Reviewed by Jaclyn TropJaclyn Trop Show OverviewAudi's RS line of vehicles represents the pinnacle of performance, which makes the RS 7 the most powerful version of the A7/S7 family. Slotting between the traditional A6 and A8 sedans, the A7 is a four-door hatchback with a sleek roofline and surprisingly spacious cargo area. The RS 7 retains the same practical layout but dials up the performance with a standard twin-turbo V8, adjustable air suspension, and massive brakes. The results are astonishing: The RS 7 can rocket from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and handles twisty roads like a sports car. Standard all-wheel drive gives it plenty of traction in all conditions, so the RS 7 is a daily commuter as well as a fun weekend drive. There's room for up to five people, and the interior features the same design as its less powerful cousins. Heavily bolstered sport seats and a few "RS" badges are the only reminders that the RS 7 is a special kind of luxury car. Its level of performance is reflected in its six-figure price tag, but primary rivals such as the BMW M8 and Porsche Panamera GTS are even more expensive. Pros Phenomenal power from the standard V8 engine. Handles well for a sedan of its size. Luxurious cabin with distinctive details. Useful cargo area. Cons Not as agile as some direct competitors. Dismal fuel economy. Verdict Don't let the four-door hatchback design fool you. The Audi RS 7 Sportback is an exceptionally powerful performance car with handling to match. It's also comfortable enough to drive every day and surprisingly practical for a car with its capabilities. What's New for 2023Other than the addition of remote park assist and a black headliner to the optional Executive package, there are no changes to the 2023 Audi RS 7 Sportback. Trims and PricingThe sleek 2023 Audi RS 7 hatchback is available in one trim level. Pricing begins at $119,595 and includes a long list of performance-enhancing features along with plenty of interior upgrades. In addition to the standard twin-turbo V8, all RS 7s get 21-inch wheels with performance tires, an adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, full leather interior, heated and ventilated front sport seats, Audi's virtual cockpit digital instrument panel, four-zone climate control, dual-touchscreen displays, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, a power-adjustable steering column, and wireless charging pad. Various option packages add everything from upgraded seats to carbon brakes. Engine and PerformanceUsing the same 591-horsepower twin-turbo V8 that powers Audi's RS Q8 flagship SUV, the RS 7 has explosive acceleration from a stop. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest accelerating vehicles on the road. To complement the extraordinary power, the RS 7 also features an adjustable air suspension that admirably delivers both sharp handling and a comfortable ride. Likewise, the brakes and steering deliver excellent performance and yet feel quite docile at low speeds. The standard all-wheel-drive system is mainly included to make sure all the power gets to the ground efficiently. But it also makes the RS 7 more capable in slippery conditions. Competing models from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz also come standard with all-wheel drive. Like the RS 7, the BMW M8 reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, but it comes with a turbocharged V8 that makes 617 hp. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 makes the sprint in 3.3 seconds using a 577-hp V8. The Porsche Panamera generates 473 hp with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and takes 3.7 seconds to reach 60 mph with the optional Sport Chrono package. Fuel EconomyHigh-performance cars are not known for their fuel efficiency, and the Audi RS 7 is no exception. With Environmental Protection Agency ratings of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, it won't win any environmental awards. That said, the Porsche Panamera and BMW M8 return similar numbers: 15/21 mpg city/highway. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 delivers 16/21 mpg. InteriorThe Audi RS 7 features a sleek cabin design showcasing high-end materials, including premium leather and aluminum trim. The roomy interior comes equipped with plush Audi-exclusive leather seats with honeycomb stitching, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard. Optional upgrades include 18-way power-adjustable front contour seats with lumbar adjustment and massage functions, heated rear seats, and Nappa leather. With its roomy rear row, the RS 7 can accommodate two adults comfortably and three in a pinch. The BMW M8's cabin is similarly sporty with standard Merino leather upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, and heated front armrests. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 offers heated and ventilated rear-seat cupholders, wood inlays, and massaging front seats. Heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable rear seats are also available in the Porsche Panamera. Measuring 24.9 cubic feet, the RS 7's trunk leads the segment, with plenty of room for suitcases. Infotainment and ConnectivityThe Audi RS 7 is equipped with Audi's MMI Navigation infotainment system with dual 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch displays. All models provide a Wi-Fi hotspot and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Audi's standard "phone box" feature boosts cellphone signals, links compatible smartphones to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and provides wireless device charging. While most rival luxury vehicles have similar standard features and upgrades, the Porsche Panamera comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. Gesture control is optional on the BMW M8's infotainment system. SafetyLike most high-performance luxury vehicles, the 2023 Audi RS 7 has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models come with a host of standard advanced safety features, including active lane assist and a surround-view parking camera system. This standard tech is typical for the luxury segment. The RS 7's $2,250 Driver Assistance package adds active lane assist, rear cross-traffic assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition, among other features. A head-up display is available in the Executive package, which now includes remote park assist. Some rivals boast additional equipment. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 uses the brand's Car-to-X communication system that lets the GT exchange information about driving hazards with similarly equipped cars on the road. Audi RS 7 vs. the CompetitionQuickness and an elegant design pit the Audi RS 7 against rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz AMG, and Porsche. The RS 7 features a sleek and sporty silhouette, a beefy powertrain, and a trove of standard safety features. Some models, such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63, provide more power. The BMW M8 offers more space and more options to increase passenger comfort. Audi RS 7 vs. BMW M8 Audi RS 7 vs. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT TrueCar Expert Review MethodologyTrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them. TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs. Is the RS7 discontinued?Interested in Audi RS7 Sportback [2015-2020]?
RS7 Sportback [2015-2020] is discontinued.
Is RS7 faster than M5?The M5 and RS7 have all-wheel-drive traction off the line, but the Blackwing doesn't take long to assert its horsepower. At the quarter-mile—dispatched in 11.4 seconds—the Caddy's 128-mph trap speed is just behind the M5's 130 mph.
Is RS7 faster than R8?As for the performance figures, it's a tie. While the RS7 boasts of a better 0-60 mph time, the R8 has a higher top speed. The RS7 can sprint to 60 mph from rest in 3.5 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the R8.
How long does an Audi RS7 last?But with a reasonable amount of maintenance, a modern vehicle can last to somewhere between a 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
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