The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Ten-Year Journey to True Driver Engagement
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles, and in that time, few cars have presented a more compelling narrative than the Audi RS5. It’s a machine that, for years, seemed to embody a peculiar paradox: an almost overwhelming capability juxtaposed with a curious detachment for the person in the driver’s seat. While undeniably swift, capable of outgunning sports cars with significantly heftier price tags, the RS5 often felt like a master craftsman executing a flawless performance without truly conveying the passion behind the art. The sheer velocity was palpable, but the visceral thrill, the connection that transforms mere transportation into an exhilarating experience, remained elusive.
This brings us to the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition. Let’s be clear: this isn’t a completely redesigned model. Instead, it represents a significant evolution, a potent iteration born from the $16,100 Competition package meticulously layered onto the already impressive RS5 Coupe. This distinction is crucial, especially in a market segment where nomenclature can often be as complex as the engineering. But make no mistake, the philosophy driving this enhanced RS5 is singular: to finally imbue this potent machine with the driver engagement it has always had the potential for.
Underneath its sculpted hood, the heart of the RS5 Competition beats with the same formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that graces its standard sibling. This potent powerplant churns out a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While on paper, these figures might seem modest when stacked against the stratospheric outputs of direct rivals like the BMW M4 Competition or the outgoing Mercedes-AMG C63, the real-world performance is
anything but. The RS5 Competition, even with its unchanged 0-60 mph sprint of a brisk 3.8 seconds, feels every bit as immediate and eager as its more powerful brethren. Where it truly distinguishes itself, however, is in its top speed. With the Competition package, the RS5’s apex speed climbs to a remarkable 180 mph, a significant leap over the base model and a full 25 mph faster. This elevation in performance capability is a testament to the holistic approach taken with the Competition package, which extends far beyond mere cosmetic enhancements.
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its dynamic recalibration. The $16,100 investment unlocks a suite of upgrades meticulously designed to sharpen its reflexes and amplify the driver’s connection to the road. This isn’t simply about making the car faster; it’s about making it feel faster, more alive, and more responsive. The package includes crucial hardware such as carbon-ceramic brakes, a manually adjustable coilover suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, and a meticulously tuned RS sport exhaust system. Visually, these enhancements are complemented by subtle yet impactful touches: a carbon fiber front splitter, a more aggressive rear diffuser, striking 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and within the cabin, sumptuous Nappa leather seating and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. While the price tag might seem substantial, the depth and breadth of these upgrades validate the investment, transforming the RS5 from a potent grand tourer into a genuinely thrilling driver’s car.
For those seeking the ultimate Audi RS5 Competition price and the best Audi RS5 Competition lease deals, understanding the value proposition of this package is paramount. It’s an investment in an experience, a commitment to a more engaging drive. When considering new Audi RS5 Competition for sale, the Competition package elevates the proposition considerably, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts looking for a blend of everyday usability and track-day readiness.
The transformation is most profoundly felt when the RS5 Competition is unleashed on a challenging, winding road. From the very first turn of the wheel, the benefits of the Competition package become unequivocally apparent. The coilover suspension, while noticeably firmer, exerts masterful control over the RS5’s considerable mass – well over 3,900 pounds – minimizing unwanted body roll and allowing for instantaneous directional changes. This newfound agility is a direct consequence of the significantly quicker steering ratio. While it doesn’t flood the driver with copious amounts of road texture, its precision is razor-sharp, allowing for confident placement and an intuitive feel for the car’s limits.
This enhanced agility is further amplified by the sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires that grip the asphalt with tenacious resolve. Coupled with the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, expertly recalibrated to complement the suspension improvements, the RS5 Competition orchestrates a symphony of performance. The mid-corner grip is nothing short of astounding, and as you accelerate out of a bend, the car effortlessly deploys its considerable power, propelling you forward with exhilarating momentum. While the standard RS5 is undoubtedly a competent machine, the Competition package imbues it with a level of chassis communication that allows the driver to not only witness its immense pace but to truly feel it. This enhanced Audi RS5 Competition handling is a game-changer, transforming the driving experience from one of detached observation to active participation.
A persistent concern with performance-oriented vehicles is the compromise in daily comfort and usability. However, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition skillfully sidesteps this pitfall. Despite the firmer suspension setup and a ride height reduced by 0.39 inches (10 mm), the car retains a remarkable degree of compliance, making it a perfectly viable daily driver. This achievement speaks volumes about the inherent refinement of the standard RS5, which, paradoxically, sometimes felt almost too plush and muted for a car positioned as Audi’s most engaging A5 variant. The Competition package, however, strikes a masterful equilibrium, offering the exhilarating performance of a dedicated sports car for weekend excursions without sacrificing the comfort required for a Monday-to-Friday commute. This blend of performance and practicality is a hallmark of true automotive excellence, and the RS5 Competition achieves it with aplomb.
Adding to the sensory experience, the Competition package deliberately reduces the RS5’s sound-deadening insulation, a move that synergizes beautifully with the newly fitted RS sport exhaust. While this results in a more pronounced intrusion of road and tire noise into the cabin, it’s a welcome addition for any enthusiast who believes a sports car should announce its presence with a visceral soundtrack. Gone are the days of Audi artificially piping engine noise through the speakers. The RS5 Competition now delivers a genuine, throaty V6 roar, complete with explosive upshifts that can be modulated through the selectable drive modes. This authentic auditory experience is a critical component of the enhanced Audi RS5 Competition driving dynamics, contributing significantly to the overall emotional engagement.
The interior of the RS5 Competition receives a thoughtful infusion of sporty elegance. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are a visual and tactile delight, featuring a striking Lamborghini-esque hexagonal stitch pattern, gloss black accents, and embroidered RS logos. Crucially, these seats offer exceptional lateral support, courtesy of their inflatable bolsters, providing a secure embrace during spirited driving, while also offering ample comfort for longer journeys. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim further enhance the cabin’s bespoke feel. Unlike the often-glossy finishes found in some rivals, Audi opts for a more understated matte treatment for the carbon fiber, allowing it to meld seamlessly with the dark, sophisticated interior palette. This attention to detail reinforces the Audi RS5 Competition interior design as both driver-focused and luxuriously appointed.
Visually, the changes wrought by the Competition package are subtle rather than overt. It essentially bundles desirable options like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, available on the standard car, with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are perfectly proportioned and offer a clear, unhindered view of the formidable carbon-ceramic brakes lurking behind them. While these are welcome enhancements, it’s an area where Audi could have perhaps pushed the envelope further to more dramatically differentiate this special edition, especially considering the second-generation RS5’s established design language. However, the inherent elegance of the RS5’s second-generation design, which debuted in 2017, ensures it still presents a contemporary and sophisticated profile. It avoids the ostentatious flair of some competitors, offering instead a more restrained and timeless aesthetic. This makes the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition review lean heavily on its performance and handling improvements rather than radical visual overhauls.
The lingering question, and one that elicits a degree of internal conflict for me, is the timing of this significant transformation. The addition of the Competition package undeniably elevates the RS5 to a new echelon of driver engagement. However, its introduction so late in the second generation’s lifecycle raises a pertinent query: will a dramatically improved driving experience be enough to capture the attention of potential buyers for a car that, at its core, shares its fundamental design with a model from 2017?
The substantial $16,100 price tag of the Competition package, while significant, is justified by the sheer depth of improvement it delivers. A base 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe begins at $78,995, including destination charges. My test vehicle, adorned with the aforementioned Competition package, alongside optional extras like the RS driver assistance package and a navigation system, pushed the total closer to $100,565. While a six-figure price tag for an A5-derived Audi might initially seem steep, it aligns perfectly with the pricing strategy of its direct competitors, such as a similarly equipped BMW M4. While the U.S. pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 remains unannounced, it is widely anticipated to command a similar or even higher figure. Therefore, while the Audi RS5 demands a premium, the enhanced Audi RS5 Competition cost is finally backed by an engaging driving experience that unequivocally warrants it. For those considering Audi RS5 Competition financing options, this elevated performance justifies the investment.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the culmination of years of development, the car I, and many enthusiasts, have wished the RS5 had been all along. It is a masterful blend of exhilarating speed, razor-sharp agility, and profound driver engagement, finally unlocking the immersive experience that was previously just out of reach for the standard RS5. Crucially, this heightened performance comes without a significant sacrifice in daily comfort or usability. The reduced sound deadening not only enhances the sensory feedback but provides a genuine, unadulterated soundtrack to your drive.
When assessed in isolation, the Competition package transforms the Audi RS5 into a formidable contender against the likes of BMW’s exceptional M4. However, the age of the platform remains a factor. Despite its latest enhancements finally positioning the RS5 not just as a fast car, but as a genuinely engaging driver’s machine, the ultimate question is whether its belated transformation will resonate with buyers, or if it arrives too late to fully seize its potential.
If you’re seeking a car that finally delivers on the promise of exhilarating performance fused with everyday practicality, one that truly connects you to the road and rewards your every input, then the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition demands your attention. Explore the Audi RS5 Competition configurations and discover how this ultimate iteration can redefine your driving expectations. Your journey to a more engaging driving experience begins now.
