2022 Audi RS 7 Review

Trims

2022 Audi RS 7 trim comparison

RS 7 Standard

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Starting MSRP

$119,595

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

Multi-Zone Climate Control

Premium Audio

15 city/22 hwy

4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo

AWD

4 yr / 50k mi

591 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

Eco Mode

Sport Mode

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Start/Stop System

Regenerative Braking

Gas

Premium Unleaded

591 hp

6000 rpm

590 lb-ft

2050 rpm

4.0 L

V

8 cylinder

Twin-Turbo

Double Overhead

32 valve

10.1

15 MPG

22 MPG

17 MPG

Reviewed by Jaclyn Trop

Overview

The Audi RS 7 is the more muscular version of the brand's Audi A7 four-door hatchback. It boasts a 591-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and one of the most luxurious cabins on the market. Its sloping roofline and low profile give it one of the sleekest silhouettes on the road. The RS 7 is built for performance, reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174 mph. All RS 7s come with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, so the V8 has little trouble putting its power to the ground. The cabin seats four or five people, depending upon the configuration and comes well equipped with the kind of technology and safety features expected in a luxury vehicle in this class. At $115,045, the Audi RS 7 costs slightly less than most of its rivals. The high-performing BMW M8 and Porsche Panamera GTS start just above $130,000. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 begins at $141,650.

Positives

Explosive acceleration. Handles curvy roads without delivering a punishing ride. Surprisingly spacious rear cargo area.

Considerations

Below-average fuel economy.

Verdict

Technically it's a hatchback, yet the Audi RS 7 accelerates like a muscle car and handles like a compact coupe. There are other vehicles in its price range that offer even more eye-popping performance, but none of them provide such an elegant and comfortable package.

What's New for 2022

The 2022 Audi RS 7 Sportback gets a new flat-bottom steering wheel and elegant carbon-fiber trim. An optional RS Design package adds red or gray accents to the car's black seatbelts, as well as newly styled floor mats and expanded microsuede surfaces. The RS 7 now offers Dynamic Ride Control, which improves handling and reduces overall body roll.

Trims and Pricing

The sleek Audi RS 7 hatchback is available in one trim. Pricing begins at $115,545 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. There are several option packages available that add everything from upgraded seats to carbon brakes.

Engine and Performance

Using the same 591-hp 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 does an admirable job of delivering both sharp handling and a comfortable ride. It's a similar story for the brakes and steering as they both deliver excellent performance while retaining the ability to 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 Economy

High-performance cars are not known for their fuel efficiency ratings, 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's not going to win any environmental awards. That said, the Porsche Panamera and BMW M8 return similar ratings: 15 mpg around town and 21 mpg on the highway. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 delivers 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Interior

The 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 Valcona 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 Connectivity

The 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. The BMW M8's infotainment system can be operated with optional gesture control.

Safety

Like most high-performance luxury vehicles, the 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. Some rivals boast additional equipment. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 uses the brand's Car-to-X communication system that allows the GT to exchange information about driving hazards with similarly equipped cars on the road.

Audi RS 7 vs. the Competition

Quickness 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 spate 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

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