We know RS model Audis are a bit special but the RS 7 Sportback performance model is something distinctly rare and extreme. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

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.

Body Glass

Rain and light sensors

Privacy glass with rear/side windows and acoustic glazing side windows

Rear wiper

Front and rear electric windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Electromechanical parking brake

Electronic Stability Programme

High performance braking system

Hill hold assist

Electronic Differential Lock

Electronic stability control

Anti-lock brake system

Anti-slip regulation traction control

Communication

Bluetooth interface

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Audi connect with Amazon Alexa Integration

Audi smartphone interface including application store

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Dynamic all wheel steering

Audi drive select with new RS modes

Surround view camera system

Lane departure warning system

Driver Convenience

Convenience key

Automatic start/stop system

Power operated tailgate

Operating buttons in black, glass look with haptic feedback including extended aluminium look

Driver Information

Audi virtual cockpit plus with digital 12.3" instrument cluster in full HD with additional dynamic and sport graphic display options

Head up Display

MMI navigation with MMI touch + twin touch screens 10.1" and 8.6" with haptic and acoustic feedback

Audi virtual cockpit plus with 12.3" screen and three different layout designs

Driving Mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Matt grey mirror housing

Power folding, adjustable, auto dimming, heated with memory function door mirrors + integrated LED side indicators, kerb view function passenger side

Engine

48V Mild hybrid technology

Speed limiter 174mph

73 litre fuel tank

Entertainment

Auxiliary input socket

Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System

DAB digital radio module

Audi music interface

Exterior Body Features

Black audi rings and black RS badges

Rear side wing doors

Illuminated door sill trims with RS lettering

RS sport exhaust system

Rear boot spoiler (Electrically extendable depending on speed)

Radiator grille in honeycomb structure, large front air inlets and rear diffuser in gloss black

RS front bumper with air inlets on both side

Exterior Lights

HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light with dynamic light design and dynamic turn signal

Headlight washers

LED rear combination lamps with dynamic light design and dynamic turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone deluxe automatic climate control

Interior Features

Electric adjustable steering column

3 spoke RS flat bottomed leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, heated funtion, contrast stitching, RS mode button and RS emblem

Front centre armrest

Stainless steel footrest and pedals

Jack and tool kit

Interior Lights

Audi phone box light

Entry LED with RS Performance projection (Audi Beam) in front and rear

Packs

Technology pack pro - RS7

Matt grey exterior styling pack - RS7

Ambient lighting pack plus - RS7

Air quality package - RS7

Storage pack - RS7

Safety

Warning triangle and first aid kit

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Manual child lock in rear doors

Airbags - Front side, front and rear including head

Extended pedestrian protection measures

Direct tyre pressure monitoring system

Audi pre-sense front

Seats

Electrically adjustable front seats - driver seat with memory

Heated front seats

RS sports seat plus

ISOFIX and Top Tether child seat mounting for the outer rear seats

ISOFIX child seat mounting and Top Tether with front passenger airbag deactivation

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Front seat ventilation

Single front passenger seat

4-way electric lumbar support

Front and rear head restraints

Security

Remote central locking

Keyless Go

Anti theft alarm with tow away protection

Towing

Towbar preparation

Transmission

Quattro sports differential

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility system

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 276

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 284

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 284

Engine and Drive Train

Number of Valves: 32

Engine Code: 4KARRA

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: V8

CC: 3996

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 22.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 23.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 22.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 630

Badge Engine CC: 4.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: RS7 Perform Tech Pro

Coin Description: TFSI Quattro

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Top Speed: 174

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.4

Engine Power - KW: 463

Engine Torque - MKG: 86.7

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 630

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 627

Engine Torque - NM: 850

Engine Torque - RPM: 2300

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 285/30 R22

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 V SPOKE TRAPEZOID

Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R22

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2118

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1424

Wheelbase: 2930

Length: 5009

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2735

Minimum Kerbweight: 2065

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 73

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2100

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 670

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 535

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.2

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1390

Brakes

RS Steel brakes with brake callipers in red gloss

Chassis/Suspension

RS Sports suspension plus with dynamic ride control

Embellishment Trims

Decorative inserts in carbon twill structure with blue contrast

Carbon twill inlays

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Solid paint

Crystal effect paint

Audi exclusive matte paint

Audi exclusive metallic paint

Packs

Fine nappa leather with audi exclusive interior design bicolour package - RS7

Tour package - RS7

City assist package - RS7

RS red design pack - RS7

RS grey design pack - RS7

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grenadine red

Metallic - Ascari blue

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Glacier white

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Nardo grey

Paint - Special

Audi exclusive matt - Sonoma green

Audi exclusive matt - Ascari blue

Audi exclusive matt - Dew silver

Audi exclusive matt - Nardo grey

Audi exclusive matt - Glacier white

Audi Exclusive Metallic - Custom

Audi exclusive matt - Floret silver

Audi exclusive matt - Daytona grey

Crystal - Sebring black

Safety

Rear side airbags

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Trim - Leather

Valcona leather - Black with express red honeycomb stitching, black headlining, carpet, dashboard + RS embossing

Valcona leather - Black with rock grey honeycomb stitching, black headlining, carpet, dashboard + RS embossing

Valcona leather - Black with mercato blue honeycomb stitching, black headlining, carpet, dashboard + RS embossing

Fine nappa lthr with audi exclusive int design bicolour in Clendula yellow - Black with yellow stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Fine nappa lthr with audi exclusive interior design bicolour in Iguana green - Black with green stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Fine nappa leather with audi exclusive interior design bicolour in Crimson red - Black with red stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Fine nappa leather with audi exclusive interior design bicolour in Alaska blue - Black with blue stitch, black dinamica headline, carpet and dashboard

Wheels

Performance tyres

Wheels - Alloy

22" 5 V spoke anthracite black diamond turned finish alloy wheels

22" Black gloss turned finish alloy wheels

22" 5 Y spoke matt grey alloy wheels