Engine output rises to 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque - 2024 Audi RS7 Review
1Overview
Where speed and comfort are required, the 2024 Audi RS7 Sportback delivers. Power comes from a 591-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine that's bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. It's a peppy puppy, and a new Performance trim adds an even louder bark, with 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Even when the RS7's gaping maw isn't swallowing bugs at high speeds, it serves as an easy-to-pilot and comfortable luxury performance sedan, among the likes of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and BMW M5. Erring on the side of comfort, the RS7 attacks the road with delicacy rather than violent fury. Its rear-axle steering makes it feel lighter to drive than its hefty curb weight suggests, but should the hammer get thrown, its 190-mph top speed (unlocked with performance options) won't disappoint.
What's New for 2024?
Audi is kicking things up a notch with the 2024 RS7, specifically with a new Performance trim. Thanks to a pair of larger turbos and additional boost, its engine output rises to 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Those figures represent increases of 30 and 37, respectively, versus the regular RS7. Audi also lightened the RS7 by 18 pounds by gutting some of its sound deadening. There are also new 22-inch wheels wrapped with Continental Sport Contact 7 tires, and Audi has retuned the RS7's center differential as well as the programming for its selectable drive modes. New matte colors join the paint palette too, including Ascari Blue and Dew Silver.
Audi makes this easy because the RS7 comes extremely well-equipped with standard goodies such as all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and an adjustable air suspension. For maximum madness, consider the Black Optics package which adds darkened exterior trim and giant 22-inch rims with summer performance tires. To unlock the V-8's best soundtrack, we'd also opt for the sport exhaust.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Power comes from a brilliant twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that pairs with a 48-volt hybrid system, eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. All this tech makes the RS7 heavier than the last generation model, which made as much as 605 horsepower. Still, with 591 horses and 590 pound-feet of torque, the RS7 we tested rocketed to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. The new RS7 Performance, which gets larger turbos and more boost, has 621 horsepower with 627 pound-feet of torque. However, we've yet to test that one. Every RS7 rides on an air suspension with adaptive settings for varying levels of stiffness. However, it felt refined regardless of the drive mode, even rolling on our tester's 22-inch rims (21s are standard). It's also rewarding to bend into corners thanks to the poised chassis and the added agility of its standard rear-wheel-steering system. Crazy quick and unerringly comfortable are accurate descriptors of its driving personality. 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.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The powerful, albeit thirsty, RS7 is rated 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway by the EPA. The agency has yet to certify the 621-hp RS7 Performance, though. We ran the 591-hp RS7 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it returned 23 mpg in the real world. For more information about the RS7's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the RS model shares an interior design and passenger space with the regular A7, it also has some exclusive details and intriguing options. Of course, the sturdy build quality and upscale materials are immediately recognizable. Still, the RS7's cabin is adorned with trim-specific logos and other unique accents. The standard front sport seats have nice leather upholstery but can be reskinned with upgraded leather and ventilated cushions. Its back seat can fit two or three people, depending on the chosen seat configuration, and its cargo area offers 19 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in use and 49 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every RS7 is equipped with a snazzy infotainment system that operates via two touchscreens that seamlessly blend into the upper dashboard and flowing center console. Unfortunately, the climate controls and other settings that must be manipulated through the lower screen can pull the driver's eyes off the road. To avoid this distraction, Audi's voice-recognition software comes in handy. Along with the robust navigation system that appears in the upper screen, and that can be expanded in the fully digital gauge cluster, the RS7 comes with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The top option is a pricey Bang & Olufsen stereo that pumps