2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Reaching the Pinnacle of Driver Engagement
For over half a decade, the Audi RS5, in both its sleek coupe and practical Sportback iterations, has occupied a peculiar space in the performance car landscape. It’s undeniably a formidable machine, capable of astonishing feats of speed that often rival or surpass cars commanding significantly steeper price tags. Yet, this prowess has historically come with a certain detached serenity. While it can devour mile after mile of winding asphalt with breathtaking efficiency, the visceral thrill, the direct dialogue between car and driver, often felt muted. It was a master of velocity, but not always a purveyor of pure, unadulterated driving joy.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition emerges as a watershed moment for the model line. It’s important to clarify that “Competition” in this context refers to the extensive Competition package, an optional upgrade that injects a vital dose of dynamic focus into an already potent platform. This isn’t a completely new model, but rather a meticulously refined version of the existing RS5 Coupe, distinguished by a suite of enhancements designed to amplify driver connection. Underneath its sculpted lines, it shares the same potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 as its less specialized brethren. However, what sets the Competition apart are its manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, more direct steering system, and an invigorated exhaust note that promises a more auditory reward.
The cumulative effect of these revisions is nothing short of transformative. The RS5 Competition doesn’t just become a more stable and nimble performer at high velocities; it actively invites the driver to participate, offering a richer tapestry of road feel and mechanical communication. After six years in its second generation, this high-performance Audi has finally ascended to its true potential, transforming from a formidable fast car into a truly engaging driver’s instrument.
The $16,100 Competition package is a substantial investment, and it delivers a commensurate wealth of hardware. Among the headline features are an upgraded braking system featuring carbon-ceramic rotors, a comprehensively retuned coilover suspension, sturdier sport sway bars, and a decidedly more vocal RS sport exhaust system. Visually, the package leaves its mark with a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, distinctive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a cabin adorned with Nappa leather and Alcantara appointments. While this list merely scratches the surface of the package’s comprehensive offerings, it clearly demonstrates that for those willing to embrace the cost, the value proposition is exceptionally strong.
Crucially, the engine’s output remains unchanged. The twin-turbo V6 continues to churn out a healthy 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not eclipse the more extreme outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, they are more than sufficient to deliver a driving experience that feels every bit as rapid in real-world conditions. The sprint to 60 mph remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the top speed is liberated to an impressive 180 mph, a substantial 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and a full six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased capability hints at the underlying engineering focus on extracting more from the existing powertrain.
However, it’s on a truly challenging stretch of asphalt, where the road twists and turns with abandon, that the true brilliance of the Competition package begins to unfold. The initial turn of the steering wheel into a sweeping bend signals an immediate shift in the car’s demeanor. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction with minimal, if any, unwanted body roll. This newfound agility is significantly enhanced by the Competition’s quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t bombard the driver with an overwhelming amount of granular feedback, it offers a level of precision and directness that feels intuitively connected to the front wheels. This improved steering accuracy is a critical element in elevating the Audi RS5 Competition driving experience.
Complementing the revised suspension and steering, the Audi RS5 Competition is shod with grippy Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, working in concert with a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic combination masterfully leverages the chassis upgrades, resulting in tenacious mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy the V6’s considerable power with confidence and authority as you accelerate out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is a capable performer in its own right, the Competition’s more communicative chassis is a revelation. It allows you to not only witness the car’s incredible pace but to truly feel it, forging a much deeper connection between pilot and machine. This focus on a more visceral connection makes the Audi RS5 Competition for sale a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking more than just straight-line speed.
Despite the evident gains in sporting prowess, characterized by a suspension that is 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower and demonstrably stiffer, the RS5 Competition impressively avoids sacrificing daily comfort and usability. In many ways, this speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its prior iterations, often felt almost too refined, too insulated for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The latest RS5, with the Competition package, achieves a commendable equilibrium. It serves as a thoroughly competent sports car for weekend excursions while remaining a comfortable and practical commuter for the daily grind.
The Competition package also liberates the RS5’s auditory character by reducing cabin sound deadening, a decision that synergizes beautifully with the enhanced RS sport exhaust. While this decreased insulation does result in a more pronounced intake of road and tire noise into the cabin, it’s a trade-off many enthusiasts will readily embrace. A true sports car, after all, shouldn’t be silent. Where previous Audi efforts relied on artificial engine sound piped through the speakers, the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely visceral V6 growl, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated from assertive to more subdued via the selectable drive modes. This authentic sound delivery is a significant contributor to the Audi RS5 Competition value.
As alluded to earlier, the Competition package introduces several interior enhancements that underscore its sport-focused ethos. The seats, upholstered in a blend of Nappa leather and Dinamica, feature a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of exotic sports cars, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered RS logos. Their generously bolstered side supports provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys. These are some of the best Audi RS5 Competition interior features available.
A hallmark of all Competition models is the inclusion of an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber interior trim. Unlike the often-glossy finishes found in some German rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte treatment for its carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated cabin ambiance. This refined approach to interior design enhances the Audi RS5 Competition ownership experience.
From a visual standpoint, the changes wrought by the Competition package are more subtle than dramatic. It essentially integrates previously optional elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are aesthetically pleasing, harmonizing with the car’s proportions and providing an unobstructed view of the imposing carbon-ceramic brakes. However, this is an area where one might have hoped for more radical differentiation, especially considering the model’s age.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age gracefully. Introduced as a 2017 model, its timeless and elegant design language ensures it remains contemporary, even years after its debut. While it may not possess the flamboyant or boisterous aesthetics of some of its BMW or Mercedes-AMG competitors, it undoubtedly stands as the most elegantly styled option in its class. This enduring design contributes to the Audi RS5 Competition appeal.
The most significant point of contention, however, remains the age of this second-generation RS5. While the addition of the Competition package is a most welcome development, imbuing the car with a significantly enhanced driving experience, it arrives rather late in the model’s lifecycle. This leads to a crucial question: will this newfound dynamism be enough to sway discerning buyers toward a car that, at its core, still bears the visual hallmarks of a 2017 design? When considering Audi RS5 Competition price, this aging factor is a key consideration.
The $16,100 Competition package, while substantial, undoubtedly injects significant value into the RS5 equation, given the extent of its dynamic improvements. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commanded a starting price of $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. The specific tester driven, adorned with the aforementioned Competition package, an optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, pushed the total to a considerable $100,565. This positions the Audi RS5 Competition for sale in a premium segment.
While a six-figure sum for an Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem steep, its pricing is largely in line with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although the official U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains undisclosed, it is highly probable that it will contend with or exceed this figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 demands a premium price, it finally possesses an engaging driving experience that justifies the expenditure. This makes the Audi RS5 Competition vs BMW M4 debate more compelling than ever.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car the RS5 should have been all along. It is a potent, agile, and deeply engaging performance machine that seamlessly blends the raw speed of the base model with an immersive sensory experience previously unattainable. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis and enhanced dynamics, it sacrifices very little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, thanks to reduced sound deadening, drivers are treated to the full, sonorous V6 soundtrack without recourse to artificial audio enhancements. This focus on a connected drive is what elevates the Audi RS5 Competition performance.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable challenger to the exceptional BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age cannot be overlooked. Despite the significant strides made by its latest iteration, transforming it from merely a fast car into a genuinely thrilling driver’s instrument, the lingering question remains: will this belated embrace of dynamic engagement resonate with buyers, or is it a case of “too little, too late”? For those actively searching for the best Audi RS5 Competition deals, this is a critical factor to weigh.
If you’re yearning for a performance coupe that finally bridges the gap between blistering speed and genuine driver involvement, that offers a palpable connection to the road and a soundtrack to match, then exploring the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is a journey worth undertaking. Don’t just dream about the ultimate driving machine – experience it. Contact your local Audi dealer today to schedule a test drive and discover the pinnacle of RS5 engineering for yourself.
