The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driver’s Audi A5 Sedan
For nearly a decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious space in the performance sedan landscape. It’s always been an undeniably potent machine, capable of accelerating with the ferocity of exotic sports cars and hugging corners with an almost unnerving tenacity. Yet, despite its prodigious power and sophisticated chassis, a certain detachment often permeated the driving experience. The raw speed was there, but the visceral connection, the kind that makes a spirited drive truly exhilarating, felt somewhat muted, perhaps a victim of its own remarkable refinement. This has been a recurring theme for enthusiasts debating Audi RS5 Competition package effectiveness.
Enter the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. While the “Competition” designation might sound familiar within certain circles of German automotive engineering, in Audi’s case, it signifies a crucial evolution for the RS5, specifically the Coupe variant equipped with the $16,100 Competition package. This isn’t merely an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s dynamic character, designed to inject a profound sense of driver engagement into an already exceptionally capable platform. The core of this transformation lies not in a boosted horsepower figure – the potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 remains – but in a meticulously honed suite of chassis and suspension enhancements, a more direct steering ratio, and an exhaust note that finally befits the car’s aggressive performance. After six years in its second generation, this RS5 feels like it has finally reached its zenith, offering a driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is precise.
The result? The RS5 Competition transforms from a remarkably fast and capable grand tourer into a genuinely engaging driver’s car. It’s a car that finally bridges the gap between its prodigious performance and the tactile feedback required for true driving exhilaration. Now, six years into its second generation, this potent Audi is unequivocally at its zenith, offering an Audi RS5 Competition driving experience that resonates deeply with enthusiasts.
Decoding the $16,100 Competition Package: A Deep Dive into Upgrades
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package is, admittedly, significant. However, a closer examination reveals a substantial array of performance-enhancing hardware that justifies the investment. The package includes the highly sought-after carbon-ceramic brakes, a hallmark of track-capable machinery, ensuring formidable stopping power lap after lap. The manually adjustable coilover suspension is the linchpin of the chassis enhancements, offering drivers granular control over ride height and damping characteristics. Complementing this are stiffer sport anti-roll bars, which drastically reduce body roll and sharpen turn-in. And, of course, the RS sport exhaust system promises aural drama to match the mechanical prowess.
Beyond the purely mechanical, the Competition package also bestows a subtler, yet impactful, visual enhancement. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a more aggressive stance, hinting at the car’s heightened capabilities. The striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only contribute to the aesthetics but also provide a clear view of the formidable braking system within. Inside, the cabin receives a luxurious and sporty upgrade with Nappa leather seats and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, exuding a premium feel synonymous with Audi’s performance divisions. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it clearly illustrates that the Audi RS5 Competition price unlocks a tangible increase in performance and refinement, offering considerable value for those seeking the ultimate RS5.
Power and Performance: Unchanged, Yet Elevated
Despite the significant chassis and handling upgrades, the heart of the RS5 remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may fall short of the raw horsepower numbers from rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), it’s crucial to understand that in the real world, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a testament to the efficiency of its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, topping out at a blistering 180 mph – a significant 25 mph increase over the base car and six mph beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This enhanced top-end capability, coupled with the refined handling, offers a more complete performance envelope for those who venture onto the open road.
The Thrill of the Twisties: Where the Competition Package Shines
It’s on a winding country road, however, where the true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition package becomes undeniably apparent. From the very first turn of the wheel, you’re greeted with a newfound sense of directness. The recalibrated steering rack, while not offering the most talkative feedback, is significantly quicker and more precise. This allows for intuitive placement of the car, reducing the need for larger steering inputs.
The firmer coilover suspension, though noticeably more compliant than a track-day special, masterfully controls the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. Instead of the slight body roll that could be felt in the standard car, the Competition version hunkers down, allowing for instant changes in direction without any unwanted pitching or squatting. This newfound agility is intoxicating, transforming the RS5 from a car that simply devoured corners into one that actively dances through them.
Paired with this revitalized chassis are sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, which offer exceptional grip, and a subtly retuned eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission’s shifts are crisper, more decisive, and better timed to exploit the available grip. The synergy between the suspension, tires, and powertrain allows the RS5 Competition to carry impressive speed through corners, exhibiting a level of mid-corner grip that instills confidence. As you accelerate out of a bend, the Quattro system seamlessly distributes power, allowing you to deploy the V6’s formidable torque with authority. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s significantly more communicative chassis allows you to not only experience its immense pace but to truly feel it. This is the essence of Audi RS5 Competition performance.
Daily Usability: Striking the Perfect Balance
One of the most surprising aspects of the Competition package is that its enhanced performance doesn’t come at the expense of daily comfort and usability. In fact, one could argue it improves upon the standard car’s somewhat overly refined character. The base RS5, while comfortable, often felt a bit too insulated for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, with its firmer chassis and slightly lower ride height (0.39 inches or 10 mm), manages to strike an exquisite balance. It’s a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend spirited drives, yet it remains a comfortable and compliant companion for the daily commute. This duality is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess, delivering an Audi RS5 Coupe Competition that excels in multiple disciplines.
The Sound of Performance: Letting the V6 Sing
The Competition package also introduces a welcome reduction in cabin sound deadening, a decision that perfectly complements the addition of the louder RS sport exhaust. While this means you’ll experience more road and tire noise filtering into the cabin, it’s a trade-off that enthusiasts will gladly make. A true sports car shouldn’t be overly muted; it should offer a visceral connection to the mechanical symphony under the hood. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise into the cabin; the RS5 Competition delivers a genuinely throaty V6 growl, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated by your chosen drive mode. This newfound auditory engagement significantly enhances the overall driving experience, making the RS5 Competition exhaust note a characterful element of the car.
Interior Refinements: Sporty Elegance Meets Tactile Delight
Inside the cabin, the Competition package adds a host of sporty enhancements that elevate the driver’s environment. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a particular highlight. Featuring a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, gloss black trim, and embroidered backrests, they offer superb lateral support for spirited driving, while still providing ample comfort for longer journeys. The bolsters are actively inflatable, allowing you to snug them up during aggressive cornering or relax them for more comfortable cruising.
The Alcantara treatment extends to the steering wheel and headliner, providing a tactile and visually appealing upgrade. Carbon fiber trim accents the dashboard and center console, reinforcing the car’s performance pedigree. Crucially, unlike some rivals that opt for overly glossy finishes that can be distracting, Audi’s application of carbon fiber here is predominantly matte, allowing it to blend elegantly with the dark interior palette, maintaining a sophisticated ambiance. This interior treatment is a significant part of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition review.
Exterior Styling: Subtle Evolution, Enduring Appeal
Visually, the changes wrought by the Competition package are subtle rather than revolutionary. The carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, elements that were previously optional extras on the base car, are now standard. These are complemented by gloss black badges and trim, giving the RS5 Competition a more menacing presence. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned and visually striking, drawing the eye to the immense carbon-ceramic brakes.
However, this is an area where one might have hoped for a more dramatic differentiation, especially considering the model’s age. While the second-generation RS5’s design remains remarkably elegant and contemporary, having been on sale since the 2017 model year, it’s undeniable that its exterior lines are beginning to show their age when placed alongside more recently introduced competitors. It lacks the outright visual drama of some rivals, but for those who appreciate understated elegance, the RS5 remains a highly desirable proposition. It’s a testament to Audi’s timeless design language, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends.
The Timing Dilemma: A Superb Update, A Mature Platform
The timing of the Competition package is, perhaps, the most complex aspect of this discussion. While the enhancements it brings are undeniably transformative, elevating the RS5’s driving dynamics to new heights, they arrive rather late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to sway buyers towards a model that, in terms of its fundamental design, hasn’t seen a major overhaul since 2017? This is a critical consideration when evaluating the Audi RS5 Competition value proposition.
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial in price, does inject considerable value into the package. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination charges. My test vehicle, outfitted with the aforementioned Competition package, the optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at an eye-watering $100,565. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived Audi might still be a hurdle for some, it aligns squarely with what one might expect to pay for a similarly equipped BMW M4. While official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it’s reasonable to assume it will command a similar or higher premium. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 Competition demands a premium sum, its newfound engaging driving experience finally justifies that price point.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Car, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in many ways, the car I’ve long wished the RS5 had been from the outset. It’s exceptionally fast, remarkably agile, and, most importantly, genuinely engaging. It successfully merges the raw speed and capability of the standard car with a level of driver immersion that was previously out of reach. Despite its firmer chassis and revised suspension, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort or usability. And with reduced sound deadening, you’re treated to a more authentic and thrilling V6 soundtrack, rather than relying on synthesized engine notes.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 is a formidable competitor to the excellent BMW M4. However, I cannot entirely overlook the maturity of this particular model’s platform. While its latest updates finally transform the RS5 from merely a quick car into a truly captivating driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond to this compelling transformation, or has the passage of time made it too late for this exceptional performer to reach its full potential in the market?
If you’ve been yearning for an Audi RS5 for sale that delivers both exhilarating performance and a deep sense of connection to the road, now is the perfect time to explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. Visit your local Audi dealer to schedule a test drive and experience firsthand how this finely tuned machine redefines the premium performance coupe.
