The 2023 Audi RS5 Competition: A Driver-Centric Evolution for Enhanced Engagement
For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of assessing the automotive landscape, focusing intently on performance vehicles that blur the lines between daily drivability and exhilarating track-day potential. Over these years, the Audi RS5 has consistently presented a fascinating paradox. It’s undeniably a powerhouse, a machine capable of astonishing acceleration and impressive handling that can, on paper, humble far more exotic sports cars. Yet, for many, including myself, the inherent thrill of its performance often felt somewhat… detached. It was a car that could deliver blistering speed, but rarely at the expense of profound driver engagement. This often left the RS5 feeling more like a supremely competent executive express than a car that truly communicated its capabilities through the steering wheel and chassis.
This is precisely where the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition enters the narrative, and my perspective on the model has been significantly reshaped. It’s important to clarify that this isn’t a standalone model, but rather the result of a meticulously curated Competition package, an option that imbues the already potent RS5 Coupe with a renewed focus on the visceral connection between driver, machine, and asphalt. This package, while carrying a substantial price tag, is not merely an aesthetic enhancement; it represents a fundamental recalibration of the RS5’s dynamic character.
At its heart, the RS5 Competition retains the formidable 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a robust 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might not immediately eclipse those of some direct rivals, such as the BMW M4 Competition or the now-departed Mercedes-AMG C63, what the Competition package does is unlock the experience of that power. The previous iterations, while ferociously quick, sometimes felt like they were delivering their performance from a slightly removed vantage point. The Competition package, however, brings that performance directly to your
fingertips, making the 3.8-second 0-60 mph sprint feel that much more immediate and involving. Furthermore, the elevated top speed of 180 mph is not just a number; it’s a testament to the engineering that allows this potent machine to stretch its legs, offering a tangible sense of urgency that was previously less pronounced.
The true magic of the Audi RS5 Competition lies in its revised suspension and steering architecture. Audi Sport has fitted manually adjustable coilover suspension, significantly stiffer sport sway bars, and a recalibrated steering system. These aren’t minor tweaks; they are foundational changes that fundamentally alter the RS5’s behavior when pushed. On challenging backroads, the difference is palpable from the first turn-in. The firmer chassis, a necessary evolution for an engaging sports car, resists unwanted body roll with remarkable authority. The nearly 4,000-pound mass of the RS5 is managed with an agility that belies its size, allowing for near-instantaneous changes in direction.
The quicker steering ratio, while still not offering the granular feedback of a dedicated track-focused machine, is noticeably more precise. It’s a system that allows for confident placement of the car, enabling the driver to intuitively guide the RS5 through complex corners. This enhanced steering precision, coupled with the chassis’s newfound composure, transforms the driving experience. Where the standard RS5 might have felt competent but slightly aloof, the Competition version communicates the road’s texture and the car’s limits with a clarity that was previously elusive. This is crucial for anyone seeking performance driving schools or simply looking to extract the most from their machine on spirited drives.
The sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, a standard feature with the Competition package, are essential partners in this dynamic symphony. They provide the grip necessary to fully exploit the chassis’s potential, allowing for aggressive cornering speeds and robust mid-corner stability. The eight-speed automatic transmission, now tuned to complement these suspension improvements, shifts with a decisive urgency, ensuring that power is delivered precisely when and where it’s needed, particularly as you power out of a bend. The combined effect is a car that feels dynamically cohesive, with an Audi RS5 handling upgrade that elevates it to a new level of performance.
It’s important to note that this enhanced dynamism doesn’t necessarily come at the expense of everyday usability, a characteristic that has always been a hallmark of the Audi RS lineup. While the suspension is undeniably firmer, it strikes a remarkable balance. It’s taught enough to provide excellent body control during spirited driving, yet it still manages to absorb road imperfections with a level of compliance that makes it a perfectly viable daily driver. This is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess, managing to create a car that excels in two seemingly disparate worlds – a capable weekend weapon and a comfortable Monday-to-Friday commuter. For those considering luxury performance coupes for sale, this duality is a significant selling point.
One of the most welcome evolutions within the RS5 Competition package is the deliberate reduction in sound deadening. This isn’t just about making the car louder; it’s about allowing the driver to hear the car. The optional RS sport exhaust system is more than just a racy addition; it’s an integral part of the sensory experience. While the standard RS5 often relied on synthesized engine notes piped through the speakers, the Competition version offers a genuine, unadulterated V6 growl. The sounds of acceleration, the satisfying bark on upshifts, and the palpable rumble on deceleration are all amplified. This auditory feedback creates a much deeper emotional connection to the driving experience, transforming mundane journeys into something far more engaging. This enhanced exhaust note is a key component in the Audi RS5 sound upgrade enthusiasts seek.
The interior also receives a significant dose of sportiness, reflecting the car’s enhanced dynamic capabilities. The Nappa leather and Dinamica-trimmed seats are not just visually striking with their hexagonal stitching and sculpted bolsters, but they also provide exceptional lateral support. This is crucial when exploring the RS5’s cornering limits, keeping the driver securely planted. The Alcantara steering wheel, headliner, and carbon fiber trim contribute to an atmosphere of focused performance. Unlike some rivals that opt for high-gloss finishes, Audi’s use of matte carbon fiber lends a more understated, elegant feel, seamlessly integrating with the dark interior palette. This is a subtle, yet important, design choice that speaks to Audi’s philosophy of blending sportiness with sophisticated design. For those in the market for performance car interiors, the RS5 Competition offers a compelling blend of luxury and sport.
Visually, the changes on the Audi RS5 Competition are more subtle than dramatic, which can be both a blessing and a curse. The package integrates elements like the carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, which were previously available as standalone options, along with gloss black badging and trim. The 20-inch Y-spoke wheels are handsome and do an excellent job of showcasing the massive carbon-ceramic brakes – a significant performance upgrade included in the package. However, given the model’s tenure, one might have hoped for more overt visual differentiation to truly signal its enhanced status. While the second-generation RS5’s design has aged remarkably well, remaining elegant and contemporary, the lack of significant exterior updates might leave some buyers wanting more visual flair to match the mechanical enhancements. For those seeking sporty Audi models, the subtle approach might appeal to a refined taste.
The age of the second-generation RS5 does present a unique challenge. The Competition package arrives late in its lifecycle, significantly enhancing its driving dynamics, but without a corresponding overhaul in its fundamental design. This raises a pertinent question: will the profound improvement in driver engagement be enough to attract new buyers to a car whose exterior design hasn’t evolved substantially since its 2017 debut? The value proposition of the $16,100 Competition package is undeniable, offering a substantial uplift in performance and driving experience.
When considering the pricing, the 2023 Audi RS5 Coupe, starting around $78,995 (including destination), becomes a significant investment. With the addition of the Competition package, optional driver assistance systems, and navigation, the as-tested price of my evaluation model nudged past the $100,000 mark. This places it squarely in the premium performance segment, competing directly with well-established rivals. While a six-figure price for an A5-based vehicle might initially seem steep, it aligns with the pricing strategies of competitors like the BMW M4 Competition. With the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 expected to command a similar, if not higher, price point, the Audi RS5 Competition, in its latest iteration, finally justifies its premium sum with a driving experience that is as exhilarating as its price tag suggests. For those researching high-performance German sedans, understanding these competitive price points is crucial.
In conclusion, the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition represents the culmination of a decade of refinement, finally delivering an RS5 that is not just fast, but profoundly engaging. It’s a car that has evolved from a supremely capable sprinter into a nuanced athlete, one that communicates its every move to the driver. The integration of the Competition package has transformed this model into a genuinely compelling proposition for driving enthusiasts. While its age is a factor, the substantial enhancements to its chassis, steering, and sensory feedback make it a formidable contender in the luxury sports coupe market.
The question remains: will this late-blooming dynamism be enough to capture the attention of discerning buyers? For those who prioritize an immersive driving experience, who crave the feedback that connects them to the road, and who appreciate the subtle yet significant engineering that transforms a great car into an exceptional one, the Audi RS5 Competition offers a compelling and rewarding answer.
If you’re ready to experience the evolution of Audi’s performance philosophy and discover a new level of driver engagement, we invite you to explore the 2023 Audi RS5 Competition for yourself. Schedule a test drive at your nearest Audi dealership and feel the difference that a decade of expertise and a commitment to driver focus can make.
