The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Masterclass in Driver-Focused Performance, Finally Unleashed
For a decade, I’ve navigated the intricate landscape of automotive engineering, witnessing firsthand how even the most capable machines can sometimes fall prey to their own inherent strengths. The Audi RS5, in its various iterations, has long been a prime example. A true German powerhouse, it consistently delivered blistering acceleration and the kind of grip that could shame many a dedicated sports car, all wrapped in an impeccably crafted package. Yet, for all its formidable prowess, a certain detachment often lingered – a sense that the car was performing for you, rather than with you. The sheer speed, while undeniably impressive, rarely coalesced into the visceral thrill that defines truly engaging driving.
Then came the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. To be precise, this is the RS5 Coupe adorned with the comprehensive Competition package, a crucial designation, especially when navigating the labyrinthine naming conventions favored by some of our Bavarian counterparts. Irrespective of its Ingolstadt lineage, the ethos of this enhanced RS5 is refreshingly straightforward. It retains the formidable 444-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 engine from its standard brethren. However, the true magic lies in the meticulously engineered additions: manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefed-up anti-roll bars, a significantly quicker steering ratio, and an exhaust system that finally lives up to the performance credentials.
This isn’t merely an aesthetic or minor mechanical tweak; the Competition package fundamentally transforms the RS5. It imbues the chassis with a newfound agility and stability, particularly at higher velocities. More importantly, it bridges the crucial gap between machine and driver by significantly enhancing road feedback. After six model years in its second generation, this potent Audi has finally achieved its apex, becoming not just a fast car, but a truly captivating one.
The $16,100 investment in the Competition package is substantial, no doubt. However, the sheer volume and quality of the included hardware justify the expenditure. This is not a superficial upgrade. We’re talking about a significant performance arsenal: carbon-ceramic brakes for unparalleled stopping power, the aforementioned coilover suspension for precise handling, stout sport sway bars to minimize body roll, and an RS sport exhaust system that injects audible drama into the driving experience. Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the visual upgrades are equally compelling. A carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser lend a predatory aesthetic, while the striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels not only enhance the car’s stance but also offer a clear view of those impressive braking components. Inside, the cabin is elevated with Nappa leather and Alcantara trim, a tactile and visual upgrade that underscores the car’s sporting intent. While the complete list of offerings is extensive, it’s clear that every dollar spent on this package translates directly into a more refined and exhilarating driving machine.
Power figures remain unchanged, a testament to the already potent nature of the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It continues to churn out a healthy 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers might appear modest when juxtaposed against the stratospheric outputs of rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, it’s crucial to consider real-world performance. In everyday driving and on public roads, the RS5 Competition feels every bit as quick and potent as its higher-horsepower contemporaries. Its 0-60 mph sprint remains a brisk 3.8 seconds, but the Competition package unlocks a higher top speed, reaching an impressive 180 mph – a substantial 25 mph increase over the standard RS5 and a notable leap even beyond models equipped with Audi’s Dynamic Plus package. This added capability, especially at the higher end, speaks volumes about the package’s holistic approach to performance.
The true revelation of the Audi RS5 Competition, however, unfolds on a sinuous stretch of asphalt, where the road carves through rolling hills. From the initial turn of the wheel into a tight corner, the benefits of the Competition package become immediately apparent. The coilover suspension, while undeniably firmer than the standard setup, exerts remarkable control over the RS5’s nearly 3,900-pound mass. Body movements are virtually nonexistent, allowing for instantaneous changes in direction without any disconcerting float or pitch. This newfound agility is further amplified by the significantly quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t necessarily offer an overwhelming amount of granular road feel, its precision is undeniable, guiding the car with unerring accuracy through apexes. This is where audi rs5 competition performance truly shines.
The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, coupled with a meticulously tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, work in perfect harmony with the enhanced suspension. This potent combination unlocks impressive mid-corner grip, enabling the driver to maintain composure and confidently apply power as they exit bends. While the standard RS5 is a competent handler, the Competition’s more communicative chassis allows you to feel the immense pace it’s capable of generating. It’s no longer just about brute force; it’s about a symbiotic connection between driver and machine, a sentiment that resonates deeply with enthusiasts seeking more than just straight-line speed. This level of audi rs5 handling upgrades transforms the driving experience.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Audi RS5 Competition is how it manages to maintain a remarkable degree of daily usability and comfort, despite its decidedly firmer and slightly lower suspension (0.39 inches, or 10 mm). This achievement speaks volumes not only about the engineering prowess of the Competition package but also about the inherent comfort of the standard RS5, which, in retrospect, could often feel almost too refined for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The RS5 Competition strikes an admirable equilibrium, excelling as a track-day-capable sports car on the weekend and transforming into a comfortable and compliant daily commuter come Monday. This balance is critical for best sport coupes for daily driving discussion.
The Competition package also thoughtfully addresses sound insulation, a decision that perfectly complements the inclusion of the sonorous RS sports exhaust. While the reduction in sound deadening means more road and tire noise permeates the cabin, this is a trade-off most enthusiasts will gladly accept. A truly engaging sports car shouldn’t be silent. Where Audi’s earlier models relied on artificial engine noise piped through the speakers, the RS5 Competition delivers a genuinely visceral V6 growl, punctuated by explosive upshifts that can be tailored to your mood via the selectable drive modes. This raw auditory experience contributes significantly to the overall audi rs5 engine sound appeal.
Inside the RS5 Competition, the bespoke touches are immediately apparent and contribute to the elevated sense of occasion. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not just visually striking, featuring a distinctive Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitching pattern, but also incredibly supportive. Their inflatable side bolsters provide excellent lateral security during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim create a focused, driver-centric environment. Unlike the often glossy and sometimes overwhelming carbon fiber found in some competitors, Audi opts for a more understated matte finish, allowing the material to blend seamlessly into the sophisticated dark interior, a nuanced touch that speaks to its premium positioning. The integration of audi rs5 interior enhancements creates a truly special cabin.
Visually, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than dramatic. The package essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, already available on the standard car, with gloss black badging and trim elements. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are a perfect visual complement, enhancing the car’s already purposeful stance and providing an unobstructed view of the massive carbon-ceramic brakes. While these additions are tasteful, one might argue that Audi could have pushed the visual differentiation further, especially considering the model’s maturity. However, the inherent elegance of the second-generation RS5, which has been on sale since the 2017 model year, means it still presents a contemporary and sophisticated profile, a testament to its timeless design. Compared to some of its more overtly aggressive rivals, the RS5 remains the epitome of understated automotive artistry. This design philosophy contributes to its appeal as a luxury performance coupe.
The most significant point of contention, however, lies in the timing of this exceptional package. While the Competition package undoubtedly elevates the RS5 to new heights of driver engagement, its arrival so late in the second-generation car’s lifecycle raises a critical question: will a significantly improved driving experience be enough to entice buyers towards a model that, visually, closely resembles its 2017 predecessor? This is a crucial consideration when assessing audi rs5 competition value.
The $16,100 price tag for the Competition package, while considerable, represents a substantial infusion of performance and refinement. A 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe commands a starting price of $78,995, including destination fees. My test vehicle, equipped with the aforementioned Competition package, along with optional extras such as the RS driver assistance package ($3,000) and the navigation package ($1,500), pushed the total to a substantial $100,565. This figure places the RS5 Competition squarely in premium territory, a segment where the competition is fierce. While final U.S. pricing for the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains undisclosed, it is highly anticipated to land at or above this price point. Consequently, the Audi RS5, despite its premium cost, finally boasts a driving experience that unequivocally justifies its asking price. This aligns it with other high performance german cars in its segment.
In essence, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition is the car I’ve long wished the RS5 had been. It’s a symphony of speed, agility, and profound driver engagement, successfully marrying the raw capability of the base model with an immersive experience that was previously just out of reach. Remarkably, the firmer chassis does not come at the expense of daily comfort or practicality. Furthermore, the reduced sound deadening allows the car’s intrinsic, throaty V6 note to be appreciated without artificial augmentation. For those seeking the pinnacle of audi rs5 coupe price and features, this package delivers.
In isolation, the Competition package-equipped Audi RS5 stands as a formidable contender against the highly acclaimed BMW M4. However, the car’s inherent age cannot be ignored. Despite these late-cycle enhancements finally transforming the RS5 from a mere straight-line missile into a genuinely engaging driver’s car, the ultimate question remains: will buyers respond to this evolution, or is it a case of too little, too late? If you’re in the market for a new audi rs5 competition for sale, this model represents the most engaging iteration yet.
If you’ve been yearning for an Audi RS5 that truly connects you to the road and delivers a thrilling driving experience to match its formidable power, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition demands your attention. Explore the available configurations and test drive this remarkable machine to experience the culmination of Audi’s performance engineering firsthand.
