The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driving Machine
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied an interesting, albeit slightly paradoxical, space in the performance automotive landscape. It’s consistently been a marvel of engineering, effortlessly capable of dispatching straights and corners with astonishing velocity. Yet, for many enthusiasts, this immense capability often felt somewhat detached, a sublime experience delivered to the driver, rather than with them. The raw numbers were always there – blistering acceleration, tenacious grip, and an imposing presence. But the visceral, connected thrill, the kind that makes you grin from ear to ear as you push the limits, often seemed just beyond its grasp. It was a car that could do everything incredibly well, but perhaps a little too well, leaving the driver feeling like a passenger in their own supercar.
This is precisely the void that the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition meticulously sets out to fill. It’s important to note that the “Competition” moniker here refers specifically to the meticulously curated $16,100 Competition package, a crucial distinction in a segment where similar naming conventions can breed confusion. While this potent iteration stems from Ingolstadt, its philosophical shift mirrors that of certain rivals from Bavaria: to imbue an already formidable machine with an even sharper focus on driver interaction. At its heart, the RS5 Competition retains the potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine,
churning out a formidable 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. However, the magic lies in the enhancements: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated, quicker steering ratio, and a more evocative exhaust note designed to announce its presence.
The result is transformative. The Competition package doesn’t just make the RS5 more agile and stable at elevated speeds; it fundamentally alters the dialogue between car and driver. Through enhanced road feedback, a deeper connection to the tarmac is forged, allowing the pilot to truly feel the subtle nuances of the road surface and the car’s behavior. Now, six years into its second generation, this potent Audi sedan finally feels like it has reached its zenith, a truly driver-centric performance coupe ready to engage and excite. This is not merely an upgrade; it’s a reawakening of the RS5’s true sporting potential, a welcome evolution in the premium performance sedan market.
A Deep Dive into the Competition Package: Value Beyond Price
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package is far from trivial, but the sheer breadth and depth of enhancements it delivers offer a compelling value proposition. Beyond the mechanical upgrades, the package bestows a suite of premium features designed to elevate both performance and aesthetics. Among the most significant mechanical additions are the carbon-ceramic brakes, a testament to the car’s track-ready aspirations, offering superior stopping power and fade resistance. Complementing these are the manually adjustable coilover suspension and uprated sport sway bars, working in concert to dramatically reduce body roll and enhance cornering composure. And, of course, the RS sport exhaust system, a critical component in awakening the car’s aural character.
Visually, the Competition package adds a touch of aggressive flair. A carbon fiber front splitter lends a race-inspired aesthetic, while a matching rear diffuser further refines the aerodynamics. These are complemented by striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels that not only enhance the car’s stance but also provide an unobstructed view of the substantial braking hardware. Inside, the cabin is treated to opulent Nappa leather sport seats, offering both luxurious comfort and crucial lateral support. An Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel provides a tactile connection to the road, a small but significant detail that contributes to the overall driver-focused experience. While this list doesn’t encompass every single item, it clearly illustrates that while the price tag is substantial, the accompanying array of performance and luxury enhancements justifies the expenditure, making the Audi RS5 Competition package a worthwhile consideration for discerning buyers.
Power and Performance: The Unseen Edge
Despite the substantial upgrades, the raw power output of the RS5 remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine continues to deliver its signature 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might seem modest when directly compared to the 503 horsepower offered by rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, it’s crucial to understand that in real-world driving, the RS5 feels every bit as rapid. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains an unchanged, yet still blistering, 3.8 seconds. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching an impressive 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour faster than a model equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability, coupled with the enhanced dynamics, creates a potent recipe for exhilarating high-speed driving, particularly on tracks or unrestricted autobahns. The performance tuning of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition truly amplifies its already impressive capabilities.
The Thrill of the Twisties: Where the Competition Package Shines
It is on a winding back road, however, where the transformative impact of the Competition package becomes undeniably apparent. From the moment you initiate a turn, the RS5 Competition communicates a newfound eagerness and precision. The coilover suspension, while distinctly firmer than its standard counterpart, masterfully manages the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. The result is an immediate and decisive response to steering inputs, allowing the car to change direction with an astonishing lack of body roll or unwanted pitch. This heightened agility is significantly attributed to the quicker steering ratio, which, despite not delivering a deluge of granular feedback, offers a more direct and predictable connection to the front wheels.
The Audi RS5 Competition, now clad in sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, works in seamless conjunction with a finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination extracts the maximum benefit from the suspension refinements, allowing for impressive mid-corner grip and the ability to deploy its substantial power output with confidence as you exit bends. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only experience its immense pace but to truly feel it, fostering a sense of partnership rather than mere operation. This is the essence of true driver engagement, a key focus for Audi RS5 Competition handling upgrades. Exploring performance car upgrades for the Audi RS5 has never yielded such tangible results.
Daily Usability: Comfort Meets Capability
Remarkably, despite its firmer suspension and a ride height reduced by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the Audi RS5 Competition’s enhanced capabilities do not come at the significant expense of daily comfort and usability. In fact, this statement speaks volumes about the standard RS5, which, in its previous iterations, sometimes felt overly plush and refined for a model positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The latest RS5, even with its stiffer chassis, strikes an admirable equilibrium. It masterfully balances the demands of a weekend track day warrior with the practicality and comfort required for a Monday-to-Friday commute. This nuanced approach ensures that the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition daily driver experience remains exceptionally refined.
The Competition package also features a reduction in the RS5’s sound deadening, a deliberate decision that harmonizes beautifully with the inclusion of the more vocal RS sport exhaust. While this results in a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, it’s a trade-off that many enthusiasts will readily embrace. After all, a truly thrilling sports car should not be a hushed sanctuary. Where previous Audi models sometimes resorted to artificially piping engine noise into the cabin, the Competition RS5 delivers an authentic, throaty V6 symphony. This visceral sound, punctuated by explosive upshifts, can be modulated through the selectable drive modes, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired or a full-throttle sonic assault when the mood strikes. This focus on Audi RS5 Competition exhaust sound adds another layer of sensory engagement.
Interior Refinements: A Tactile and Luxurious Embrace
As previously mentioned, the Competition package introduces a host of sporty accoutrements within the RS5’s already premium cabin. The seats, clad in a combination of Nappa leather and Dinamica trim, feature a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, accented by gloss black side panels and embroidered backrests. These seats are not merely for show; their inflatable side bolsters provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys.
A hallmark of the Competition models is the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim adorning the cabin. Unlike the often overtly glossy finishes found in some rivals, Audi opts for a more understated and elegant matte finish for the lightweight material, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark interior ambiance. This subtle approach to luxury enhances the overall perceived quality and sophistication of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition interior. When considering performance car interior upgrades, the RS5 Competition package delivers both form and function.
Exterior Aesthetics: Subtle Yet Significant Enhancements
Visually, the changes brought about by the Audi RS5 Competition package are not immediately dramatic, which can be both a positive and a negative attribute depending on individual preference. The package essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, previously available on the base car, with the addition of gloss black badging and trim accents. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly proportioned and complement the car’s overall design, while also offering a clear view of the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes. However, it’s in this area where one might wish for a more pronounced visual differentiation, especially considering the model’s lifecycle. Audi’s commitment to understated elegance is evident, but a more aggressive visual cue might have further amplified the Competition’s distinct identity.
On the upside, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age remarkably well. Despite its introduction in the 2017 model year, its timeless and elegant design language ensures it remains contemporary and desirable. While it may not possess the overtly flashy or boisterous character of some of its German rivals, the RS5 arguably presents the most sophisticated and refined aesthetic within its segment. This enduring appeal contributes to the long-term value of the Audi RS5 Competition. For those searching for luxury performance coupes in the US, the RS5 remains a compelling choice.
The Dilemma of Age and Evolution
It is the age of the second-generation Audi RS5, however, that presents the most significant point of contemplation. While the addition of the Competition package is undeniably a masterstroke, imbuing the car with a driving experience that far surpasses its standard iteration, it arrives late in the current model’s lifecycle. This begs the question: will a significantly enhanced driving dynamic be enough to sway potential buyers towards a car that, visually, bears a strong resemblance to its 2017 debut? The answer may lie in the substantial value proposition of the Audi RS5 Competition price and its accompanying enhancements.
The $16,100 Competition package, while a significant outlay, injects a considerable amount of performance and desirability into the package. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commands a starting price of $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. My specific test vehicle, adorned with the aforementioned Competition package, an optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might seem like a bold proposition, its pricing aligns directly with that of a comparably equipped BMW M4. While official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be released, it is highly probable that it will occupy a similar price bracket, if not exceed it. Thus, the Audi RS5, even at its premium price point, finally offers a driving experience that truly justifies the investment. This makes the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition value a key consideration. When exploring sports car deals in major US cities, the RS5 Competition package offers a compelling argument for its asking price.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Machine, Finally Realized
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is, in essence, the car I had always wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It is a symphony of speed, agility, and, most importantly, engagement. It seamlessly blends the prodigious straight-line velocity of the base car with a level of driver immersion previously unattainable. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis and more focused suspension, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening allows for a more authentic and thrilling auditory experience, eliminating the need for artificial enhancements.
In isolation, the RS5 equipped with the Competition package stands as a formidable and highly desirable competitor to the already excellent BMW M4. However, one cannot overlook the vehicle’s age. Despite its latest evolutionary leap, which has finally transformed the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond to this late-stage evolution, or has the window of opportunity passed? The best Audi RS5 Competition upgrades have certainly made it a compelling proposition for driving enthusiasts.
For those seeking a refined yet exhilarating performance coupe that offers a potent blend of everyday usability and exhilarating dynamism, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition presents a compelling, albeit premium, proposition. It’s a testament to Audi’s ability to refine and enhance its performance offerings, proving that even a mature platform can be revitalized to meet the demands of the modern performance driver.
Ready to experience the thrill of a truly engaging performance coupe? Discover the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealership and schedule a test drive today. Feel the difference that true driver focus makes.