There are cars, and then there’s the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance. We had the thrill of living with this beast in Ascari Blue Matte for an entire week – a colour that practically dares you to look away. If our experience is any indicator, the RS7 is a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster ride that commands attention from traffic officers and car enthusiasts alike. The RS7 isn’t just a sports sedan; it’s a turbocharged ticket to a new echelon of driving exhilaration.
By all accounts, the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance is a showstopper, and its Ascari Blue Matte paint job isn’t just a colour, it’s a statement. This sedan’s aggressive posture and sleek aerodynamic lines scream performance and power. Audi’s HD Matrix LED headlamps with laser light technology and dynamic turn signals cast a futuristic glow, while the five-spoke Y-style wheels in Matte Gray add an edge that’s impossible to ignore. The RS7 is perpetually poised to leap off the line and blast into the horizon.
LUXURIOUS AND TECH-FORWARD
Step into the RS7, and you’re enveloped in a cockpit designed to thrill. The interior seamlessly blends luxury and technology, featuring sports seats wrapped in Valcona Leather with honeycomb stitching.
The black-on-black-on-blue theme creates a sophisticated and striking ambience, while the sports contour leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating and shift paddles is a tactile delight that enhances every drive. The 12.3” Virtual Cockpit display and MMI touch response system are seamlessly integrated, making every command feel instinctive. It’s a space that pampers and relaxes, even amidst the high-performance excitement.
UNLEASHING ITS MIGHT
Hold onto your hat because the RS7’s performance is nothing short of explosive. Under the hood roars a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a staggering 463 kW of power at 6,000 rpm. This powertrain is a masterpiece of engineering, designed to provide exhilarating acceleration and a top speed electronically capped at 250 km/h. The eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, paired with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, ensures power is delivered to the road precisely and gracefully. Despite this powerhouse performance, the RS7 maintains a surprisingly reasonable fuel consumption of 11.4 l/100 km.
The RS7’s driving experience is a symphony of exhilaration and refinement. Whether navigating Gauteng’s busy city streets or tackling winding mountain roads, this sedan delivers a thrilling, luxurious, and dynamic ride. The advanced suspension system and dynamic steering offer superb handling and stability, while the rear-wheel steering adds agility. The nine-speed automatic transmission glides through gear changes, ensuring a smooth and refined driving experience that is as satisfying in traffic as on open roads.
NEIGHBOURS BEWARE
One of the most memorable aspects of our time with the RS7 was its engine roar during cold starts. The deep, guttural growl of the V8 engine had a remarkable effect – it seemed to forge new friendships with our neighbours! The unmistakable rumble resonated through the streets, garnering curious glances and enthusiastic comments from those nearby. It’s a sound that makes a bold statement, creating a sense of community among fellow car enthusiasts and adding an extra layer of excitement to every start-up.
STATE-OF-THE-ART
The RS7 is a tech-lovers dream, packed with cutting-edge features. The MMI touch response system’s dual touchscreens effortlessly control navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System immerses you in a world of high-fidelity audio, while the head-up display keeps crucial information directly in your sight.
Driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and night vision assist, elevate safety and convenience, ensuring every drive is both exhilarating and secure. It’s a feeling of control and confidence that’s hard to match.
Despite its high-performance nature, the RS7 doesn’t skimp on practicality. The interior comfortably accommodates five passengers, and the 535-litre boot offers ample space for luggage. This makes the RS7 a versatile choice, perfect for both daily commutes and epic road trips across Gauteng and beyond. Fold down the rear seats, and you’ve got even more room for gear, making the RS7 as versatile as it is thrilling.
LAST WORD
At R2,948,730 (with our test unit’s optional extras), the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance is not just a car; it’s a declaration of intent that marries high-performance engineering, luxurious comfort, and cutting-edge technology into a singular, exhilarating package. This sports sedan doesn’t just meet expectations – it blows them out of the water. Whether cruising through Gauteng’s vibrant streets or enjoying a spirited drive on open roads, the RS7 delivers a driving experience as luxurious as electrifying, firmly establishing itself as one of the finest sports sedans.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © AUDI SOUTH AFRICA
