Unleashing the Driver: How the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition Reclaims Its Sporting Soul
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied an enviable, yet somewhat peculiar, position in the high-performance automotive landscape. It’s a machine that consistently delivers breathtaking straight-line acceleration and formidable cornering prowess, easily capable of humbling cars with far loftier price tags and sportscar pedigrees. Yet, this immense capability often felt like a spectator sport for the driver. While the RS5 could devour winding roads at an astonishing velocity, the tactile connection and visceral thrill that define true driver engagement were, for many, conspicuously absent. It was a car that asked for very little effort, and in doing so, often delivered a commensurately diluted sense of occasion.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. More accurately, it’s the venerated Audi RS5 Coupe generously outfitted with the $16,100 Competition package. This is a crucial distinction, especially when considering the nomenclature gymnastics favored by certain Bavarian rivals. However, the philosophy behind Ingolstadt’s enhanced offering mirrors a similar quest for driver connection. Underpinning this evolution is the familiar yet potent 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, the same powerhouse found in the standard RS5. The magic, however, lies in the meticulously curated additions: a
manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefier anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, quicker steering rack, and an audibly more assertive exhaust note.
The result of this strategic intervention is a vehicle that not only enhances the RS5’s agility and stability at speed but, more importantly, fosters a palpable connection between the driver, the machine, and the tarmac. Now, a significant six model years into its second generation, this rapid Audi has finally ascended to its rightful place atop its performance hierarchy. The Audi RS5 Competition review highlights this transformation, showcasing how it finally delivers on the promise of a truly engaging driving experience for performance coupes.
The Value Proposition: What the Competition Package Delivers
For a significant investment of $16,100, the Competition package bestows upon the RS5 a raft of substantial upgrades. Chief among these are the high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, the adaptive coilover suspension, performance-tuned sport sway bars, and the evocative RS sport exhaust system. Visually, the enhancements are equally noteworthy, featuring a striking carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, exclusively designed 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a cabin adorned with Nappa leather sport seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this list may not encompass every minute detail, it unequivocally demonstrates that despite its considerable price, the Competition package offers tangible value, transforming the RS5 into a more focused driver’s tool. This package is a key factor for those considering an Audi RS5 purchase.
Crucially, the powertrain remains untouched, a testament to the inherent strength of the existing setup. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While this may fall short of the headline figures from direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), it is more than sufficient to ensure the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid as its competitors in real-world driving scenarios. The 0-60 mph sprint remains unchanged at an impressive 3.8 seconds. However, the top speed is significantly uplifted to a remarkable 180 mph, a full 25 mph beyond the standard RS5 and six miles per hour above models equipped with the optional Dynamic Plus package, underscoring the Audi RS5 Competition top speed advantage. For enthusiasts seeking luxury performance cars, this boost in capability is highly attractive.
Engineering the Thrill: A Dynamic Transformation
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition unfolds the moment you engage with a challenging, winding road. The instant you turn the wheel and initiate a dive into a tight bend, the benefits of the Competition package become undeniably apparent. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exerts masterful control over the RS5’s considerable mass – tipping the scales at over 3,900 pounds – enabling instantaneous changes of direction with virtually no unwanted body roll or undulation. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the Competition’s recalibrated steering. While it may not offer a deluge of granular feedback, its increased precision and responsiveness are transformative, allowing for more confident and exhilarating cornering. This is a prime example of how Audi RS5 Competition handling has been elevated.
Complementing the chassis enhancements is the synergy between the grippy Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and the meticulously tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This combination masterfully capitalizes on the suspension improvements, delivering tenacious mid-corner grip and enabling effortless deployment of its ample power as you exit a bend with verve. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a competent performer, the Competition’s more communicative and resolute chassis allows the driver to not only perceive its immense pace but to truly feel it. For those interested in the intricacies of performance car tuning and the impact of suspension upgrades, the RS5 Competition serves as a compelling case study. The demand for performance coupes for sale with this level of driver focus is steadily growing.
The Daily Drive: Balancing Sport and Sophistication
Remarkably, despite the stiffer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension setup, the Audi RS5 Competition’s enhanced performance envelope doesn’t come at the expense of everyday comfort and usability. This observation, perhaps more than anything, speaks volumes about the standard RS5. The base model, in its pursuit of refinement, often felt a touch too placid for a vehicle positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition, however, strikes an exquisite balance. It manages to be a thoroughly capable and thrilling sports car for weekend excursions while simultaneously functioning as a comfortable and composed daily commuter from Monday to Friday. This dual-nature characteristic is a significant selling point for buyers seeking all-wheel-drive performance sedans that don’t compromise on practicality. The Audi RS5 Competition price reflects this blend of performance and daily usability.
A deliberate decision to reduce the RS5’s sound-deadening capabilities further amplifies the auditory experience, a move that perfectly complements the addition of the more vocal RS sport exhaust. While the reduction in noise insulation means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, this is a welcome consequence for any enthusiast seeking an authentic sports car soundtrack. Where Audi’s previous efforts to inject auditory excitement involved artificial sound piped through the speakers, the Competition package delivers a genuine, sonorous V6 growl, punctuated by thrillingly crisp upshifts. And for those moments when discretion is preferred, the intensity of this auditory drama can be modulated through the car’s selectable drive modes, offering a degree of control that enhances the Audi RS5 driving experience. Enthusiasts looking for sports cars with advanced technology will appreciate this sophisticated approach to sound management.
Interior Dynamics: A Focus on the Tactile
The Competition package also introduces a suite of refined interior appointments designed to heighten the tactile experience. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a highlight, featuring a captivating Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black accents, and embroidered backrests. These seats are not merely aesthetically pleasing; their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving and expand to offer ample comfort on longer journeys.
The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin create an ambiance of focused luxury. However, unlike the overtly aggressive gloss finishes often found in direct competitors, the Audi RS5 showcases the lightweight material with a more understated, matte finish, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated cabin. This subtle elegance is a hallmark of Audi RS5 interior features. For those researching new luxury cars, this meticulous attention to detail in the cabin is a significant draw.
Exterior Evolution: Understated Elegance
Visually, the changes wrought by the Audi RS5 Competition package are not immediately jarring, favoring a more integrated approach. It effectively bundles desirable options like the carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which are available on the standard model, with gloss black badging and trim for a subtly enhanced aesthetic. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned and provide an unobstructed view of the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes lurking within. While these exterior touches are pleasing, one might argue that Audi could have pushed the visual differentiation further, particularly given the model’s established age. However, the enduring appeal of the second-generation Audi RS5’s design remains undeniable. Since its debut in the 2017 model year, its elegantly sculpted lines have aged remarkably well, maintaining a contemporary presence even after all these years. While it may not possess the flamboyant or boisterous presence of some German rivals, it arguably remains the most sophisticated and timeless choice in its segment, appealing to those who appreciate European sports cars.
The Aging Equation: A Late Bloom?
The inherent age of the second-generation Audi RS5 is perhaps the most complex aspect of this compelling package. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably welcome and significantly elevates the car’s driving dynamics, it arrives remarkably late in the model’s lifecycle. This prompts a crucial question: will an enhanced driving experience be enough to sway buyers towards a vehicle that, at its core, retains the same fundamental design introduced in 2017? The Audi RS5 Competition MSRP is a significant consideration for potential buyers.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial cost, does inject a significant dose of value, enhancing both performance and perceived desirability. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including a $1,095 destination charge. My test vehicle, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, an optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, pushed the total price to $100,565. This positions the Audi RS5 Competition price in USA firmly within the premium sports car segment. For those considering performance car financing options, understanding this price point is crucial.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might still seem ambitious to some, its pricing aligns competitively with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it is highly anticipated to land at or above this figure. Consequently, the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, but for the first time, its engaging driving experience finally justifies that expenditure. This makes it a strong contender in the luxury performance car market.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Audi, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the culmination of what many hoped the RS5 would be all along. It is a machine that is simultaneously rapid, agile, and deeply engaging, seamlessly merging the inherent speed of the base model with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Despite its more resolute chassis, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, with its reduced sound-deadening, you are treated to a more visceral and authentic V6 soundtrack, without resorting to artificial enhancements. The Audi RS5 Competition review concludes that this is a car that finally speaks the language of the true driving enthusiast.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable and highly desirable alternative to the already excellent BMW M4. However, the undeniable age of this generation cannot be overlooked. Despite how its latest suite of updates finally transforms the RS5 from a mere quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will buyers respond to this late bloom, or is it simply too late in the model’s cycle? For those in the market for performance vehicles and seeking the latest in automotive engineering, the Audi RS5 Competition deals might present an opportunity to acquire a car that has finally found its true sporting soul.
If you’re ready to experience the exhilarating evolution of the Audi RS5 and discover the pinnacle of driver engagement, we invite you to explore current offers and schedule your personal test drive of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition today.
