Burly and Quick, the 2021 Audi RS7 Is Back With More Power and Character

The new Audi RS7 delivers an interesting combination of a herculean design, impressive performance, high-tech features and relative practicality. The aggressive flared wheel arches are an unmistakable RS signature that add 1.7 inches of width over the A7, giving it a wide-bodied athletic appearance. In fact, the bulging arches gave the car so much more girth that Audi had to design RS7 specific rear doors instead of the ones found on the A7 to accommodate the extra width. If that athletic design cue doesn’t make it obvious that it is an RS7, the large angular front air inlets, protruding side skirts, rear diffuser and massive oval exhaust tips will really drive the point home. Audi has certainly taken a bolder design approach for its second generation sportback.

In addition to its redesign, the car gets additional power and tech. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 provides 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Its power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The powerplant and drivetrain setup is enough to launch the RS7 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph unless you opt for the Ceramic Brake package that will allow 190 mph along with the needed extra stopping power.

1 of 18

A standard adjustable air suspension system provides long-distance, comfort and high-performance settings. Depending on the selected suspension setting, the car rides between 0.4 and 0.8 inches lower than the A7. Four-wheel steering, Audi’s Quattro sport differential and 21-inch wheels also come standard. The available Black Optic and Carbon Optic packages swap the standard wheels for a 22-inch set and also include a beautiful black grille along with your choice of black or carbon exterior accents.

The spacious cabin has plenty of high-quality materials and high-tech features. Sport seats wrapped in perforated Valcona leather accentuated with RS logos and a unique honeycomb pattern come standard. For a more subdued seating style, a package is available that swaps the sporty designs and logos for a more unobtrusive pattern along with 18-way power front seats that include ventilating and massaging functions. Standard entertainment features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Night vision and a driving package that incorporates aides, such as cruise control and lane assistance, are optional.

Three digital displays are laid out in the center console and instrument cluster area. A 10.1-inch infotainment and navigation display with Audi’s MMI Touch Response is located in the upper center console area. Below that, an 8.6-inch display controls the climate control and comfort features. The third display is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that is integrated with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. This large HD display has a 1,920 x 720 pixel resolution and conveniently projects satellite imagery or 3D city maps directly in front of the steering wheel for easy viewing.

1 of 9

With room for 5 passengers, a hatchback (or as Audi calls it, Sportback) design and 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the RS7 makes a compelling case for high-performance practicality. It may not be as quick as its Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo S competitors, but it is certainly more pragmatic.

2021 Audi RS7 Sportback

SPECIFICATIONS