The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Decade of Refinement Culminates in Pure Driver Bliss
For years, the Audi RS5, in both its sleek coupe and practical Sportback guises, has occupied a curious space in the performance car hierarchy. It has consistently delivered blistering straight-line speed and remarkable cornering capability, often punching well above its weight class and keeping pace with machines significantly more exotic. Yet, despite this prodigious performance, a certain detachment has often characterized the driving experience. It was a car that could achieve astonishing feats on a winding ribbon of asphalt, but the raw, unadulterated joy of pushing a machine to its limits, feeling every nuance of its behavior, remained somewhat elusive. It was, if you will, a victim of its own considerable success and refinement.
Then arrived the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a standalone model but rather a package—a meticulously curated collection of enhancements designed to inject a visceral connection between driver, machine, and road. For those in the know, it’s crucial to distinguish this from other performance-oriented Audi designations. The Competition package, a substantial $16,100 proposition, takes the already potent RS5 and imbues it with a newfound focus on driver engagement, a philosophy that mirrors the relentless pursuit of perfection seen in some of its most esteemed rivals. At its heart, it retains the same formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, a powerplant that, while not topping the outright horsepower charts, delivers its ample 442 pound-feet of torque with ferocity. What truly sets the Competition apart, however, are the tangible hardware upgrades: a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars to quell body roll, a recalibrated steering system for quicker responses, and an exhaust note that has been liberated from its previous genteel demeanor. The result is an RS5 that not only navigates corners with enhanced agility and unwavering stability at speed but, more importantly, allows its pilot to truly feel the road, forging a symbiotic link previously only hinted at. After six years since its second-generation debut, this exceptional German performance car has finally ascended to its true potential.
The $16,100 outlay for the Competition package represents a significant investment, but it unlocks a treasure trove of desirable equipment. Among the headline additions are the carbon-ceramic brakes, a hallmark of high-performance machines, promising superior stopping power and fade resistance. The aforementioned coilover suspension, coupled with sport-tuned sway bars, forms the chassis’s backbone, dramatically altering its dynamic character. An RS sport exhaust system promises an auditory experience that befits the car’s sporting intentions. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the package bestows a more aggressive aesthetic: a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser hint at aerodynamic prowess, while unique 20-inch Y-spoke wheels add a touch of bespoke flair. Inside, the cabin is elevated with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats, and the tactile pleasure of an Alcantara steering wheel. While this comprehensive list doesn’t encompass every single feature, it clearly demonstrates that this isn’t merely a cosmetic exercise; the Competition package delivers substantial, tangible value for its price.
Despite these extensive chassis and aerodynamic refinements, the engine’s output remains unchanged. The 2.9-liter V6 continues to churn out its robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While this figure may trail the stratospheric numbers of competitors like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), it’s crucial to understand that in real-world driving scenarios, particularly on spirited roads, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. Its 0-60 mph acceleration remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a testament to the V6’s potent delivery and the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic’s efficient shifts. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, topping out at an impressive 180 mph – a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond models equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This increased capability, while impressive, is merely the prelude to the true transformation experienced when the road begins to twist.
It is on a challenging, winding backroad that the true genius of the Competition package is revealed. From the initial turn of the wheel into a sweeping bend, the difference is palpable. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s considerable mass (approaching 4,000 pounds), allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without the unsettling body roll or delayed responses that can plague less focused performance cars. This newfound agility is amplified by the recalibrated steering system, which, while not bombarding the driver with an overwhelming torrent of feedback, offers a level of precision and directness that imbues confidence. Each input is met with immediate and accurate response, transforming the act of steering into an extension of the driver’s intent. This directness is a key component in the Audi RS5 Competition driving experience, transforming everyday commutes into potential thrill rides and weekend excursions into deeply satisfying engagements.
The RS5 Competition’s prowess is further enhanced by its sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, which provide exceptional grip, and the finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination masterfully exploits the chassis improvements, allowing the car to maintain impressive mid-corner speed and, critically, to effectively deploy its considerable power as you accelerate out of a corner. While the standard RS5 is certainly no slouch, the Competition’s firmer chassis communicates far more effectively with the driver. You can feel the tires working, the suspension responding to road imperfections, and the chassis load and unload as you transition through turns. This increased transparency allows you to not only appreciate the car’s immense pace but to truly experience it, forging a profound connection that elevates the driving act from mere transportation to an art form. This level of RS5 Competition performance is what enthusiasts have been craving.
Even with its more assertive suspension, dropping the ride height by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the Audi RS5 Competition surprisingly doesn’t sacrifice daily comfort and usability. In fact, this speaks more to the inherent plushness of the standard RS5, which, in its quest for refinement, sometimes felt almost too detached for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package strikes an admirable balance, delivering a thoroughly capable weekend sports car without alienating its role as a comfortable and refined daily driver from Monday through Friday. This is a crucial aspect of its Audi RS5 Competition value proposition.
A significant and welcome change with the Competition package is the reduction in sound deadening. This decision pairs brilliantly with the inclusion of the more vocal RS sport exhaust. While this means you’ll be more aware of road and tire noise within the cabin, a true performance machine shouldn’t be a silent cocoon. Audi’s previous reliance on piped-in engine notes is now a distant memory. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, throaty V6 soundtrack, complete with satisfyingly crisp upshifts and the ability to modulate the exhaust’s volume through the car’s drive modes. This auditory enhancement is a crucial ingredient in the Audi RS5 Competition engagement factor, making every journey more immersive.
As previously noted, the interior of the Competition package is adorned with a selection of sporting enhancements. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a particular highlight. Featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered backrests, they provide excellent lateral support during spirited driving. Crucially, their inflatable side bolsters can be adjusted for a more relaxed fit on longer journeys, demonstrating the package’s thoughtful approach to holistic driver comfort. This is a key consideration for anyone looking for performance cars with luxury interiors.
The entire Competition specification includes an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin. However, unlike the sometimes garish glossy finishes found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated and elegant matte finish for the carbon fiber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the predominantly dark interior. This attention to detail reflects Audi’s mastery of creating interiors that feel both sporting and sophisticated. The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition interior offers a perfect blend of both.
Visually, the exterior changes for the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than the dramatic mechanical overhaul. The package essentially aggregates existing desirable options, such as the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and combines them with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only complement the car’s aggressive stance but also offer an unobstructed view of the impressive carbon-ceramic brake rotors. While these visual cues are attractive, one might argue that Audi could have pushed the envelope further in differentiating the Competition model visually, especially given the current generation’s maturity. However, the timeless elegance of the second-generation RS5 design continues to age remarkably well. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its flowing lines and athletic proportions still exude a contemporary appeal, making it a sophisticated choice that stands apart from the often more ostentatious designs of its rivals. This enduring aesthetic contributes to the Audi RS5 Competition resale value.
The age of the second-generation RS5 does present a point of contention. While the introduction of the Competition package is a hugely welcome development, significantly enhancing the car’s driving dynamics and overall appeal, its arrival this late in the model’s lifecycle raises a pertinent question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to persuade buyers to embrace a car that, from a styling perspective, remains largely unchanged from its debut seven years ago? This is a critical consideration for those contemplating a new RS5 model year purchase.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial cost, does inject considerable value into the RS5. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination charges. My test vehicle, equipped with the Competition package, an optional RS driver assistance suite ($3,000), and a navigation package ($1,500), tipped the scales at a considerable $100,565. While a six-figure price tag for an Audi based on the A5 platform might seem steep, it positions the RS5 Competition squarely within the competitive set. Its pricing aligns closely with a fully loaded BMW M4. While official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it’s reasonable to assume it will also command a premium figure. Therefore, the Audi RS5, while undeniably expensive, finally justifies its premium pricing with a driving experience that is, at long last, as engaging as it is exhilarating. This makes the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition price a point of careful consideration for serious buyers.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I had long hoped the RS5 would become. It is a masterful blend of exhilarating speed, precise agility, and deeply satisfying driver engagement, finally delivering the immersive experience that was previously just out of reach for the standard model. Despite its firmer chassis, it remarkably retains much of its predecessor’s daily comfort and usability. The reduced sound deadening ensures you’re treated to the V6’s glorious symphony, free from artificial augmentation. In isolation, the Competition package-equipped RS5 stands as a formidable challenger to the exceptionally talented BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age cannot be overlooked. While its latest enhancements finally transform the RS5 from a merely quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question remains: will buyers recognize and respond to this late-life revitalization, or is it a case of “too little, too late” in the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance German sedans and coupes? For those seeking a premium sports car for sale that offers a unique blend of elegance and raw driving pleasure, this is a conversation worth having.
The road ahead is paved with opportunity, and for those ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi’s performance refinement, exploring the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is a journey worth embarking on. We invite you to connect with your local Audi dealer to schedule a personal test drive and discover firsthand the profound transformation that awaits you behind the wheel.
