It has been customary for many years that the RS variants from Audi always come onto the market a little later than the basic models. But the waiting time is particularly worthwhile with the new Audi RS 7 - because the subsidiary Audi Sport has not only raised the performance to super sports car level, but has also heavily modified the body.
Front and rear fenders are just as independent as the rear doors, and also the front and rear apron present themselves with their own design. This makes the RS 7 in its proportions somewhat brutal, but the changes are logically and cleanly integrated. They wanted to maintain a purist approach, because the RS 7 is according to Audi, the sports sedan par excellence.
The wide body gains 20 millimeters per side with extreme emphasis on the wheel arches, especially in combination with the elaborately milled 22-inch rims. The radiator grille sits lower than the regular A7, and instead of chrome there are three optics packages: black, matt aluminum and carbon fiber. With the aluminum version, the rear diffuser is almost overdrawn, which is why we prefer one of the two dark packages; in the end it is a matter of taste.
To emphasize the clean silhouette, the spoiler is not attached, but integrated; It automatically starts at 120 km / h or by pressing a button. A striking element: the vertical reflectors at the rear.
Let's get to the essence: The 4,0-liter V8 biturbo delivers smooth 600 PS and 800 Nm of torque; it is designed as 48-Volt mild hybrid. Thus, he delivers over the previous model, an increase of 40 PS and 100 Nm; However, there was also a 605 PS strong performance version last, and one can assume that the new model with 600 PS is still far from the end of the flagpole is reached.
At the wheel of the 600 PS version, you can not complain about a lack of performance: the 7 sprints in only 3,6 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and regulates depending on the chosen technology package at 250, 280 or 305 km / h , The catapult-like acceleration of the new RS7 should have been experienced, as well as the impressive sound carpet, which leaves no doubt about the dominance of this sports sedan.
Incidentally, the 48-Volt hybridization brings up to 0,8 liters of fuel savings per 100 kilometer, while the imperceptible cylinder deactivation further reduces fuel consumption. the cycle consumption is very acceptable 11,4 liters per 100 kilometer. The power transmission to all four wheels is provided by an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF; The four-wheel drive is designed to be rear-heavy, to support the lightning-fast and precise steering.
In the standard version of the Audi RS 7 is equipped with air suspension, but who can do without the height adjustment, which is advised to resort to the optional steel chassis. It almost completely eliminates side roll due to a hydraulically connected damper cross. With this chassis, the RS7 makes another significant leap forward in terms of driving dynamics. It is in addition to the Vmax increase by far the most recommended extra.
If you still have some budget left you should also consider the sport differential, the rear axle steering and the progressive steering with variable ratio, the ceramic brake does not necessarily have to be even the standard ten-piston fixed caliper brake is characterized by extreme performance.
With a curb weight of 2065 kilograms, the Audi RS 7 has gained about 100 kilograms; 50 of it go on the account of the improved equipment. Incidentally, there is an independent, very futuristic instrument graphic in the cockpit, which was specially developed for the RS 7.
And there are numerous assistance systems on board: According to Audi Sport, customers want "maximum" equipment here. Although this is not particularly purist, but who likes to be on the frontier of this sports sedan, the bored at normal speeds presumably in such a way that it is good to have a number of electronic minder on board. They control the driver tirelessly and are always ready to control it if necessary by intervention.
Incidentally, the Audi RS 7 is also a particularly spacious car: The space is generous, there is a four- and a five-seater version, and the variable luggage space can be increased to proud 1510 liter.
While the predecessor generation of the Audi RS 7 competed precisely with the past models BMW M6 Gran Coupe and Mercedes-AMG CLS 63, the competition models have gone up in terms of labeling: Mercedes-AMG now offers the GT63 in this segment, while BMW will shortly be offering the M8 Gran Coupe introduces. The competition models are also more expensive without offering more. We believe that anyone who decides on the new Audi RS7 does not have to do without anything. On the contrary.
Data Audi RS 7 Sportback
Length x width (m): 5,01 x 1,95
Engine: V8 gasoline engine, 3996 ccm, twin turbo, direct injection
Power: 441 kW / 600 PS at 6000-6250 RPM
Max. Torque: 800 Nm at 2050-4500 rpm
Top speed: 250 / 280 / 305 km / h (each time adjusted)
0 acceleration to 100 km / h: 3,6 sec.
Average WLTP consumption: 11,4 liters
CO2 emissions: 261 g / km
Empty weight: min. 2065 kg
Boot volume: 535-1390 liters
Tires: 275 / 35 R 21
Drag coefficient: 0,32
Base price: 121 000 Euro