigates this challenge. Despite the firmer suspension and a ride height reduced by approximately 10 millimeters, the RS5 Competition retains a remarkable degree of daily drivability. This speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the base RS5, which, perhaps ironically, was often perceived as being too plush for its intended role as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, rather than sacrificing comfort, strikes a harmonious balance. It transforms the RS5 into a thoroughly capable weekend sports car without rendering it a punishing companion for the daily commute. This duality is a hallmark of well-executed luxury performance cars.
Another significant upgrade introduced by the Competition package is the reduction in sound deadening. This decision is intentionally paired with an RS sport exhaust system, designed to produce a more aggressive and authentic auditory experience. While the increased road and tire noise might be a detractor for some, it’s an essential element for a car that aims to stir the senses. Gone are the days of Audi artificially pumping engine notes into the cabin via the speaker system. The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, throaty V6 symphony, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the selectable drive modes. This raw, unfiltered sound contributes significantly to the RS5 Competition driving experience, making every journey more engaging.
For those seeking Audi RS5 performance upgrades, the Competition package offers substantial gains without compromising the car’s inherent practicality. The decision to reduce insulation is a calculated one, aiming to immerse the driver in the mechanical symphony of the car. This approach aligns with the evolving expectations of enthusiasts who prioritize auditory feedback alongside dynamic prowess.
Interior Refinements: A Focus on the Driver
The interior of the Audi RS5 Competition receives a subtle yet impactful upgrade, further enhancing its driver-centric focus. The sport seats are now trimmed in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica, featuring a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of exotic supercars. These seats also incorporate inflatable side bolsters, providing excellent lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample room for comfort on longer journeys.
The Competition package mandates an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and headliner, adding a tactile and luxurious feel. The carbon-fiber trim, a signature element of high-performance Audi models, is presented with a sophisticated matte finish, blending seamlessly with the otherwise dark and purposeful cabin. Unlike the often overly glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi’s approach here maintains an understated elegance that complements the car’s sophisticated demeanor. This attention to detail in the Audi RS5 Competition interior reinforces its premium positioning.
Exterior Aesthetics: Understated Aggression
Visually, the changes brought by the Audi RS5 Competition are more evolutionary than revolutionary, which, given the platform’s age, might be a point of contention for some. The package incorporates elements like a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously optional on the standard RS5, along with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a striking addition, perfectly complementing the car’s proportions and offering a clear view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes – a significant upgrade that enhances both stopping power and thermal resistance for demanding driving.
While these visual cues add a touch of menace, Audi could have perhaps pushed the envelope further in differentiating the Competition model. However, it’s important to acknowledge the enduring appeal of the second-generation RS5’s design. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its elegant lines still exude a contemporary sophistication, making it a timeless design that has aged remarkably well. It remains the most understated and arguably the most elegant option within its competitive set, avoiding the ostentatious styling that can sometimes characterize rivals from BMW and Mercedes-AMG. This Audi RS5 Competition review highlights its sophisticated design as a key differentiator.
The Question of Age and Value Proposition
The most significant point of deliberation surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition is its age. While the Competition package breathes new life into the platform and significantly enhances the driving experience, it arrives relatively late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This begs the crucial question: will a vastly improved dynamic character be enough to entice buyers when the car’s fundamental design echoes that of its 2017 debut?
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, offers a compelling value proposition given the breadth of its upgrades. The base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts at approximately $78,995. With the addition of the Competition package, along with other desirable options like the RS driver assistance package and navigation, the as-tested price of this particular model approached $100,565. This positions it squarely in territory occupied by its primary rivals. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived coupe might initially seem steep, it aligns with the market expectations for high-performance, luxury vehicles. The upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 is anticipated to command a similar, if not higher, price point. Therefore, the Audi RS5 Competition cost is justifiable when considering the comprehensive performance enhancements it delivers.
Conclusion: A Timely Evolution, But Is It Enough?
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car the RS5 always had the potential to be. It’s a symphony of speed, agility, and driver engagement, finally marrying the base car’s formidable straight-line performance with a level of sensory immersion that was previously out of reach. Despite its firmer chassis and more focused suspension, it manages to retain a commendable degree of everyday comfort and practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound insulation allows drivers to revel in the V6’s authentic, throaty growl, eliminating the need for artificial sound enhancement.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender against rivals like the BMW M4. However, its age remains a significant factor in the broader market context. While the latest updates have undeniably transformed the RS5 into not just a rapid machine but a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the ultimate question for Audi and potential buyers is whether this evolution has arrived in time to capture significant market share. For those who prioritize a blend of potent performance, sophisticated design, and an increasingly rewarding driving experience, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition presents an exceptionally compelling, if late-blooming, proposition.
Are you ready to experience the elevated performance and dynamic prowess of the Audi RS5 Competition for yourself? Contact your local Audi dealer to schedule a test drive and discover how this performance coupe can redefine your driving expectations.
