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2021 Audi RS7

Starting at $115,045

8.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2021 audi rs7 front
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
8.5/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Aggressive appearance, tantalizing performance attributes, hatchback's added versatility.
  • Lows Too expensive for most enthusiasts, same infotainment foibles as regular A7.
  • Verdict The RS treatment looks to transform the softer A7 into a monstrous driving machine.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

The 2021 Audi RS7 is a wide-bodied, heart-pounding four-door sports car that features a usable back seat and practical hatchback. This all-new RS7 represents the mightiest version of the comparably subdued Audi A7. The RS model wears more aggressive-looking bodywork and has exclusive high-performance equipment that helps it compete with raucous rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GT63s and Porsche Panamera Turbos.

What's New for 2021?

After a brief hiatus, the Audi RS7 is back and all new for 2021. Now incorporating Sportback into its name, the second-gen RS7 receives more distinctive styling inside and out along with even greater technology and increased power.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Audi makes this easy because there's only one RS7 to choose from and it comes extremely well-equipped with things such as all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and an adjustable air suspension system. For maximum madness, consider the Black Optics package which adds darkened exterior trim and giant 22-inch wheels.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that pairs with a 48-volt hybrid system, eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The RS7 makes 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which in our testing catapulted the girthy four-door from zero to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. Likewise, Audi says it can reach a top speed of almost 190 mph when equipped with the most dynamic package. The RS7 has a standard air suspension with adaptive settings for varied ride quality. Its standard 21-inch wheels can be traded for 22-inchers, but the larger wheels will likely diminish its on-road comfort. Other standout options include rear-wheel steering and ceramic brakes for improved agility and enhanced stopping power.

2021 audi rs7 rearView Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2021 RS7 will earn 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. We ran it on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it returned 23 mpg in the real world.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the RS model shares an interior design and passenger space with the regular A7, it also has some exclusive details and intriguing options. Of course, the sturdy build quality and upscale materials will be immediately recognizable. Still, the RS7's cabin is adorned with trim-specific logos and other unique accents. The standard front sport seats have nice leather upholstery but can be reskinned with upgraded leather and ventilated cushions. Its back seat can fit two or three people, depending on the chosen seat configuration, and its cargo area offers 19 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in use and 49 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

2021 audi rs7 interiorView Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every RS7 is equipped with a snazzy infotainment system that operates via two touchscreens that seamlessly blend into the upper dashboard and flowing center console. Although Audi hasn't released the full list of standard and optional features, we're confident the RS will have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot as found on other 2021 models.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 RS7 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Audi does offer a host of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

  • Available 360-degree camera system
  • Available adaptive cruise control
  • Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi protects its products with a warranty plan that only falls short of premium competitors in terms of its complimentary maintenance. Audi offers no such plan whereas rivals such as BMW and Jaguar offer lengthy terms for that perk.

  • Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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Specifications

Specifications

2021 Audi RS7 Sportback

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED
$125,140 (base price: $115,045)

ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
244 in3, 3996 cm3
Power
591 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque
590 lb-ft @ 2050 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled disc/14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, 285/30R-22 (101Y) AO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.3 in
Length: 197.2 in
Width: 76.8 in
Height: 56.1 in
Passenger volume: 95 ft3
Cargo volume: 25 ft3
Curb weight: 4947 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
100 mph: 7.6 sec
130 mph: 12.9 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4 mile: 11.3 sec @ 122 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 151 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 302 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 23 mpg
Highway range: 440 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/22 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs

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