Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

New Audi RS 7 Sportback 2019 review

The new Audi RS 7 Sportback promises much with its 4.0-litre V8 producing 592bhp, but does it deliver?

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Find your Audi RS7
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Customers got an average £1000 more vs part exchange quotes
Advertisement

The RS 7 Sportback feels more relevant since Audi distanced it from the now-diesel S7, and it’s undoubtedly more involving to drive than its predecessor, too. The only fly in the ointment will be the upcoming RS 6 Avant, which is sure to drive just as well, but cost less to buy.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest wave of Audi’s S-badged models may have made the switch to diesel power, but the Germans know that nothing quite beats the feeling of a brawny petrol V8 - so that’s what you’ll find under the bonnet of the second-generation RS 7 Sportback.

That should help put a little more space between the top-spec model and the regular S7 too, which wasn’t the case with the first-generation car, when both cars shared a V8. Still, the RS 7 will have to work hard, and not just because a projected £90k-plus price tag makes it over £20,000 more expensive than the diesel-powered S7. An RS 6 Avant is on the way; the closest rival for Audi’s sleek five-door coupe has always been the more practical Avant.

• Best performance cars on sale

Still, the RS 7 gets the jump on its stablemate, as the RS 6 won’t arrive in the UK until early next year. Few buyers will be concerned with the numbers developed by either car’s V8, however; the 4.0-litre unit makes 592bhp, 39bhp more than before, while an 800Nm torque figure gives it a full 100Nm of extra twist. There’s a 48-volt mild-hybrid system too, though that’s more for reducing consumption – numbers yet to be confirmed by Audi – than improving performance.

A recalibrated eight-speed auto handles gearshifts, and the usual quattro all-wheel drive system is present and correct. It’s managed by a centre differential that can adjust the standard 40:60 front-rear torque split, sending up to 70 per cent to the front wheels or 85 per cent to the rear – with a standard Sport differential to delegate which wheel gets the most torque.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Other features standard on UK-bound RS 7s include dynamic all-wheel steering, and the adaptive air suspension. An even more focused RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control is optional. All this tech sounds complicated, but it’s clever, too. The all-wheel steering can improve manoeuvrability around town, while also boosting stability at higher speeds.

The S7 has this technology, too, of course, but it doesn’t have many of the RS 7’s styling additions. Like other recent RS models, Audi has really pumped up the latest RS 7, with wider arches front and rear and a wider track to fill them – with 21- and 22-inch wheel options available. The front grille ditches the usual chrome trim, while side blades direct air for cooling the radiators. And at the rear, you’ll find a pair of enormous tailpipes in place of the fake exhaust tips of the S7.

Inside, the changes are more subtle, with RS-specific seats and a smattering of RS logos. Most noticeable is a new RS display for the Virtual Cockpit screen, with a motorcycle-style bar rev counter and configurable information either side of it. It’s a bit naff, if we’re honest - and thankfully you can change it back to more traditional dials if you choose. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The A7’s practicality remains however - the 535-litre boot is large, and there’s good rear seat space. UK models, incidentally, get the option of a three-seat bench in the rear for even greater utility.

The RS 7 starts with a rumble, but otherwise the V8 engine is relatively muted - probably a sensible decision for a car more likely to stalk motorways than B-roads. That glorious bellow can still be heard under hard acceleration though, and the RS7 really does charge hard - there’s an insistent, linear surge from idle all the way to the red line, giving the car a very different feel from the narrower band of power in the diesel S7.

Officially it’s good for 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, with a limited 155mph top speed (upgrades to 174mph and 189mph are available). Regardless you’ll be glad of the strong, tireless brakes - the 420mm front discs and 10-piston calipers really do their job. 

Those 22-inch wheels could be ruinous for ride quality, but on the few scabbier sections we found (German roads are, on the whole, pretty smooth) there was remarkably little commotion. And while the old RS7 felt a little inert in the corners, the new model offers a marked improvement.

There’s not much information filtering through the steering wheel, and the steering is light, but it’s direct and consistent, and that active rear axle really helps point the nose through each turn. Understeer is basically absent, mid-corner grip huge, and on dry roads at least, traction is never an issue.  

You can occasionally feel the car’s 2,065kg kerb weight, but to Audi’s credit, the RS 7 hides its bulk well.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on RS7

Audi RS 7 Sportback vs Porsche Panamera: 2023 twin test review
Audi RS 7 vs Porsche Panamera - header
Car group tests
25 Sep 2023

Audi RS 7 Sportback vs Porsche Panamera: 2023 twin test review

Ultra-fast executive models from Audi and Porsche go head to head
New Audi RS 6 and RS 7 ‘performance’ variants come with boost to 621bhp 
Audi RS 6 and RS 7 performance
News
28 Nov 2022

New Audi RS 6 and RS 7 ‘performance’ variants come with boost to 621bhp 

There’s more power and pace for Audi’s big performance estate and fastback, but for a big price
Madcap Audi ABT RS7-R revealed with 730bhp
News
2 Apr 2020

Madcap Audi ABT RS7-R revealed with 730bhp

Limited-run Audi ABT RS7-R gets extra 138bhp plus wild styling add-ons and new interior trim courtesy of famed Audi tuners ABT
New 2019 Audi RS 7 Sportback goes on sale
Audi RS 7 Sportback - Frankfurt front
News
23 Dec 2019

New 2019 Audi RS 7 Sportback goes on sale

The new Audi RS 7 Sportback is on sale now priced from £97,050, sporting a new same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8
Audi RS7 Sportback (2013-2017) review
Audi RS7 Sportback
In-depth reviews
4 Apr 2018

Audi RS7 Sportback (2013-2017) review

Flagship Audi RS7 features a sensational engine and a chassis that delivers exceptional all-round ability
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S vs Audi RS7 Performance
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S vs Audi RS7 Performance - header
Car group tests
3 Aug 2017

Mercedes-AMG E 63 S vs Audi RS7 Performance

The wild Mercedes-AMG E 63 S meets the Audi RS7 Performance in a mega 600bhp 4WD saloon fight
Audi RS7 Performance 2016 review
Audi RS7 Performance - front
Road tests
24 Aug 2016

Audi RS7 Performance 2016 review

New Audi RS7 Performance offers searing pace and a comfortable ride, but it can't hide its handling shortcomings
Audi RS7 Piloted Driving concept ride review
Road tests
8 Dec 2014

Audi RS7 Piloted Driving concept ride review

We take a seat in the Audi that drives itself, the RS7 Piloted Driving concept - now with video!
Audi RS7 driverless car tech on its way to road cars
News
16 Oct 2014

Audi RS7 driverless car tech on its way to road cars

A driverless Audi RS7 Sportback will tackle Germany's Hockenheim circuit, previewing autonomous tech that's coming to the road
Audi RS7 Sportback facelift unveiled
News
2 Jun 2014

Audi RS7 Sportback facelift unveiled

Revised Audi RS7 2014 is due to arrive this year with updated design and an improved infotainment system
BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Audi RS7 video
BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Audi RS7
Videos
10 Dec 2013

BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs Audi RS7 video

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe and Audi RS7 go head to head in this exclusive video
Skip advert
Advertisement
Audi RS7 Sportback 2014 review
Audi RS7 2013 front action
Road tests
31 Oct 2013

Audi RS7 Sportback 2014 review

Audi RS7 Sportback offers great performance, with mighty 4.0-litre V8 engine, but it's expensive
Audi RS7 video review
Videos
31 Jul 2013

Audi RS7 video review

In this video review we test the lightning-quick Audi RS7
Audi RS7 Sportback
Road tests
16 Jul 2013

Audi RS7 Sportback

We review the new Audi RS7 Sportback, powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8