The Audi RS7 is the kind of car that makes sportscar enthusiasts go weak in the knees. The car was on sale in India in the first generation and now the German luxury carmaker has launched the sportback in a brand new second generation at a cost that again is not for the weak-hearted. With a range of personalisation options, the RS7 starts at Rs 1.94 crore (ex-showroom). Audi says it is now available as a wide-bodied five-seater and delivers improved performance along with enhanced efficiency delivered by a mild hybrid system. But is it worth that exorbitant price tag? Well sit back, read further on and decide for yourself.
Looks
This car has got some broad shoulders and distinctive roofline that lend it an athletic stance. The flat, singleframe grille features a threedimensional honeycomb mesh and the car also gets LED headlamps with dynamic indicators as standard or HD Matrix LED headlamps with laser lights as option. On the profile flared wheel arches and low stance give it an aggressive race car look. High-performance impression is also accentuated by RS-specific door sills with black inlays. The brake calipers are painted in black as standard or red upon request. There’s a lot of drama on the rear with the strip of lights getting an impressive design. The RS-specific oval exhaust pipes and rear bumper with diffuser add to the sportiness. A powered spoiler is there too which automatically extends from the tail-gate when speeds cross 100 km/h. A panoramic sunroof though only comes as an option on the car.
Interiors
According to Audi the idea is to make the cabin look sporty and futuristic. What you cannot miss are the special RS displays that use the Audi virtual cockpit to provide details of tyre pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and G-forces. A flat-bottomed, fully perforated RS Sport leather steering wheel sports new large RS aluminium shift paddles. The driver can use steering buttons to enable the new Audi drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays in the Audi virtual cockpit. A standard B&O sound system features a 3D front surround system and 16 speakers with a 705 W output. RS sport seats upholstered with black pearl Nappa leather or RS Sport Seats covered with Valcona leather are available as options. Offered with five seats for the first time, the car has luggage capacity of 535 litres, which can be increased to 1,390 litres with the split rear seat backs folded down.
Engine
The real magic is surely in the heart of the RS7 and most will buy this car purely for this reason. The loud and fast 4.0 L twin-turbo TFSI petrol V8 engine produces 600 bhp and delivers 800 Nm torque. It works with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times. The car races from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h; this can be increased to 280 km/h with the optional dynamic package and to 305 km/h with the RS dynamic plus package. Mild Hybrid System (MHEV) comes with a 48-volt main on-board electrical system and this does help in slightly better fuel efficiency. To make it even better, in higher gears at low to medium loads and engine speeds, 4 cylinders automatically deactivate to save some more fuel. And finally the famed Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is there too and also includes launch control function.
Ride & Handling
The RS7 gets five-link front and rear axles with standard RS adaptive air suspension which can be set to three modes, and can also be set on automatic level control. Dynamic all-wheel steering, high performance RS ceramic brakes and RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) come as options and promise to take the fun quotient to a new level. Depending on traction, up to 70% drive force can flow to the front wheels and up to 85% to the back wheels. Wheel-selective torque control optimises handling through bends, it provides power to the wheels that need it when cornering.
Verdict
The five-seater RS7 combines a striking coupé-like grand tourer look with everyday practicality. It is loaded with technology where the main aim to make sure the driver enjoys the experience every single time she takes to the wheel. If the car is already not exclusive enough there are a host of optional extras, as mentioned earlier, that provide even more exclusivity. But in that case be ready to shell out some more money, maybe a lot more money. Audi has confirmed that the RS7 isn’t the only RS model scheduled for 2020, which means you can hope to save some money and still get the RS experience.
The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com.