The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Masterclass in Refined Performance and Driver Immersion
For a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles. I’ve witnessed the relentless pursuit of speed, the intricate dance of advanced engineering, and the often-elusive goal of truly connecting a driver with their machine. In this journey, the Audi RS5 has consistently presented a fascinating paradox. It’s always been a car that could, with startling ease, reel in machines far more exotic and expensive. Its capability on a winding road was, and is, undeniable. Yet, for all its blistering pace, it often felt like a spectator sport for the person behind the wheel, a highly competent tool rather than an exhilarating partner. That is, until the advent of the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition.
This isn’t merely an appearance package or a minor tweak. The Audi RS5 Competition represents a significant evolution, a deliberate reorientation towards the very essence of driving pleasure. By equipping the already potent RS5 Coupe with the meticulously curated Competition package, Audi has, in my professional opinion,
finally delivered the Audi RS5 that enthusiasts have been yearning for. It’s a testament to how focused engineering can transform a capable performance car into a truly engaging driving experience, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from a premium grand tourer with sporting aspirations.
At the heart of the Audi RS5 Competition remains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant, a marvel of forced induction, churns out an impressive 444 horsepower and a robust 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not immediately eclipse those of some direct rivals, such as the formidable BMW M4 Competition or the now-departed Mercedes-AMG C63, they are, in practical terms, more than sufficient. The real-world performance is simply electrifying. Acceleration to 60 mph remains a blistering 3.8 seconds, a figure that still impresses a decade into its second generation. However, the Audi RS5 Competition raises the stakes with an elevated top speed of 180 mph. This is a substantial increase over the standard RS5, offering a tantalizing glimpse into its enhanced aerodynamic and thermal capabilities, and importantly, it surpasses even models equipped with the otherwise potent Dynamic Plus package.
Unlocking True Driver Engagement: The Competition Package’s Magic
The real transformation, however, lies within the $16,100 Competition package itself. This isn’t a collection of disparate upgrades; it’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of components designed to amplify the Audi RS5 Competition’s connection to the road and, by extension, to the driver. The inclusion of high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, a manually adjustable coilover suspension system, substantially beefed-up sport sway bars, and a decidedly more vocal RS sport exhaust system are just the tip of the iceberg.
Visually, the package subtly announces its sporting intent. A striking carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser hint at enhanced aerodynamics, while the aggressive 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only provide a commanding presence but also offer a clear view of the immense braking hardware behind them. Inside, the cabin receives a luxurious yet purposeful upgrade with Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed sport seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and carbon fiber interior accents. While the exterior modifications might appear understated to the casual observer, those in the know will recognize the inherent performance advantage that these components confer upon the Audi RS5 Competition.
The impact of these changes is immediately palpable the moment you engage with the steering wheel and guide the Audi RS5 Competition into a corner. The steering ratio has been significantly quickened, transforming the act of turning into a more immediate and intuitive response. While the raw road feedback might not reach the almost raw, unfiltered levels of some dedicated track machines, it’s a dramatic improvement over the previous iterations. This enhanced precision, coupled with the revised suspension, eradicates the tendency for unwanted body roll. The car’s considerable mass feels dramatically reduced as it carves through apexes with a newfound eagerness and stability.
The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, is not punishing. It strikes an exceptional balance, keeping the nearly 4,000-pound chassis impeccably composed. This firmness is essential; it allows the driver to feel the subtle nuances of the road surface, to understand precisely how much grip is available, and to make minute adjustments with confidence. This level of communication is what separates a fast car from an engaging one. The Audi RS5 Competition now provides that crucial dialogue, enabling its driver to exploit its immense capabilities with a far greater degree of confidence and enjoyment.
The Synergy of Drivetrain and Chassis: A Harmonious Performance
The engagement is further amplified by the seamless integration of the powertrain and the revised chassis. The tenacious grip provided by the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a standard fitment on the Competition model, works in perfect harmony with the finely tuned eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This transmission, already a competent unit, feels even more responsive in the Competition guise, delivering lightning-fast shifts that precisely match the demands of spirited driving.
As you power out of a corner, the Audi RS5 Competition hooks up with impressive tenacity, laying down its substantial torque without drama or wheelspin. The chassis remains planted, the steering points precisely, and the V6 engine sings its powerful tune. This level of synergy between all the mechanical components is what defines a truly great performance car. It’s a feeling of wholeness, where every input is met with a precise and rewarding output. For those seeking an Audi RS5 for sale near me that offers a genuine thrill, the Competition package delivers this in spades.
Refinement Reimagined: Sound and Comfort in Harmony
One of the most striking aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is its nuanced approach to sound. Gone are the days of discreetly piped-in engine notes through the audio system. The Competition package embraces a more authentic auditory experience, primarily through its enhanced RS sport exhaust and a reduction in sound-deadening materials. This decision, while resulting in a slightly increased level of road and tire noise within the cabin, is a welcome one for any driving enthusiast. The throaty rumble of the V6, the sharp cracks and pops on deceleration, and the visceral urgency of an upshift are now an integral part of the driving experience, not a manufactured afterthought.
This heightened auditory engagement doesn’t come at the expense of everyday usability. Despite the firmer suspension and the more direct connection to the road, the Audi RS5 Competition remains remarkably comfortable for daily commuting. In fact, it could be argued that the standard RS5, in its pursuit of refinement, sometimes strayed too far from its sporting roots. The Audi RS5 Competition successfully bridges this gap, offering a duality that is often sought but rarely achieved: a car that is equally at home tackling a challenging mountain pass on a Saturday and navigating the urban jungle on a Monday. The lowered ride height (by 0.39 inches or 10 mm) contributes to both aesthetics and handling, without compromising ingress and egress to a significant degree.
An Interior Crafted for the Driver
The cabin of the Audi RS5 Competition is a space that prioritizes both luxury and driver focus. The Nappa leather and Dinamica seats are a particular highlight, featuring a striking hexagonal stitching pattern reminiscent of high-end Italian sports cars. The supportive side bolsters provide excellent lateral security during aggressive driving, yet they also offer ample comfort for longer journeys. The inclusion of an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim injects a tangible sense of sportiness without resorting to overly garish or glossy finishes. Audi’s signature matte finish on the carbon fiber allows it to blend elegantly into the dark, sophisticated cabin, creating an environment that feels both exclusive and purposeful.
Subtle Design, Potent Implications
While the mechanical and interior enhancements are profound, the exterior styling of the Audi RS5 Competition remains more subtly differentiated from its standard sibling. The core design, dating back to the 2017 model year, has aged remarkably well. Its lines are elegant and timeless, a characteristic that has always set the RS5 apart from some of its more flamboyant rivals. The Competition package adds a carbon fiber splitter and diffuser, along with gloss black badging, but these are relatively minor visual cues.
This raises a point of contention for some enthusiasts and critics: the age of the platform. While the Audi RS5 Competition package injects a significant dose of dynamic prowess, the fundamental architecture is well-established. The question lingers: will these late-cycle enhancements be enough to sway buyers who might be drawn to newer, more overtly aggressive designs from competitors?
Value Proposition and Market Positioning
The pricing of the Audi RS5 Competition positions it firmly in the premium performance segment. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, including destination, starts in the high $70,000 range. The addition of the $16,100 Competition package, along with other optional packages such as the RS driver assistance ($3,000) and navigation ($1,500), pushes the as-tested price of my evaluation vehicle well into six figures, exceeding $100,000.
While this might seem like a substantial sum for an A5-based vehicle, it aligns with the competitive landscape. A similarly equipped BMW M4 Competition commands a comparable price. With the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 poised to enter the market at a similar or even higher price point, the Audi RS5 Competition offers a compelling value proposition, not in terms of outright horsepower, but in the holistic driving experience it delivers. It’s no longer just about brute force; it’s about the refinement, the precision, and the sheer enjoyment derived from a well-engineered performance machine. For those seeking performance car financing options for a vehicle that excels in both comfort and outright sportiness, the RS5 Competition warrants serious consideration.
The Verdict: A Future-Proofed Icon
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car that many have wished the RS5 had been from its inception. It has finally achieved the perfect equilibrium between blistering speed and deeply satisfying driver engagement. The improved chassis dynamics, the sharper steering, and the more evocative exhaust note coalesce to create an experience that is both exhilarating and intimate. Crucially, this heightened performance hasn’t come at the cost of the everyday usability that has always been a hallmark of Audi vehicles.
In isolation, the Audi RS5 Competition stands as a formidable contender against benchmarks like the BMW M4. It offers a more elegant aesthetic, a refined yet potent powertrain, and a driving experience that is now as engaging as it is fast. The lingering question, however, is whether this significant evolution, arriving late in the second generation’s lifecycle, will be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers in an increasingly competitive market. Despite its age, the Audi RS5 Competition has proven that it can still deliver a driving experience that is not only thrilling but also profoundly rewarding.
For those who appreciate the art of driving, who seek a vehicle that communicates its intentions with clarity and precision, and who desire a blend of luxury and sporting prowess, the Audi RS5 Competition represents a compelling and exceptionally well-executed proposition. It’s a testament to Audi’s ability to refine and enhance its performance offerings, ensuring that its models remain relevant and desirable for years to come.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of Audi’s performance engineering? Explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition and discover a driving experience that redefines engagement.
