AudiRS 7

　　

2024 Audi RS 7 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　With coupe-like styling, SUV-like utility and blazing speed, the 2024 Audi RS 7 offers a unique combination of fun and functionality. Four doors and five seats mask its family-sedan roots, while a 621-hp turbocharged V8 signals supercar ability, propelling the RS 7 from 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds. A rear liftgate and 24 cubic feet of cargo space do the work of a modern crossover, and the RS 7 is also loaded with advanced safety and connected tech and Audi's typically lush interior quality and comfort. It's a distinct, if not conventional, checklist for an ultra-performance car.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi RS 7 performance 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$268/mo  for RS 7 performance

　　RS 7 performance

　　performance 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $127,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: More power and lighter for 2024

Where the A7 comes with a robust but mild-mannered V6, the RS 7 comes with a V8 that generates nearly double the power. For 2024, the RS 7 gets a boost in horsepower and torque — about a 5% increase on both counts — and software refinements for snappier gear changes. Audi also lightened the RS 7's load by removing 17 pounds of sound insulation. A limited Bronze Edition comes loaded with nearly every high-performance option, but good luck finding one — Audi is only making 50 of them. No matter.

　　

Competitors to consider

Utility is the RS 7's secret weapon, thanks to its hatch-style trunk and ample cargo space. The Porsche Panamera has a similar layout with less room, but it's lighter, more agile and more visceral. The BMW M5 costs less and rivals the RS 7's power and luxury, but it's a traditional sedan with a trunk. Inside the family, the RS 6 Avant is essentially an RS 7 with a wagon body and about 20% more cargo space.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly after we test the RS7 with its more powerful engine and reduced weight.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the RS 7 drive? Getting to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds is fast no matter what kind of car you're driving. But doing it in the 4,800-pound RS 7 makes it that much more incredible. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, the RS 7 can fully deploy its 591 horsepower from a stop, which only adds to the practicality of its massive performance. And thanks to its broad powerband, the RS 7 is also remarkably relaxing to drive in everyday traffic. Ample passing power is readily available.

　　Just as incredible as the acceleration is the RS 7's handling. It pulled 1.0 g on our skid pad and out on real roads will likely leave most sports cars in the dust. Our test car had the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, and they hauled it down from 60 mph in just 107 feet and exhibited no fade during a fair bit of enthusiastic driving. The capability of the RS 7 is nothing short of stunning.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the RS 7? You'd be right to assume the RS 7 has driven comfort into the ditch in the name of mondo performance, but you'd be dead wrong. In spite of its 22-inch wheels, the RS 7's optional adaptive air suspension delivers a ride that borders on supple. And as aggressive as the RS seats look, they afford long-haul comfort with supple leather and padding that can almost be described as plush.

　　Adding to the impressive levels of comfort in the RS 7 is the near utter lack of road or wind noise. Even those aforementioned 22-inch wheels and aggressive summer tires don't make enough noise to disturb the occupants. Our test car was fitted with the optional sport exhaust. But instead of emitting obnoxious pops and bangs, it offered a muffled bassy roar even in its most aggressive setting.

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