The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Reimagining Driver Engagement in a Performance Coupe
For years, the Audi RS5 has occupied a peculiar space in the automotive landscape. It’s undeniably a formidable machine, boasting performance figures that could readily challenge bona fide sports cars far exceeding its own price bracket. Yet, despite its prodigious power and unflappable capability, the previous iterations often left enthusiasts yearning for a deeper connection, a more visceral experience when piloted with intent. The inherent ease with which the RS5 devoured kilometers or navigated challenging asphalt, while impressive, often felt somewhat detached, translating speed into a sensation rather than a true engagement.
This narrative begins to shift dramatically with the arrival of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. This isn’t a wholly new model, but rather a significant enhancement, specifically the Audi RS5 Coupe graced with the $16,100 Competition package. This distinction is important, especially in a market segment where nomenclature can sometimes breed confusion. However, the philosophy driving this enhanced RS5 is clear and unwavering: to transform Audi’s established performance formula into a more involving and rewarding driving instrument. At its heart, the Competition retains the potent 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine found in the standard RS5. But the real magic lies beneath the surface, with the inclusion of a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering system for enhanced responsiveness, and a decidedly more vocal exh
The result of this targeted package is a car that doesn’t just maintain impressive speed but actively invites the driver to participate in the journey. The Competition package injects a newfound agility and steadfast stability at elevated velocities, and crucially, amplifies the feedback from the road. After six model years in its second generation, this high-performance Audi finally seems to have found its ultimate stride, offering a driving experience that matches its formidable capabilities.
The substantial $16,100 investment in the Competition package unlocks a suite of significant upgrades. Key among these are the high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a manually adjustable coilover suspension system for fine-tuning ride and handling, upgraded sport anti-roll bars to minimize body roll, and a distinct RS sport exhaust. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the package also bestows a more aggressive aesthetic, including a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a luxurious interior appointment featuring Nappa leather seats with an Alcantara steering wheel. While the price tag is undeniably significant, the breadth and depth of the included enhancements clearly demonstrate that buyers are receiving substantial value for their investment, making the Audi RS5 Competition package a compelling consideration for enthusiasts.
Interestingly, the raw power output of the RS5 remains unchanged. The twin-turbocharged V6 continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might fall short of the headline numbers posted by rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, in real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. The 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, a testament to its inherent performance. However, the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching 180 mph – a significant leap of 25 mph over the base model and 6 mph above a car equipped with the Dynamic Plus package. This expanded performance envelope further underscores the best Audi RS5 positioning of the Competition variant.
The true revelation of the Competition package becomes palpable the moment you steer the RS5 into a series of winding curves. The recalibrated coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exerts masterful control over the RS5’s nearly 4,000-pound mass. This allows for instantaneous changes in direction, with minimal unwanted body roll or oscillations. This newfound agility is further augmented by the quicker steering ratio, which, while not delivering an abundance of granular road feel, provides a direct and precise connection to the front wheels, enabling confident turn-in. The Audi RS5 Competition price for this level of dynamic refinement is certainly considerable, but the tangible improvements in handling dynamics justify the expenditure for many performance-oriented buyers.
Complementing the suspension and steering enhancements are the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, which work in seamless synergy with the finely tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination allows the RS5 Competition to exploit its suspension’s newfound capabilities, delivering impressive mid-corner grip and the ability to seamlessly deploy its considerable power out of apexes. While the standard RS5 is certainly a capable performer, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows the driver to not only witness its immense pace but to truly feel it, transforming mere speed into an exhilarating experience. This focus on Audi RS5 driver engagement is the defining characteristic of the Competition model.
Despite the firmer, 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower ride height, the Audi RS5 Competition manages to retain a surprising degree of daily usability and comfort. This is, in part, a testament to the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which some might argue was almost too plush for a car marketed as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, strikes an admirable equilibrium. It imbues the car with the composure and capability of a dedicated sports car for weekend spirited drives, while still offering a comfortable and composed demeanor for the daily commute. This dual nature is a significant selling point for those seeking a high-performance coupe that doesn’t necessitate sacrificing everyday practicality.
A deliberate reduction in sound deadening within the Competition package perfectly complements the addition of the aggressive RS sport exhaust system. This decision, while leading to a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, is a welcome characteristic for a car designed to be thrilling. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine sounds into the cabin to create an illusion of performance. Instead, the RS5 Competition delivers a genuinely sonorous and throaty V6 roar, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be modulated, or even muted, through the selectable drive modes. This acoustic enhancement further elevates the driving dynamics of the Audi RS5 Competition.
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives a welcome dose of sport-oriented styling cues. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a visual and tactile delight, featuring a distinctive hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian exotics. These seats also boast inflatable side bolsters that provide excellent lateral support during enthusiastic driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys. The RS5 Competition interior elements are designed to enhance the overall driving experience.
Further accentuating the performance theme, all Competition models feature an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and headliner, complemented by carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin. Unlike the glossy, often fingerprint-attracting finishes found in some rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for its carbon fiber elements, allowing them to blend harmoniously with the dark, sophisticated cabin environment. This subtle elegance is a hallmark of Audi’s design philosophy.
From a visual standpoint, the exterior changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than revolutionary. The package essentially bundles desirable carbon fiber elements, such as the front splitter and rear diffuser, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the car’s visual presence but also provide a clear view of the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are welcome, one might have hoped for more distinctive styling cues to set the Competition apart, especially given the model’s established age. However, the second-generation Audi RS5’s design remains remarkably contemporary and elegant, even years after its initial debut. It possesses a timeless appeal that differentiates it from the more ostentatious designs of some competitors, positioning it as the most sophisticated choice in its segment.
The primary quandary surrounding the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its timing. While the Competition package unequivocally elevates the driving experience to new heights, its introduction arrives relatively late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises a pertinent question: will a significantly improved driving dynamic be sufficient to sway potential buyers towards a car that, in essence, retains the same fundamental design introduced in 2017? The Audi RS5 lease deals may become more attractive as newer models emerge, but for those seeking the current pinnacle of RS5 performance, the Competition package remains the focus.
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its substantial cost, undeniably adds significant value, enhancing both performance and perceived luxury. The starting MSRP for a 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, including destination charges, hovers around $78,995. A generously optioned tester, incorporating the Competition package, the optional RS driver assistance package, and a navigation system, could approach the six-figure mark, exceeding $100,000. While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might initially seem steep, its pricing aligns closely with a fully equipped BMW M4. While the final U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains undisclosed, it is anticipated to command a similar, if not higher, premium. Therefore, the Audi RS5, particularly in Competition guise, demands a premium price, but crucially, its revitalized engaging driving experience now justifies that investment. The Audi RS5 performance upgrades are undeniable.
In summation, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the culmination of what the RS5 should have been all along. It is a vehicle that masterfully blends exhilarating speed with a heightened sense of driver involvement, offering an immersive experience previously absent. Despite its more focused chassis, it remarkably preserves the daily comfort and practicality of the standard model. The enhanced auditory experience, with its genuine V6 symphony and the absence of artificial sound, further solidifies its appeal. For those in the market for a potent German performance coupe, exploring Audi RS5 financing options for this Competition model is a wise endeavor.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender against established rivals like the BMW M4. However, the lingering question of the car’s overall age cannot be entirely dismissed. While the latest enhancements have finally transformed the RS5 from merely a swift machine into a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the ultimate success will hinge on market reception. Will buyers embrace this late-blooming engagement, or has the window of opportunity passed? Regardless of the market’s ultimate verdict, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition stands as a testament to Audi’s dedication to refining its performance offerings, providing an exceptional driving experience for those who prioritize connection and exhilaration behind the wheel.
If you’re captivated by the promise of a more engaging driving experience and the refined power of the Audi RS5 Competition, we invite you to explore further. Contact your local Audi dealership today to schedule a test drive and experience firsthand how the Audi RS5 Competition package redefines performance and driver connection.
