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

More performance is on the way for the Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback - in name and ability. Meet the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback ‘performance’ editions, which pile on both additional power and equipment over the cars they’re based on.

On sale from early December, priced from £112,650 (RS 6) and £116,305 (RS 7), the performance branded cars use Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, but arrive with an additional 21bhp and 50Nm of torque over the standard RS 6 and 7 models thanks to an increase in maximum boost pressure. 

Drive still goes to a quattro all-wheel-drive setup via an eight-speed automatic transmission, but 0-62mph is 0.2 seconds faster, taking a claimed 3.4 seconds with launch control. As standard both cars can achieve a higher top speed too, thanks to a reset of the electronic limiter to 174mph. Drivers taking manual control of the gears should be able to nail shifts thanks to a new blinking shift indicator on the standard 12.3-inch digital cockpit. 

And to go with the added bite, Audi has reduced the amount of sound insulation between the engine compartment and the interior, to give the performance cars a bit of extra bark. The marque says that while upping the volume, it also slightly reduces the weight of both cars, to the tune of about 8kg. 

Standard equipment on both models includes 22-inch wheels in matt grey, along with the exterior style package in the same colour. The RS sport exhaust tips are finished in gloss black, as are the badges you’ll find on the exterior of both cars. 

55

The interior of both cars is finished by default with the RS Design Package, bringing contrasting stitching and interior inlays in red, blue or grey, alongside a flat bottomed Alcantara steering wheel. Puddle lighting that projects ‘RS performance’ onto the ground next to the car is fitted too. 

Further up the range, Carbon Black versions of the new performance models are available from £121,600 (RS 6) and £125,255 (RS 7), introducing the same 22-inch wheel design in matt black, along with matt carbon styling and details. All versions come with a Bang & Olufsen premium audio setup with 3D sound capabilities, plus parking assistance, a head-up display and 360-degree camera system. Buyers can also have both models in the lofty Vorsprung equipment level, from £130,050 for the RS 6 Avant estate and £133,705 for the RS 7 Sportback. 

55

All versions of the car come with the RS Dynamic Package that’s optional on other members of the RS 6 and 7 ranges. This includes the increased top speed along with four-wheel steering and a rear axle equipped with a quattro sport differential. 

But, 174mph isn’t the fastest these new cars can go. Tick the RS Dynamics Package Plus optional bundle, and the limiter is taken up to 189mph. Alongside the additional speed, a ceramic braking system is fitted, bringing with it greater stopping power, a reduction in weight by 34kg and a choice of three paint colours for the calipers - grey, red, or blue. 

With order books opening on December 8, Audi anticipates first deliveries of the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback duo in April 2023. 

Now take a look at our round-up of the best performance cars...