2022 Audi RS 7

　　

2022 Audi RS 7 Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　, rating written byRonald MontoyaSenior 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2022 Audi RS 7 remains one of the sublime oddballs in the automaker's lineup. The long, swoopy sedan/hatchback body, based on the A7, makes a compelling and practical alternative to traditional cabin-and-trunk sedans like Audi's A6 or the BMW 5 Series. But pair it with a monster V8 engine that makes 591 horsepower, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering for razor-sharp cornering, and you have a singular automotive experience that turns every grocery run into an overdriven adrenaline surge.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Audi RS 7 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

　　$260/mo  for RS 7 Base

　　RS 7 Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $118,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　For 2022, the RS 7 gets some updated style and an optional performance boost. A new RS Design package adds cabin flair with black seat belts trimmed in red or gray, floor mats embroidered with the RS logo and contrast stitching, microsuede surfaces, carbon-fiber inlays, and a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara faux suede. An optional microsuede headliner is also available. The optional Dynamic Ride Control suspension is also now offered for the RS 7. This system is designed to reduce body roll and minimize weight transfer during aggressive cornering. It makes for more of an enthusiast driver's alternative to the standard air suspension.

　　The RS 7 is available in just one, singularly excellent trim level, so the expanded options offer a small measure of personalization. Overall we think the RS 7 is a great choice for a midsize high-performance car. Get our test team's full report, including instrumented testing, by reading our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below