So do you want the good news, or the bad news? Bad news is Audi’s bad-to-the-bone RS6 Avant won’t be coming to South African market. At least not anytime soon. Good news is we get a consolation prize in the new RS7 Sportback.
And what a consolation it is. Basically this big, streamlined four-door coupé rides on the same running gear as its wagon sibling, and it’s this platform that’s been developed to challenge performance sedans such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, Porsche’s Panamera and BMW’s M5. More specifically though, this car and its sculpted shape squares up bumper to bumper with the CLS 63 AMG and the M6 Gran Coupé.
Its relatively small four-litre twin-turbo V8 packs a surprisingly large punch with 412kW and 700Nm. Of course, as every RS model ever has, this power is dumped through all four wheels via a beefed-up quattro system developed specifically for this application, and this grip is essential in helping the RS7 achieve its wild claim of 3.9 seconds from 0-100km/h.
SMOOTH SHIFTER
Interestingly, the RS7 gets an eight-speed Tiptronic torque-converter style gearbox, whereas the less powerful S7 gets a dual-clutch S-tronic seven-speeder. In practice this actually means very little, as the Tiptronic shifts as smoothly and as quickly as any discerning RS customer could hope for. But we wonder if this monster sedan, which tips the scales at two tons, could sprint even quicker if it were equipped with a launch control system like the S-tronic S7 has. Even so, we think 3.9 seconds is plenty quick. We’re sure you’ll agree.
Top speed, out of interest, is 250km/h as per obligatory German regulation, but an optional Dynamic Package raises it to 305km/h. Most super saloons come with this extra cost option these days.
Acceleration is immense. After the smallest trace of turbolag, the RS7 hikes up its britches and hurls itself at the horizon in the most aggressive manner. The initial discharge will literally take your breath away if your senses aren’t primed for the onslaught, and while the weight of the vehicle’s always evident, it’s an almost surreal experience in the way it throws it around. Think Homer Simpson as an effective rugby full-back.
MENACING WARBLE
There are active flaps inside the exhaust that’ll open when Dynamic mode is selected, but even in its most composed Comfort setting the V8 engine thwacks away with a menacing warble. I’d say the RS7’s not quite as loud as an AMG of equivalent nature, but it’ll certainly out-shout an M5, for interest’s sake.
Suspension systems range from adaptive air type, to optional RS Sport with adjustable dynamic ride control. One floats on cushions of air and the other sends oil between individual dampers via a complicated system of arteries hidden within the chassis. Each does its best to hide the RS7’s bulk, but neither really succeeds. This is a big, luxury car first and foremost, and as an RS it can out-drag many a Lambo, but a track tool it never will be.
MUST-HAVE BRAKE OPTION
I would like to say stick with the standard air-ride setup because it’s more comfortable, but Audi’s must-have carbon ceramic brake option comes together in a package that includes the harder DRC suspension, together with the speed-limiter increase. The ceramic brakes are not only lighter, but they generate much more stopping power as well. The ability to slow this rather large car is an invaluable asset, and this bigger, better braking system doesn’t break a sweat even under intense pedal pressure. This Dynamic Plus package will be pricey at around R110 000, but do yourself a favour and budget for it.
Just like the A7 in standard trim, the RS7 gets a surprisingly big boot area, easily accessible through a giant fastback tailgate that hinges at the roof. Rear-seat head and legroom is also unexpectedly generous given the car’s sleek exterior profile, and a full complement of four business execs could ride comfortably in this inter-boardroom über-coach.
The RS7 will be launched in South Africa in January 2014 at an indicative price around R1.4-million. - Star Motoring
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