2023 Audi RS7 performance
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Aug 23, 2021 at 3:39am ET Show
If this isn't your first time on Motor1.com, you're probably familiar with our Most Expensive series of articles in which we max out the configurator of a newly released vehicle. While those fully loaded cars only exist in the virtual realm, this Audi RS7 Sportback is as real as it gets. Yes, every single box on the options list has been ticked, thus creating what may very well be the most expensive specification of an A7 ever. The RS7 in its most basic form is already quite expensive in Sweden where this particular car was ordered. It starts at 1,219,300 SEK, which works out to about €118,458 at current exchange rates. For reference, the US-spec Sportback is much more attainable (though still extremely pricey), kicking off at $114,000. What about this matte Daytona Gray example? You'd better sit down for this one. Our friend Auditography had the chance to spend some quality time with the high-end RS7 and he says its price tag approaches the €200,000 mark. That's nearly $235,000, which buys you a well-equipped R8 V10 Performance in the United States where taxes are not as high as they are in the Nordic country that gave us ABBA, Spotify, Minecraft, and IKEA. Being a car built for the European market, it's not perfect as the 591-horsepower Sportback has a soft limiter and a gasoline emissions particulate filter, meaning the V8 soundtrack is not as alluring compared to an RS7 sold outside of the Old Continent. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI does sound a bit muted, but an aftermarket exhaust can easily fix that. Expensive Audis: We'd argue the A7 remains one of the most beautiful cars on sale today, especially in RS7 guise with so many extras added. The matte paint, blacked-out badges, and numerous carbon fiber accents make the Sportback even more desirable, as do the optional 22-inch wheels and the generous use of Alcantara on the inside. We would still rather have an RS6 Avant at the end of the day due to its extra practicality, but the RS7 is still a drop-dead gorgeous machine. It's a solid substitute for the RS6 Sedan the peeps from Ingolstadt phased out many moons ago, despite rumors claiming it would return for the current-generation A6 (C8).
8.8 What is BuzzScore? 2023 Audi RS7 Changes: 🚙What’s The Difference vs 2022 RS7?The new 2023 Audi RS7 four-door coupe continues on as per last year's model. There are only two differences - a tweak to the optional equipment and a price increase. The optional Executive package is the only one that sees changes; it gains a black Dinamica (faux Alcantara) headliner and Remote Park Assist, an automated remote parking system. The 2023 RS7's price increases by $2,400 from last year's $118,500 to $120,900.
Pros and ConsPowerful, high-performance V8 engine Drift mode and rear-wheel steering add fun and agility Retains very good ride comfort Generous interior space Huge trunk and practical hatch High technology count Too many driver assists cost extra Limited in-cabin storage High curb weight Mostly button-free interior can be distracting to use Best Deals on 2023 Audi RS72023 Audi RS7 4.0 TFSI quattro 2023 Audi RS7 4.0 TFSI quattro 2023 Audi RS7 TrimsSee trim levels and configurations:
See All 2023 Audi RS7 Trims and Specs 2023 Audi RS7 Handling And Driving ImpressionsWe could bore you with all the technical details, but suffice it to say that Audi has thrown the whole gamut of suspension and powertrain tech at the RS7 to ensure limpet-like grip through corners and pulverizing pace to string them together. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8's outputs of 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque aren't as high as some rivals', but enough to teleport you to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, courtesy of an eight-speed automatic, 48-volt mild-hybrid setup, and quattro AWD. More impressive is the way it does this, because, unlike most hard-riding BMW M cars, the RS7 is surprisingly comfortable. Even on the air suspension's firmest setting and on the optional 22-inch wheels, it doesn't jostle or jar its occupants. It's so well-judged and tuned that we wouldn't bother with the Dynamic Ride Control suspension option unless we want more of that M5 handling sharpness. Grip is superb and the standard rear-axle steering aids agility. The clever rear diff will even let you hang the tail out. It doesn't hide its weight as well as an M5, but it's crushingly effective nonetheless and blends comfort and handling so well, it's a genuine pleasure to use every day, not just on a track.
Verdict: 🏁Is The 2023 Audi RS7 A Good Car?Everything comes together in a most pleasing way to make the 2023 RS7 a class act. It's properly rapid, rides as comfortably as an everyday sedan, and offers plenty of space for occupants and luggage. In every review of the Audi RS7 and its competitors, you'll read how very few of them manage such a fine balance and for this, we can forgive its few foibles, like the rather cheeky exclusion of some driver assists at this price, and the lack of an old-style manual controller so you don't have to prod that screen all the time. Despite its weight, the superbly set up air suspension and rear-axle steering make for a fast Audi that is not hamstrung by any dynamic weaknesses, yet demands no compromises of you on pockmarked roads. But don't forget about the USA's own contender, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. It might not have the deeply impressive levels of quality of the Audi, but for a staggering $30k discount, you get a massively powerful V8, sharp handling, superb comfort, and a manual gearbox. Makes you wonder if an RS7 really is worth its asking price. Check out other Audi A7 Styles2023 Audi RS7 Popular ComparisonsThe most popular competitors of 2023 Audi RS7: Audi RS7 NewsHow fast is Audi RS7 performance?AUDI RS7 605HP | 311KM/H TOP SPEED on AUTOBAHN by AutoTopNL.
Is the Audi RS7 faster than the 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 fast is the new Audi RS7?Despite not opting for the carbon-ceramic brakes, which allow its top speed to be increased from 155 to 190 mph, the standard stoppers hauled our nearly 5000-pound four-door down from 70 mph in an impressive 151 feet.
How much horsepower does a 2022 Audi RS7 have?591 hp
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