2017 Audi RS 7 Review

Standard features include 20-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a sport body kit, an adaptive sport-tuned air suspension, variable-ratio steering, a sport differential, a sunroof, a power liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a basic collision mitigation system (Pre Sense Basic and Pre Sense Rear), a blind-spot monitor and keyless entry and ignition.

Inside you'll find ambient LED lighting, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front sport seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, four-zone automatic climate control, Audi Drive Select (providing driver control over steering, suspension, transmission and exhaust settings), Audi's MMI technology interface (with a console-mounted controller that includes touchpad functionality), an 8-inch display screen, a rearview camera, voice controls, a navigation system, a head-up display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interface, Audi Connect (including 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot capability and Web-based navigation and information services) and a 14-speaker Bose audio system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio and a USB interface.

There are several options packages available for the 2017 Audi RS 7. The Driver Assistance Plus package adds automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning/keeping assist, a corner-view (front and rear) parking camera system and the upgraded Pre Sense Plus collision mitigation system with automatic braking.

The Comfort Seating package features different leather upholstery (lacking the standard honeycomb stitching), "contour" front seats with ventilation and massage functions, passenger memory settings and comfort rear seats. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Finally, the Carbon-Optic package alters the finish and appearance of the car's mirrors, grille, lower air intakes and rear diffuser.

Stand-alone options include 21-inch wheels in different finishes, power-closing doors, a night vision system, a simulated suede headliner, rear side airbags and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system.

The RS 7 Performance gains more power, carbon-ceramic brakes, Dynamic Ride Control (a mechanical damping system that reduces body roll and pitch around corners), 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, a different bumper design, gloss-black grille surround, black tailpipes and carbon-fiber mirror housings.

The RS 7 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that sends 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. An eight-speed automatic transmission, a self-locking center differential and a sport rear differential are standard. For the RS 7 Performance, the output rises to 605 hp and an overboost function provides a temporary torque peak of 553 lb-ft.

In Edmunds performance testing, an RS 7 leapt to 60 mph in an absurdly quick 3.4 seconds, which is more than half a second quicker than a Chevrolet Corvette. According to the EPA, the RS 7 returns 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city/27 mpg highway), remarkably frugal numbers for this level of performance.