performance Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
performance Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
performance Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
performance Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2016 Audi RS 7 is equipped with a single turbocharged V8 engine option that is one of the most powerful in this lineup. It is the same engine that we saw in the previous year's model and thus bank on the performance that it provides.
The 2015 Audi RS 7 is the wildest evolution of Audi’s A7. It combines excellent performance, unbelievable refinement, and all the versatility of a family car into a compelling package that starts at an MSRP of $106,500. It delivers supercar performance with its 4.0L V-8 engine that provides 560 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. It even delivers acceleration figures as quick as the Audi R8 V10. All of this is available while seating four adults and providing a lot of cargo space. It competes against theMercedes-AMG C63 and thePorsche Panamera Turbo.
The 2015 Audi A7 lineup is split into three models. The A7 is the lowest-priced variant that is sedate and offers a frugal powertrain. Then comes the S7 that is a sports version of the same, and then we have the full-blown RS7 boasting a 4.0L V-8 engine and supercar-like performance. The RS7 is not offered in any sub-trims and has a single well-equipped trim that is on par with the Prestige trim found on the A7 sedan. The sedan has a variety of standard features and is a very compelling offer even at the price of $106,500.
Trims |
RS7 |
---|---|
MSRP |
$106,500 |
Key Features |
Sport Tuned Adaptive air Suspension |
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Sport differential |
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Spare Tire Mobility Kit |
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Power liftgate |
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LED Brakelights |
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Audi MMI Navigation Plus w/AM/FM -inc - USB Audi music interface |
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20-inch alloy wheels |
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Audi Drive Select |
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Since the Audi RS 7 is available as a standalone trim level, one only has the option of choosing between specific optional packages. Audi offers a lot like the Driver Assistance Plus Package that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front and rear parking camera system, and an upgraded collision mitigation system with automatic braking. However, the package we recommend is the Dynamic Package, which replaces the air suspension with an active sport suspension, variable-ratio steering, and sport exhaust.
The Audi RS 7 comes with only one engine option, and that is a 4.0L V-8 engine. This engine produces 560 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque, which puts it in supercar territory and shuts down all the arguments for another engine option.
An 8-speed automatic along with Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. This engine does 0- 60 mph in a blisteringly quick 3.4 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 11.3 seconds.
Models |
Audi RS7 |
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$110,700 |
$65,200 |
$146,900 |
Engine |
4.0 TFSI 8 Cylinder |
4.0L turbocharged 8-cylinder |
4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8 |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
7-Speed Automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
560 hp |
469 hp |
550 hp |
Torque |
516 lb-ft |
479 lb-ft |
567 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH |
3.4 sec |
4.6 sec |
3.6 sec |
Quarter mile |
11.3 sec |
11.9 sec |
11.5 sec |
Top Speed (MPH) |
190 mph |
155 mph |
190 mph |
One can note that all cars in this class are powered by 4.0L eight-cylinder turbocharged engines but it is the Audi that has the best power output of 560 hp. The worst figure in the segment is that of Mercedes with its 469 hp engine. The Audi’s figures do translate from paper to the road as we can see the car being the leader in terms of real-world performance as well. It has a better 0 to 60 mph as well as quarter-mile timing due to its better traction, thanks to the all-wheel-drive system.
What we find is that the Audi RS 7 returns much better fuel efficiency than we have ever imagined from a V-8 engine. It returns an EPA estimated 19 MPG the combined cycle, which translates to 16 mpg in the city and a truly amazing 27 MPG on the highway. This is not much lesser than the standard Audi A 7’s 21 mpg combined. That’s just a two MPG drop for more than 250 hp in return, which makes the Audi RS 7’s engine quite frugal.
Model |
Audi RS7 |
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
15 |
18 |
18 |
MPG (highway) |
25 |
25 |
25 |
MPG (combined) |
18 |
21 |
21 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
19.8 |
18 |
26.4 |
Range (City/Hwy) |
316.8 / 534.6 |
324 / 450 |
396 / 633 |
As we have mentioned, fuel efficiency is quite an amazing figure, but still, its rivals have better figures. The Mercedes-Benz is the most fuel-efficient, which explains why the power is turned down. The most impressive figure is that of the Porsche Panamera, which returns the exact same figures as the Mercedes but without the drop in power. With 26.4 gallons of fuel tank, Porsche offers the maximum range of 633 miles.
The interior design department of Audi has always churned out very handsome designs, and that stays true to the case of the RS 7 either. The space offered is also quite generous, and the ergonomics make one feel exactly at home inside the cabin.
At just 24.5 ft.³, the trunk capacity is very generous. One does not expect cheap materials at this price range, but the RS 7 is festooned with RS-specific carbon fiber inlays and other garnishings that make it truly special.
Model |
Audi RS7 |
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
4 |
5 |
4 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
36.9/57.2/41.3 |
40.9/55.3/41.7 |
37.9/54.6/43.1 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
36.6/55.9/37.0 |
37.1/55.3/35.2 |
34.5/2.0/32.4 |
Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) |
24.5 |
12.6 |
16.9 |
All cars in this category have pretty spacious interiors both front and back, but the Audi offers the most legroom in the rear seats. However, it is the AMG C 63 that offers seating for five, whereas the Audi and Porsche offered only for four. Cargo space, however, is stingy in the Mercedes at just 12.6 ft.³. Here the Audi takes the lead of a whopping 24.5 ft.³ of cargo space. Some of its interior features include:
The infotainment unit in RS 7 is Audi’s multimedia interface system, which controls entertainment, communication, and navigation. It has a dash-mounted pop-up screen and a control dial on the central console. The menus are laid out very well, and the graphics are pretty nice. The MMI system is one of the best infotainment systems one can find in today’s cars. Few standout infotainment features available are-
The Audi RS 7 has a striking design, which even though not very modern, is quite handsome to begin with. The car has more aggressive details than its sedate siblings.
It measures 197.3 inches in length, 75.2 inches in width, and 55.8 inches in height. The car is not of modest dimensions by any standard but definitely makes for a stunning road presence.
Model |
Audi RS7 |
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 |
Porsche Panamera Turbo |
---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
4497 |
3782 |
4398 |
Length(in) |
197.3 |
187 |
198.8 |
Width(in) |
75.2 |
72.4 |
76.3 |
Height(in) |
55.8 |
56.5 |
56.1 |
Ground clearance (in) |
4.3 |
5.1 |
5.4 |
Wheelbase (in) |
114.8 |
111.8 |
116.1 |
The Porsche Panamera Turbo is the largest car in the segment in all aspects, whereas the Mercedes-Benz is the smallest car in the lot. The Audi is the heaviest and the one with the least ground clearance, which are both undesirable attributes. These dimensions make the car a slightly tough option as a daily commuter. Some of its standout exterior features include:
The 2015 Audi RS 7 has not been crash-tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA. It however packs a lot of amazing technology that includes Audi pre-sense forward collision technology, front and rear parking sensors, airbags, ABS, traction control, and so on. Some standout safety features include:
The2015 Audi RS 7 can be thought of as one of the last V-8 engine everyday cars. It creeps into the territory of practically a car with extreme powertrain which does not compromise on fuel efficiency either. It brings Audi’s amazing Quattro technology in a package that’s so good-looking that it always demands a second look. Overall, the sedan is worth a consideration in the segment.