he 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: Unlocking Peak Driver Engagement in a Refined Performance Coupe
For nearly a decade, the Audi RS5 has occupied a curious niche in the automotive landscape. It’s undeniably a performance titan, boasting blistering acceleration and the dynamic capabilities to rival purebred sports cars often positioned at a significantly higher price bracket. Yet, for many enthusiasts, this immense prowess has felt somewhat detached, delivered with an almost surgical precision that, while efficient, lacked the visceral thrill and connection typically sought by those who truly love to drive. The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition package arrives not as a radical redesign, but as a precisely targeted upgrade, aiming to inject a much-needed dose of driver engagement into an already formidable package. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of
The core of the RS5, its 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, remains unchanged. This is by no means a detraction. This potent powerplant delivers a robust 442 pound-feet of torque, capable of propelling the RS5 from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. While these figures might trail some of its direct German rivals on paper – think the BMW M4 Competition with its higher horsepower output – the real-world performance of the RS5 Competition is undeniably impressive. What truly sets this iteration apart, however, is not more power, but how that power is delivered and how the car translates that power to the road through an enhanced chassis and finely tuned dynamics. The $16,100 Competition package is more than just an aesthetic dress-up; it’s a comprehensive performance upgrade.
At the heart of the Competition package’s transformation lies a recalibrated suspension system. Audi has fitted manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly beefed-up sway bars, and a quicker steering ratio. These aren’t minor tweaks; they represent a fundamental shift in the car’s dynamic philosophy. The ride is noticeably firmer, a characteristic that immediately communicates more about the road surface beneath you. While some might perceive this as a compromise in comfort, it’s precisely this heightened feedback that allows the driver to feel more connected to the car and its intentions. The reduction in body roll during cornering is dramatic. Turn the wheel into a sweeping bend, and the RS5 Competition changes direction with an immediacy and precision that was previously somewhat muted. The over 3,900-pound chassis, rather than feeling ponderous, feels remarkably agile, balletic even, in its response to driver inputs. This newfound agility is crucial; it transforms a fast car into an enjoyable one.
The quicker steering, while not layering on an abundance of road texture, is undeniably more direct. It translates the driver’s intentions to the front wheels with an almost telepathic response. This precision, combined with the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires that come standard with the package, provides an exceptional level of grip. Mid-corner composure is superb, allowing you to maintain a confident line and then smoothly apply power as you exit the bend, the Quattro all-wheel-drive system working diligently to harness the V6’s formidable torque. For those seeking performance car upgrades or specifically Audi RS5 tuning for enhanced driving dynamics, the Competition package offers a factory-approved solution that redefines the car’s character.
Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the Competition package also includes significant braking upgrades. The carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant investment in terms of performance and longevity, provide immense stopping power and resist fade even under sustained hard driving. This confidence in the braking system allows drivers to push deeper into corners, further enhancing the overall engagement. For anyone considering performance brakes for Audi RS5 or looking for high-performance Audi RS5 parts, the carbon-ceramics are a standout feature.
One of the most welcome, albeit often overlooked, aspects of the RS5 Competition is its auditory experience. Audi has thoughtfully reduced the sound-deadening material within the cabin, a decision that perfectly complements the inclusion of a throaty RS sport exhaust system. The result is a symphony of V6 growls and snarls, punctuated by satisfyingly sharp upshifts from the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This isn’t the artificial sound pumped through speakers that plagued earlier iterations; this is the genuine, unadulterated voice of the twin-turbo V6. The ability to adjust the exhaust note and overall driving character through Audi’s drive modes adds another layer of versatility, allowing the car to be a docile cruiser one moment and an aggressive performer the next. This is a critical element for luxury performance coupe buyers who want a car that can adapt to their needs.
The interior enhancements of the Competition package are equally refined. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not just visually striking with their Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching, but they also provide exceptional lateral support. For spirited driving, these seats cradle the occupants, ensuring they remain planted and comfortable. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon-fiber trim lend a sense of occasion and sportiness to the cabin, but with Audi’s signature understated elegance. Unlike the sometimes-overwrought glossy finishes found in some competitors, the matte finish of the carbon fiber here blends seamlessly, adding a touch of sportiness without being ostentatious. These interior touches contribute to the overall Audi RS5 interior upgrades and the perception of a high-end, performance-oriented cabin.
Visually, the RS5 Competition retains the elegant, albeit aging, lines of the second-generation RS5. The subtle additions, such as the carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, along with gloss black badging, are tasteful rather than overtly aggressive. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a particular highlight, perfectly complementing the car’s proportions and offering a tantalizing glimpse of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes behind them. While some might wish for more dramatic visual differentiation, the RS5’s timeless design has aged remarkably well. It remains one of the most elegant cars in its segment, a sophisticated alternative to some of the more flamboyant designs from its rivals. For those interested in Audi RS5 aftermarket wheels or aerodynamic upgrades for Audi RS5, the factory options here are understated but effective.
However, the elephant in the room, or rather, the age of the platform, must be addressed. The second-generation RS5 has been with us since the 2017 model year. While the Competition package injects a newfound dynamism, it’s a significant update arriving late in the car’s lifecycle. This begs the question: will a vastly improved driving experience be enough to lure buyers to a car that, in terms of its fundamental platform, looks and feels much like it did eight years ago? This is a key consideration for performance car purchasing decisions and understanding the Audi RS5 generation differences.
The pricing of the Competition package, at $16,100, is substantial. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe starts around $78,995, with destination fees. My tester, loaded with the Competition package, driver assistance systems, and navigation, pushed the final price north of $100,000. This positions the RS5 Competition squarely in premium territory, aligning it with similarly equipped BMW M4 Competition models. While pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains to be seen, it’s expected to be in a similar ballpark. Thus, while the Audi RS5 is now asking a premium price, the Competition package finally provides a compelling driving experience that justifies that cost. This elevates the discussion beyond just Audi RS5 price to the value of performance packages and luxury sports car comparisons.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car many of us have been hoping the RS5 would become. It successfully blends the base car’s prodigious straight-line speed with a level of driver engagement and connection that was previously elusive. The firmer chassis, sharper steering, and enhanced feedback transform its character, making it not just a fast car, but a truly exciting and involving one. Crucially, this newfound dynamism doesn’t come at the significant expense of daily comfort or usability. The ride, while firmer, remains manageable for commuting, and the reduced sound-deadening allows the authentic V6 soundtrack to permeate the cabin without relying on artificial enhancements.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable competitor to established benchmarks like the BMW M4. It offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and now, genuine driver engagement. However, the looming question of its platform’s age cannot be ignored. While the Competition package breathes new life into the RS5, the ultimate success of this iteration will depend on whether buyers are drawn to its revitalized driving dynamics, even as its overall design matures.
If you’ve been waiting for an Audi RS5 that truly connects you to the road and delivers a visceral driving experience without compromising on its luxurious appointments, then the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition merits your serious consideration. It’s a testament to what focused engineering and a commitment to driver engagement can achieve.
Ready to experience the thrilling evolution of the Audi RS5? Explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition at your local Audi dealership and schedule a test drive to feel the difference that true driver focus makes.
