2023 Audi RS 7 Review

Trims

2023 Audi RS 7 trim comparison

RS 7 Standard

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Starting MSRP

$124,995

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

14 city/21 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

14 MPG

21 MPG

17 MPG

Reviewed by Jaclyn Trop

Overview

Audi'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.

Positives

Phenomenal power from the standard V8 engine. Handles well for a sedan of its size. Luxurious cabin with distinctive details. Useful cargo area.

Considerations

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 2023

Other 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 Pricing

The 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 Performance

Using 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 Economy

High-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.

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 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 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. Gesture control is optional on the BMW M8's infotainment system.

Safety

Like 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 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 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

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