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By Drew DorianOverview
With a sleek, fastback body, 20-inch wheels and aggressive styling mods, the RS7 could get by on looks alone—but as an RS model, it doesn't have to. That's because while its six-figure price tag is not cheap, the RS7 is as close as you can get to an R8 supercar with four doors and a hatch. The A7 sedan on which the RS7 is based is all new for 2019, so we're anticipating a similarly new RS7 variant to debut soon.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
This bahn burner packs a spectacular twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that makes 560 horsepower, a performance-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a lowered suspension. For the ultimate expression of the RS7, the RS7 Performance makes 605 horsepower. When we tested a Performance model at our test track, it rocketed to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and managed a standing quarter-mile time of 11.3 seconds at 125 mph. In the same way that its acceleration performance is dialed up to the max, its suspension is very focused on cornering and handling. Pitch the RS7 into a fast corner and it rewards the driver with a truly joyous performance. The downside is that the ride over rough pavement is positively punishing, even when you select Comfort mode.
Interior and Technology
Snug sport seats, racy-looking trim details, and precisely fitted interior panels create an ambience of quality with a focus on performance. The interior design is now a generation old, but to our eyes it still looks luxurious and worth the money. Thanks to the RS7's dramatically sloped roofline, rear-seat headroom isn't as generous as in the A6 sedan, but there's still plenty of space for two adults to get comfortable for a long journey. The roofline is due to the fact that the RS7 is a hatchback and its large cargo area can accommodate plenty of luggage. Audi offers driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, but none of them are standard fare—a surprise given the RS7's lofty starting price.
