The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unleashing the Ultimate Driving Sensation
For years, the Audi RS5 has stood as a beacon of formidable performance within the premium grand tourer segment. Its inherent capabilities have always been undeniably potent, capable of effortlessly keeping pace with genuine sports cars that command significantly higher price tags. Yet, despite this raw speed, a persistent whisper of unmet potential lingered. The experience, while astoundingly rapid, often felt detached, a phenomenon I’ve witnessed firsthand over my decade in the automotive industry. The immense velocity it could conjure rarely translated into the visceral thrill that defines truly engaging driving. It was a car that could conquer straights and sweep through bends with remarkable efficiency, but the nuanced dialogue between driver and machine often felt muted.
This brings us to the much-anticipated 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. It’s crucial to clarify that this isn’t an entirely new model but rather the already potent Audi RS5 Coupe meticulously refined with the addition of the $16,100 Competition package. This distinction is noteworthy, especially considering the
automotive world’s penchant for overlapping nomenclature. However, originating from Ingolstadt, the RS5 Competition adopts a philosophy remarkably aligned with enhancing the driver’s connection to the road. At its heart, it retains the same formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine. What truly sets it apart are the significant upgrades: a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a recalibrated steering system for enhanced responsiveness, and a decidedly more vocal exhaust note.
The result of these strategic enhancements is a vehicle that doesn’t just feel more agile and stable at higher velocities; it actively fosters a profound sense of connection. Through improved road feedback, the driver is no longer a passive observer but an active participant, feeling the nuances of the asphalt beneath the tires. Now, six years into its second generation, this performance-oriented Audi has finally ascended to its zenith.
Elevating Performance: The Competition Package’s Strategic Investments
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package unlocks a treasure trove of hardware designed to elevate the RS5’s dynamic prowess. Among the most impactful inclusions are the carbon-ceramic brakes, providing unparalleled stopping power and fade resistance. The manually adjustable coilover suspension allows for precise tuning to suit a variety of conditions, while the uprated sport sway bars actively combat body roll, promoting a flatter, more composed stance through corners. And, of course, there’s the RS sport exhaust, a crucial element for the auditory engagement that defines a true performance machine.
Beyond the mechanical marvels, the package bestows a visual flourish befitting its enhanced capabilities. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend an aggressive, aerodynamic profile, while the striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance aesthetics but also offer a clear view of the formidable braking hardware. Inside, the cabin is transformed with sumptuous Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats, exuding a blend of sportiness and luxury. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel completes the driver-centric cockpit, providing an exceptional tactile connection. While this list represents a significant portion of the package’s offerings, it clearly illustrates that despite its substantial cost, the value delivered in terms of tangible performance and aesthetic enhancements is substantial.
Power Unchanged, Capability Amplified
It’s important to note that the RS5 Competition’s power output remains unchanged from the standard model. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 continues to deliver a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may fall short of the headline numbers produced by rivals like the BMW M4 Competition (503 hp) or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63 (503 hp), in real-world driving scenarios, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as rapid. Its 0-60 mph time remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed of 180 mph, a significant leap from the base model and even exceeding the figures attainable with the optional Dynamic Plus package. This increased top-end capability, coupled with the package’s dynamic enhancements, creates a sensation of unbridled performance that feels more potent than the raw numbers might suggest.
The Art of the Corner: Where the RS5 Competition Truly Shines
It is on a winding, challenging backroad that the transformative impact of the Competition package becomes unequivocally apparent. The moment you turn the wheel and initiate a dive into a tight bend, the RS5 Competition communicates with an immediacy previously absent. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exercises remarkable control over the RS5’s considerable mass – a car weighing in at over 3,900 pounds. This resolute chassis control allows for instantaneous changes in direction, devoid of the unwanted body motions that can detract from driver confidence.
This newfound agility is intrinsically linked to the Competition’s recalibrated steering. It’s quicker, more precise than ever, and while it might not deliver the absolute granular feedback of a dedicated track car, it provides more than enough information to build confidence and exploit the car’s capabilities. The RS5 Competition pairs this exceptional chassis and steering tuning with sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a choice that maximizes grip and allows the sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission to effectively manage power delivery. The result is a symphony of controlled aggression: immense mid-corner grip, the ability to smoothly deploy its full power as you exit a bend, and a chassis that is far more communicative, allowing you to not just witness its immense pace, but to truly feel it. For enthusiasts seeking that quintessential performance driving experience, the Audi RS5 Competition emerges as a compelling contender in the luxury sports coupe market.
Daily Usability: Striking the Right Balance
Remarkably, despite the firmer suspension – now sitting 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower – the added performance capabilities of the Audi RS5 Competition do not come at the expense of daily comfort and practicality. This observation, however, speaks volumes more about the inherent refinement of the standard RS5 than it does about any compromise made by the Competition package. The base car, while undeniably capable, often felt almost too plush and refined for a vehicle positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The RS5 Competition, with its more assertive chassis, achieves a commendable equilibrium. It functions brilliantly as a thoroughly capable sports car for weekend excursions while seamlessly transitioning into a comfortable and composed commuter from Monday to Friday. This duality is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess and their ability to balance extreme performance with everyday livability, a key consideration for anyone exploring performance car values in the luxury segment.
The Sound of Performance: Unleashing the V6’s Voice
A notable aspect of the Competition package is its reduction in cabin sound deadening. This deliberate choice perfectly complements the addition of the throaty RS sport exhaust. While this means a heightened awareness of road and tire noise within the cabin, it’s a trade-off many performance car enthusiasts readily embrace. A truly exhilarating sports car, after all, should not be whisper quiet. Gone are the days when Audi had to artificially amplify engine notes through the sound system; the RS5 Competition now delivers a genuinely guttural V6 soundtrack. The explosive upshifts are met with a satisfying bark, and the overall acoustic experience can be modulated through the various drive modes, allowing for a more subdued experience when desired or a full-blown performance opera when the mood strikes. This focus on performance exhaust systems and driving dynamics significantly enhances the overall sensory appeal.
An Interior Crafted for the Driver
As alluded to previously, the Competition package introduces several sporty enhancements to the RS5’s interior. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a prime example, featuring a striking hexagonal stitch pattern reminiscent of exotic supercars, complemented by gloss black trim and embroidered backrests. Their design provides excellent lateral support during spirited driving, while the adjustable side bolsters ensure a comfortable and accommodating seating position for longer journeys.
The inclusion of an Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim further elevates the cabin’s sporting ambiance. Unlike the often-glossy finishes found in competitors like the BMW M4, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish for its lightweight material, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated cabin aesthetic. This attention to detail underscores the RS5 Competition’s approach to performance – it’s about substance and refined execution. For those considering a luxury performance vehicle, the interior appointments are a significant consideration.
Subtle Aesthetics, Significant Impact
Visually, the exterior modifications on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than transformative. The package essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, available on the base car, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are elegantly proportioned and perfectly complement the car’s overall design, while also providing an unobstructed view of the substantial carbon-ceramic brakes. From an aesthetic standpoint, one might argue that Audi could have pushed the visual differentiation further, especially given the model’s current lifecycle. However, the RS5’s inherent design is timeless and sophisticated, and these subtle enhancements serve to underscore its inherent athletic prowess without resorting to overt flamboyance. This restrained elegance is a hallmark of Audi design and contributes to its enduring appeal in the premium coupe segment.
Aging Gracefully, Performing Exceptionally
On a positive note, the second-generation Audi RS5 continues to age remarkably well. Having been on sale since the 2017 model year, its elegant design language remains contemporary, defying its age. While it may not possess the overt flashiness or boisterous presence of some of its German rivals, it undeniably stands as the most aesthetically refined option within its class. This enduring design, coupled with the significant dynamic improvements, makes the RS5 Competition a compelling proposition for those who value understated sophistication alongside exhilarating performance. When exploring performance car deals or luxury car financing, the RS5’s enduring design is a significant asset.
A Late Bloom: The Question of Timing
The primary point of internal conflict arises from the timing of these enhancements. While the addition of the Competition package is unequivocally welcomed, given its profound impact on the driving experience, it arrives quite late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle. This raises a crucial question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to entice new buyers to a platform that, visually, shares so much with its 2017 predecessor?
The $16,100 Competition package, despite its hefty price tag, undoubtedly adds substantial value. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins its journey with a starting MSRP of $78,995, inclusive of destination fees. My test vehicle, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, the optional $3,000 RS driver assistance package, and a $1,500 navigation package, reached a total of $100,565.
While a six-figure Audi based on the A5 platform might seem ambitious, its pricing is squarely in line with a similarly equipped BMW M4. Although official U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 has yet to be announced, it is highly probable that it will command a similar or higher figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 now demands a premium sum, its enhanced and truly engaging driving experience finally justifies that expenditure. For those actively researching new car prices or performance vehicle incentives, understanding the value proposition of these premium packages is key.
The Verdict: A Driver’s Dream, But Is It Too Late?
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the car I have long wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It is a vehicle that masterfully blends exhilarating speed with an immersive driving experience. It retains the raw performance of the standard model but elevates it with a level of driver engagement that was previously elusive. Despite its firmer chassis and more focused suspension, it sacrifices remarkably little in terms of daily comfort or usability. And thanks to the reduced sound deadening, occupants are treated to the authentic, throaty growl of its V6 without resorting to artificial amplification.
When considered in isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable rival to the already excellent BMW M4. However, one cannot ignore the car’s age. Despite how its latest enhancements finally transform the RS5 from merely a quick car into a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the lingering question remains: will buyers respond, or has this late bloom arrived too late in the model’s lifecycle?
For those seeking the ultimate expression of the Audi RS5’s potential, and who prioritize a truly connected driving experience, the RS5 Competition offers a compelling, albeit late-arriving, solution.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi RS5 performance? Explore our current inventory or schedule a personalized test drive today to discover the thrill of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition for yourself.
