2021 Audi RS 7 Review

Topic: 2021 Audi RS 7 Review

The high-end sedan is not exactly a new concept. Models like the BMW M5 and AMG variants of the Mercedes E-Class have been around for decades. And yet, we have to offer credit to Audi for placing its own spin on this class with the new 2021 RS 7. It all begins as an A7, which is Audi’s fastback version of the mid-sized A6 sedan. From there, Audi provides it the complete RS treatment, such as a muscular turbocharged V8 great for 591 horsepower, a particularly tuned air suspension, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, and flared fenders covering 21-inch wheels with summer tires.

How well does everything work? Well, the RS 7 may show its own taillights to just about anything. And due to its standard all-wheel-drive, it may deploy most of its considerable power in many different conditions. However, hmm, just how much of a buzzkill is the RS 7 dual-screen infotainment system?

How can the 2021 Audi RS 7 drive?

Getting to 60 mph in only 3.3 seconds is quick no matter what type of car you’re driving. As a result of its all-wheel-drive system, the RS 7 may fully deploy its 591 horsepower from a halt, which only adds to the viability of its extensive functionality. And thanks to its broad powerband, the RS 7 is also remarkably relaxing to drive in regular traffic. Ample passing power is readily available.

Just as impressive as the acceleration is your RS 7’s handling. It pulled 1.0 g on the slide pad and outside on actual streets will likely leave most sports cars in the dust. The capability of the RS 7 is just short of magnificent.

How comfy is your 2021 Audi RS 7 ?

You would be right to assume the RS 7 has driven relaxation into the ditch at the title of mondo functionality, but you’d be dead wrong. Despite its own 22-inch wheels, the RS 7’s optional adaptive air suspension provides a ride that boundaries on supple. And as competitive as the RS seats look, they afford long-haul comfort with supple leather and padding that may almost be described as lavish.

Adding to the impressive heights of relaxation in the RS 7 is the near-complete lack of road or wind noise. Even those above 22-inch wheels and competitive summer tires do not create enough noise to disturb the occupants. Our test car was fitted with the optional sports exhaust. But rather than emitting obnoxious rebounds and pops, it offered a muffled bassy roar in its most aggressive setting.

What is the inside the 2021 Audi RS 7 ?

The cockpit is low-slung and surrounds its occupants with tightly drawn leather, precision stitching, and among the most tech-forward interiors in the business. Because the RS 7 is a larger luxury car, four adults could find plenty of space. Just taller rear passengers might want to get a bit more headroom.

Curiously, the RS 7’s steering wheel is simply too big. While other cars from Audi offer flat-bottom steering wheels, the one in the RS 7 feels enormous and blocks part of the instrument panel or is just too high when adjusted to clear the display. The RS 7’s Virtual Cockpit, Audi’s fully digital and reconfigurable instrument panel, can get cluttered with too much, even apparently unimportant, information. The climate control screen takes extra glances and extra time to get what you would like from it.

What technology is used in 2021 Audi RS 7?

At 10.1 inches, the main screen takes up a sizable chunk of the dashboard. Stylish and crisp graphics make it appealing and fit in with the RS 7’s aesthetic. The machine will not have a steep learning curve, but it’s relatively customizable and reacts quickly to orders. Our sole complaint is, even when off, the screens look smudged and full of fingerprints.

The standard audio system is more than sufficient but falls somewhat short of sound systems in other German luxury automobiles. There’s an optional Bang & Olufsen platform that might compare better to its rivals. Wireless Apple CarPlay is a nice feature, but Android users might have to settle for the quick-connecting Bluetooth option. Surround-view cameras with exceptionally precise parking detectors are conventional and much valued. We had no issues with the adaptive cruise and lane-keeping systems — except that they’re optional at the price point.

How’s the storage in 2021 Audi RS 7 ?

Remind us again why more people don’t purchase hatchbacks? The RS 7’s 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space makes it eminently sensible. And when combined with its low load floor and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, the RS 7 can easily swallow a bicycle or two. In contrast, the similar hatchback-style Porsche Panamera only manages to provide 17.6 cubic feet of power.

Unfortunately, interior storage isn’t quite as impressive. There’s no cubby ahead of the shifter, and the middle console bin is shallow. For everyday things, the cupholder might need to do almost all of the heavy lifting. Got kids? As a result of wide-opening rear doors and plenty of rear legroom, installing a child safety seat at the RS 7 should be a breeze.

How cheap is your Audi RS 7?

Within our 115-mile mixed-driving test route, the RS 7 returned a credible 19.6 mpg. Traffic was exceptionally light because of the pandemic, but it is still a great sign the RS 7 can match its market estimates if pushed with some restraint.

Audi RS 7 Price?

Quite simply, yes. Starting at around $115,000, the Audi RS 7 undercuts the BMW M8 Gran Coupe by nearly $15K and the Porsche Panamera Turbo by almost $40K. Our well-appointed test car was priced around $137,000, and we’d be hard-pressed to describe why its rivals ask for a lot more money.

Audi’s limited and powertrain warranties are average in terms of length.

The Audi RS 7 may look like nothing more than a very long hatchback to the casual driver. However, the RS 7’s flared fenders, big wheels, and menacing styling make it look like a wolf in ill-fitting sheep’s clothes to the discerning enthusiast. The proprietor, however, will know the RS 7 to be among the most tasteful, well-rounded, and devastatingly quick performance sedans on the market. And, as a bonus, this hatchback body style adds a hefty dose of practicality.

Which RS 7 does Techecar’s recommend?

The Audi RS 7 does not have some trim levels to choose from and comes relatively well equipped as it is. Of the available options and packages, we would spend our cash on the Driver Assistance package for the full-speed adaptive cruise control and back cross-traffic assist as well as the game exhaust and the capable carbon-ceramic brakes.

Our verdict on 2021 Audi RS 7 Review

While other sport sedan makers inquire if you want fast or comfortable, Audi simply asks, “Why not both?” The Audi RS 7 unites enormous speed and performance potential with a quieter ride and a contemporary, tech-forward inside. And due to its hatchback design, it’s also tremendously practical. Some buyers might not like Audi’s new infotainment system, but there is very little else to fault in this automotive tour de force.

Audi RS 7 versions

The 2021 Audi RS 7 is an ultra-fast sedan powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (591 horsepower, 590 lb-ft) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission using the standard all-wheel drive. Aside from choosing a color, just a few options and bundles are available. Highlighted common attributes include:

2021 Audi RS 7

The RS 7 comes very well equipped in the get-go.
Sport-tuned differential for enhanced grip
All-wheel steering (enhances high-speed stability and shortens turning radius to ease parking)
Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension
Matrix LED headlights
Hands-free cargo hatch
Panoramic sunroof

Interior and technology attributes include:

Leather upholstery
Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front sport seats
Four-zone automatic climate control
Double touchscreen screens (10.1-inch shirt and 8.6-inch reduced ) with navigation
Wireless charging pad with telephone signal booster
Bang & Olufsen sound system
Lane departure warning (alerts you when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
360-degree camera system (provides you with a top-down view of the RS 7 and its environment for tight parking situations)

The RS 7 is available with a small number of alternatives. These include:

Side Help package

A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you when a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Driver Assistance bundle:

Characteristics of the Side Assist package
Adaptive cruise control (keeps a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
Lane-keeping help (warns you of a lane death if a turn signal isn’t used and may automatically steer to maintain lane position)

RS 7 Executive bundle: