The RS 7 is the most potent version of Audi's big hatchback, a car that combines sedan luxury with crossover practicality in a package that's better looking than Porsche's Panamera.
Building on the A7 and S7 below it, the RS7 starts with a 560-hp version of the S7's twin-turbo V8, eight-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. And if that's not enough, a Performance trim upgrade brings a 605-hp engine.
Other than the Panamera Turbo, the RS7 has no direct competition; no other upscale manufacturer has been brave enough to graft a spacious hatchback onto what is otherwise a luxury sedan. Perhaps the closest you'll get are BMW's X6 and Mercedes-Benz's GLE Coupe crossovers, both of which can be optioned up to their own high-po M and AMG versions, respectively. And Audi itself is apparently planning to sell the SQ7, a suped-up version of its big seven-passenger Q7 crossover.
Fuel consumption estimates haven't yet been published for 2017, but last year's mechanically-identical car was rated at 16.2/9.3 L/100 (city/highway).
For a starting price of $120,400, RS7 standard features include 21-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights, sunroof, power tailgate with hands-free operation, four-zone automatic climate control, Valcona leather seats, smartphone interface, eight-way power front sport seats with four-way lumbar, driver's seat memory, heated front and rear seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, MMI navigation plus, eight-inch colour display screen, 14-speaker Bose stereo with satellite radio and music interface, colour driver information system display, power-folding and heated side mirrors, electric tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel adjustment, manual rear window sunshade, Audi MMI touch with handwriting recognition, garage door opener, intelligent keyless entry with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, backup and corner-view cameras, cruise control, Audi pre-sense rear and Audi drive select.
The $143,100 Performance package adds unique 21-inch wheels, power-assisted door closers, head-up display, carbon-fibre mirror housings, matte titanium front spoiler, carbon-fibre engine cover, dynamic steering, sport exhaust with black finishers, 305 km/h speed limiter, Audi DRC suspension, ceramic brakes with silver calipers and matte titanium window surrounds.
Notable options include a carbon optics package for the base model, at $4,800, and a driver assistant plus package of active lane assist, adaptive cruise control and Audi pre-sense plus, available on both trims for $2,900.
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