Audi RS7 RS 7 TFSI Qtro Perform Carbon Vorsp 5dr Tiptronic

  • Automatic
  • Petrol
  • 23.2 mpg
  • 5 door hatchback
  • 278 g/km CO2
  • 278 g/km CO2 emissions
  • 23.2 mpg Fuel efficiency
  • 3.4 secs 0 to 62 mph
  • 630 bhp Engine power

Ten Second Review

The second generation version of Audi's RS 7 Sportback performance model delivers a massive 630PS engine and puts that power through all four wheels to scuttle from standstill to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds. You'll pay nearly £115,000 for the privilege but the accompanying soundtrack might well be the clincher: pure V8 muscle car.

Background

You never quite know what you're going to get with an RS-badged Audi. Some are excellent, others merely make great autobahn expresses while a few are just head-scratchingly patchy in their array of talents. Just lately, however, Audi has been on a decent run. The current RS 4 is one of the better examples of its vintage and the current fourth generation RS6 is the best example of a big, fast Audi estate to date. Minded of this slightly hit and miss record, we were a little curious to see quite how this second generation RS 7 would turn out. It was first launched in this current form in 2019, when it arrived with a 600PS 32-valve petrol V8. Three years later, to keep sales ticking over, Audi upgraded this model to 'performance' status, which meant power was uprated to 630PS: that's the version we'll be looking at here. Even up against the likes of the Porsche Panamera, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG and the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, this Audi appears to holds its own. The price stands up well and there's lots of new tech, including 48-volt mild hybrid electrical engineering for extra efficiency. And there's a clever Launch Control system, plus wheel-selective torque control and a quattro sport differential that shifts drive torque between the rear wheels when cornering at speed. There's also a new five-link rear suspension design. Best of all, it's very fast. It's always reassuring to know that when you're spending this sort of money, you're buying something genuinely and demonstrably rapid.

Driving Experience

Like its predecessor, this second generation RS 7 uses a 4.0-litre TFSI V8, but now it's provided with 630PS and gains 48-volt mild hybrid tech. Best of all, it remains a thoroughbred powerplant in terms of character and sound, as 62mph flashes by in just 3.4s on the way to a 174mph maximum. The driver can influence those aural fireworks by adjusting settings for the sports exhaust, one of the configurable elements you can influence, then programme into the car's customisable RS1 and RS2 drive modes. All of this power's controlled via an eight-speed tiptronic auto transmission with optimised shift times and a Launch Control function. Through the turns, the quattro 4WD system's Torsen differential pushes 60% of drive to the rear axle in normal conditions, though at the slightest sign of slip, up to 70% of torque can go frontwards, or up to 80% to the rear, depending on what's needed. As with the previous generation model, there's also a sport differential to vary torque across the rear axle; and wheel-selective torque control to maximise traction through the turns. Which should be all you need to ruin the day of that supercar driver behind. To this recipe, for this MK2 model, Audi Sport has further added a Dynamic all-wheel steering system, via which the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the fronts at high speeds for greater stability. And there's air suspension on an RS 7 for the first time, with the other key change being the adoption of a variable-ratio 'Progressive' steering rack, which gives more direct responses to larger steering angles. But there's still not the kind of feel you'd ideally really want when pressing on at speed through tight turns.

Design and Build

So what exactly is this RS 7? As the second recipient of the 48-volt version of the brand's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 (after the current RS 6), is this merely a version of that estate in a posh frock? Like its showroom counterpart, the RS 7 Sportback certainly looks perpetually ready to wield its sledgehammer performance - its sinewy body virtually hugs the road surface, and its sizeable wheels are shrouded by boldly flared arches that leave no margin for doubt about the mettle of this Audi Sport offering. Inside, there are grippy RS sport seats upholstered with perforated Valcona leather. And you're positioned comfortably in front of a perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles and multifunction buttons, including the RS MODE button, which the driver can use to enable the drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays on the Audi virtual cockpit instrument binnacle screen. These provide details of tyre pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and g-forces. More screens sit on the centre stack, and the driver can use the upper one to call up an RS monitor that gives an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. Unlike the previous generation RS 7, this one is provided with a three-seater rear bench in the interest of maximum versatility. When its split seat backs are folded down, up to 1,390-litres of luggage space can be made available, and when five adults are on board 535-litres remain at their disposal.

Market and Model

You'll need a £115,000 budget for this RS 7 Sportback performance model - probably more like £125,000 once you've allowed for a few well chosen extras, so you're looking at a minimum premium of around £38,000 over the already decidedly brisk S7 TDI model. The closest rival is probably BMW's M850i Gran Coupe. There are three RS 7 Sportback performance trim options - standard, 'Carbon Black' and 'Carbon Vorsprung'. All get lots of kit. Let's start with the outside. You get HD Matrix LED headlamps with the Audi laser light system and dynamic RS-specific turn signals; those dynamic turn signals also feature with the rear LED rear combination lamps. There are big 21-inch '10 spoke star' design alloy wheels with RS steel brakes and black brake calipers. Plus key engineering features include quattro four-wheel drive with a sports differential to vary torque across the rear axle; Dynamic all-wheel steering; and the Audi drive select driving modes system, complete with two customisable RS modes. The RS 7 interior does a decent job of justifying the car's pricing. The standard A7 feels genuinely special inside, with some beautiful design touches and real quality throughout. This gives the RS 7 a solid platform, which it builds on with Valcona leather heated and ventilated RS sports seats and expensive-looking aluminium detailing, with a flat bottomed Audi Sport steering wheel featuring powered adjustment and aluminium gearshift paddles. There's also stainless steel pedals, RS illuminated door sill trims and Audi Sport logo projection onto the ground when you open the doors at night. Finishing touches include a multi-coloured Extended LED Interior Lighting pack, a black cloth headliner and leatherette.

Cost of Ownership

There aren't too many options that you'll feel overly compelled to plump for, so you won't need to worry unduly about inflating the list price. Still, this remains an expensive car with a big petrol engine and that's usually a guarantee of scary residuals. The fact that it'll be likely to shed 40 per cent of its value over three years is just something that owners will have to accept with their eyes open at the time of purchase. It's certainly no worse than any of its key rivals. On other measure, the RS7 is actually remarkably good for a car with this power output and which weighs in at nearly two tonnes. A 23.3mpg combined fuel economy figure is far from catastrophic, although it will be tough to resist putting the turbos to work in earnest. In day to day motoring, you'd be pleased to break 20mpg. The carbon dioxide emissions best of 275g/km might also be something you could live with. It's certainly no worse than you'd get from, say, a Porsche Panamera GTS or a Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 4MATIC+.

Summary

The Audi RS 7 offers all the grip, composure and sheer brawn most will ever need. If you were looking for the last word in driver involvement, you may find it a little aloof, but then buyers of this class of car tend to realise that they're exercises in compromise, albeit artfully designed ones. It's not short of charisma and it makes all the right numbers but is there an x factor to this car that's present in the very best RS products from Ingolstadt? An x factor that's there in its sister car, the RS 6 Avant? That will likely be for you to decide, as these things are intensely personal. Audi has clearly gone about this car in a very correct manner. Some may see the RS 7's automatic gearbox as a less focused driver choice than the twin-clutch S-tronic transmission that's fitted to the S7, but to drive it is to realise the genius in the eight-speed auto's logic and execution. All the constituent ingredients seem to have been assembled but whether they hang together cohesively is a question that doesn't always disappear. Over to you.

  • Automatic start/stop system
  • Convenience key
  • Operating buttons in black, glass look with haptic feedback including extended aluminium look
  • Power operated tailgate
  • Power-assisted door closing
  • 2 USB-C ports with charging functionality in the rear
  • Audi music interface
  • Auxiliary input socket
  • Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System
  • DAB digital radio module
  • Black window trims
  • Electric panoramic opening glass sunroof
  • Illuminated door sill trims with RS lettering
  • Radiator grille in honeycomb structure, large front air inlets and rear diffuser in gloss black
  • Rear boot spoiler (Electrically extendable depending on speed)
  • Rear side wing doors
  • RS front bumper with air inlets on both side
  • RS sport exhaust system
  • Electric adjustable steering column
  • Front centre armrest
  • Jack and tool kit
  • Stainless steel footrest and pedals
  • Air quality package - RS7
  • Ambient lighting pack plus - RS7
  • City assist package - RS7
  • Park assist pack with park assist plus - RS7
  • Storage pack - RS7
  • Tour package - RS7
  • 3 point seatbelts on all rear seats
  • Airbags - Front side, front and rear including head
  • Audi pre-sense front
  • Direct tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Extended pedestrian protection measures
  • Manual child lock in rear doors
  • Rear side airbags
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Anti theft alarm with tow away protection
  • Keyless Go
  • Remote central locking
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 278
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 278
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 278
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • CC: 3996
  • Cylinder Layout: V8
  • Cylinders: 8
  • Engine Code: 4KARRA
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: 32
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 23.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 23.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 23.2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Badge Engine CC: 4.0
  • Badge Power: 630
  • Based On ID: N
  • Coin Description: TFSI Quattro
  • Coin Series: RS7 Perfor Carb Vors
  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E
  • Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • Safety Concerns: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.4
  • Engine Power - BHP: 630
  • Engine Power - KW: 463
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • Engine Power - RPM: 6000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 627
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 86.7
  • Engine Torque - NM: 850
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 2300
  • Top Speed: 174
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2
  • Alloys: True
  • Space Saver: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 285/30 R22
  • Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R22
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: 5 Y SPOKE
  • Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY
  • Height: N
  • Height (including roof rails): 1424
  • Length: 5009
  • Wheelbase: 2930
  • Width (including mirrors): 2118
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 73
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2735
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1390
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 535
  • Max. Loading Weight: 670
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2100
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 2065
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.2