2016 Audi RS 7 Performance first drive review

Auto Trader Verdict:

There is no doubt that the Audi RS 7 performance car is very pleasant; to encourage, to sit in, and to see. doubt comes when you try to find out if the car is worth a colossal amount of money you will pay, both to buy and to run. A more humble A7 provides most of what's great about the performance, at a fraction of the cost.

Need to know:

• Even more powerful version of the Audi coupe's performance
• Nearly 600bhp from the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged
• On sale now, starting at £ 92 060

Answers the prayers of all those for whom the standard Audi RS 7 just is not fast enough. Yes, a large high-performance Audi coupe, with four doors and four seats, has been given an additional shot in the arm. The 'Performance', which will be sold alongside the usual RS 7, appeared axis in a twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine 4.0-liter 45bhp for the song, adding up to 597bhp frankly shocking.

horsepower is not the only number puzzling offered, either. The machine also bangs out 516lb ft of torque, which sometimes will push to 553lb ft thanks to the overboost function temporarily. It all means that the luxury two-ton monster can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds is almost unbelievable. And then, of course, there is the price, starting from the north of £ 90,000. Crumbs.

Not surprisingly, very, very, very quickly indeed. Put any significant pressure on any throttle pedal, and the car lurches forward with speed to burn. That's not to say the RS 7 unmanageable - indeed flawless throttle easy to modulate, and you can easily Pootle along in traffic - but you realize that the release of acceleration never more than flex your ankle right away. Assisted by the quick response of the eight-speed automatic gearbox, which also operates nice and smoothly when you are in a relaxed mood.

However, replacing the Drive Select controller from Comfort mode to Dynamic, and all hell breaks loose. Standard air suspension becomes tight, exhaust spitting and bangs with every lift-off, but most importantly, gearbox became much more aggressive. It turned out to be a very fast car to car astonishingly fast, and you do not need too disgusted with the throttle pedal to achieve within two crazy speed fast.

The whole experience is dominated by machines, then, but it was not just because of the acceleration is so dramatic; it is also because everything is so undramatic. In addition to exhaust the shot, the cabin remains quiet, the ride remains smooth enough (even in a firmer setting) and a system of four-wheel-drive gives the car unflappable traction and grip. Indeed, if you ever get even close to approaching the limit of the car when driving on public roads, then you become very naughty and probably worth every minute of jail time you get.

Seriously, though, the law is something that all 7 RS driver performance will be very concerned. Phenomenal performance as presented in a subtle way, settled and quiet as it was alarming means easy to build up speed to lose licenses without realizing it, so it really pays to keep your concentration.

The car is not perfect by any other means, either. steering has a more supple, artificial shades; Audi reliability record is a bit patchy; and, obviously, it would cost an absolute packet to run.

That said, there are still a large number of such. The cabin dripping with quality and technology, a large cabin on comfort and ergonomics, and there is abundant space for four adults and their bags.

Should I get one?

No one doubts that the RS 7 Performance is impressive car, desirable and fun in equal measure. Even so, it was a bit difficult to see what the point of it.

If you want the car performance out-and-out, RS 7 does not really cut it. It's too big, too heavy and too diluted to feel sporty, though the speed of the epic. No doubt, comfort, refinement and luxury, it is the best car while destroying large distances between continents within two quickly.

The problem is, you can get it - plus all the other things good about RS 7 Performance - from humble version of the A7, and still go pretty darned fast, thank you very much, all for a lot less cash.

Key facts:

• Model: Audi RS 7 Performance
• Price: £ 90 725
• Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo petrol V8, the eight-speed automatic
• Power / torque: 597bhp / 516lb ft (553lb ft on overboost)
• 0-62mph: 3.7secs
• Top speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
• Economy: 29.7mpg
• CO2 / BIK tax liability: 221g / km / 37%
• Boot space: 535 - 1390 liters

Also consider:

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

All the steps and all the space, the rival who actually direct

Mercedes-AMG CLS 63

looks sleek and thumping V8 engine

Porsche Panamera GTS

4.8-liter V8 and twin-clutch gearbox beautiful

Find in our line Audi A7

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