The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Mastering the Art of Driver Engagement
For a considerable span, the Audi RS5 has stood as a paradoxical icon – a performance vehicle nearly undone by its own considerable success. Across its coupe and four-door Sportback iterations, it consistently delivered prodigious speed and an almost supernatural ability to outpace sportscars from significantly higher echelons. Yet, this remarkable capability was often delivered with an almost disconcerting ease, leaving the driver as a passenger in their own automotive ballet. While it could devour winding backroads at breathtaking speeds, that sheer velocity rarely translated into the visceral thrill that defines true driving enjoyment.
Then, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition arrived, a moniker that, while bearing a familiar ring, signifies a profound shift in philosophy. Specifically, this refers to the Audi RS5 Coupe meticulously outfitted with the $16,100 Competition package. This is a crucial clarification, especially given the proclivity of a certain Bavarian competitor to employ similar nomenclature. However, setting aside its Ingolstadt origins, the fundamental ethos of this more potent RS5 remains consistent: it retains the formidable 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 shared with its base sibling. The magic, however, lies in the accompanying enhancements: a manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly beefed-up anti-roll bars, a more direct steering ratio, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust system.
The Competition package, in essence, transforms the RS5 from a brutally fast appliance into a genuinely engaging driving instrument. It imbues the car with not just greater agility and unflappable stability at elevated velocities, but crucially, by amplifying road feedback, it fosters a palpable connection between the driver, the machine, and the asphalt beneath. Now, six model years into its second generation, this prodigious performance Audi has finally ascended to its rightful place at the pinnacle of its game, especially for those prioritizing a truly dynamic driving experience.
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package unlocks a veritable treasure trove of performance and aesthetic enhancements. Chief among these are the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes, the finely tunable coilover suspension, robust sport anti-roll bars, and a thrilling RS sport exhaust system. Visually, the package doesn’t shy away from showcasing its performance pedigree, featuring a carbon fiber front splitter, a sculpted rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and plush Nappa leather seating complemented by an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While this comprehensive list only scratches the surface of the package’s offerings, it clearly illustrates that, despite its substantial cost, the value proposition is undeniably strong.
Interestingly, the raw power output remains unchanged. The potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not eclipse those of a BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), they are unequivocally more than sufficient to make the RS5 Competition feel every bit as rapid as its rivals in real-world driving scenarios. Its 0-60 mph acceleration remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but its top speed is significantly elevated to 180 mph, a full 25 mph over the standard RS5 and six miles per hour beyond even a model equipped with the optional Dynamic Plus package. This surge in top-end performance is a testament to the comprehensive engineering overhaul.
However, it is on a ribbon of tarmac, twisting and turning through challenging terrain, that the true brilliance of the Competition package unequivocally shines through. The moment you initiate a turn, the RS5 Competition’s transformation becomes immediately apparent. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer, masterfully tames the over 3,900-pound chassis, allowing for instantaneous directional changes with a remarkable absence of unwanted body roll or oscillation. This newfound agility is significantly amplified by the Competition’s recalibrated steering, which, while not necessarily inundating the driver with granular tactile information, offers an unprecedented level of precision and responsiveness. This precise steering is a critical component for any performance car steering upgrade.
The Audi RS5 Competition achieves its dynamic prowess through a synergistic pairing of tenacious Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This formidable combination capitalizes fully on the suspension advancements, resulting in exceptional mid-corner grip and the effortless deployment of its formidable power as the car exits bends. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a capable machine, the Competition’s tauter chassis provides a far more communicative experience, allowing the driver to not only witness but deeply feel the car’s immense velocity. This enhanced Audi RS5 handling is a game-changer.
Despite the firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower suspension, the Audi RS5 Competition’s augmented capabilities do not come at the expense of daily comfort and practicality. In fact, this speaks more to the inherent nature of the standard RS5, which, in its previous iterations, often felt almost too plush and refined for what was ostensibly Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The latest RS5, even with its stiffer chassis, strikes an enviable equilibrium between a thoroughly competent weekend sports car and a comfortable, daily-drivable commuter. This balance is crucial for luxury performance sedan buyers.
Furthermore, the Competition package judiciously reduces the RS5’s sound deadening, a decision that harmonizes beautifully with the inclusion of the audibly assertive RS sport exhaust. While this diminished noise isolation means a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, it’s a welcome characteristic for a true sports car, eschewing the artificiality of a whisper-quiet cabin. Where Audi’s past efforts in refinement sometimes led to artificially piped-in engine notes, the current RS5 delivers a genuine, throaty V6 symphony, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated according to the selected drive mode. This creates a truly immersive RS5 exhaust note.
As alluded to, the Competition package generously bestows a few sporty embellishments upon the RS5’s interior. Foremost among these are the Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats. These feature a distinctive, Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, offset by gloss black-trimmed sides and elegantly embroidered backrests. Their inflatable bolstering provides exceptional lateral support during spirited drives, while also offering ample comfort for the journey home. The addition of these performance car seats significantly enhances the driving experience.
Every Competition model proudly sports an Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and a cabin accented with carbon fiber trim. However, in a departure from the often overtly flashy finishes seen in some competitors, such as the BMW M4, Audi opts for a more refined aesthetic. The lightweight material is presented with a sophisticated matte finish, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, upscale interior ambiance. This subtle luxury is a hallmark of premium performance interiors.
Visually, the modifications introduced with the Audi RS5 Competition are not immediately jarring. It essentially consolidates elements like the carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously available as standalone options on the base car, alongside gloss black badging and trim elements. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned to the car’s overall stance and offer an unhindered view of the colossal carbon-ceramic brakes. Nevertheless, this is an area where Audi might have explored more distinctive styling cues to set the Competition apart, particularly considering the model’s established age.
On the positive side, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age with remarkable grace. Despite its market introduction in the 2017 model year, the car’s elegant and timeless design language ensures it retains a contemporary presence. While it may not possess the overt flashiness or boisterous demeanor of its BMW or Mercedes-AMG counterparts, it undoubtedly remains the most sophisticated choice within its segment. This enduring Audi RS5 design is a significant draw.
The age of the Audi RS5 is, however, the primary factor contributing to a sense of internal conflict. While the introduction of the Competition package is undeniably welcome, given its profound impact on the car’s driving dynamics, its arrival feels somewhat belated in the second-generation model’s lifecycle. This naturally raises a pertinent question: will a demonstrably superior driving experience be enough to sway buyers towards a vehicle whose fundamental aesthetic remains largely unchanged since 2017? This is a key consideration for anyone researching Audi RS5 price and value.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial price tag, does serve to bolster the perceived value proposition significantly. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins its journey at $78,995, inclusive of a $1,095 destination fee. My specific test vehicle, outfitted with the aforementioned Competition package, the $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and the $1,500 navigation package, arrived with a total sticker price of $100,565. This places it firmly in luxury performance coupe territory.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem like a conceptual stretch, its pricing structure is remarkably aligned with a fully equipped BMW M4. Although the official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be disclosed, it is highly probable that it will be positioned at or above this price point. Consequently, the Audi RS5 commands a premium sum, but for the first time, its engaging driving experience definitively justifies that expenditure. This makes it a strong contender in the performance coupe market.
The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the vehicle I had always wished the RS5 could be. It is a masterful fusion of exhilarating speed, sharp agility, and deeply involving driver engagement, seamlessly integrating the base car’s raw power with a level of immersion previously elusive. Crucially, despite its firmer chassis, it sacrifices minimal, if any, daily comfort or everyday usability. Furthermore, thanks to the reduced sound deadening, the driver is treated to a more authentic and thrilling V6 soundtrack, unburdened by artificial augmentation. This car truly delivers on the promise of Audi performance driving.
Viewed in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable rival to the exceptionally competent BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age cannot be overlooked. Despite the latest updates finally elevating the RS5 from a mere speed machine to a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the lingering question remains: will discerning buyers respond, or has this transformation come too late in its evolutionary cycle? For those seeking the ultimate Audi RS5 driving experience, the Competition package is an undeniable imperative.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi’s performance engineering? Discover the thrilling capabilities of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and schedule your personalized test drive today.
