Audi India has driven in the second generation RS 7 Sportback at Rs 1.94 crore, ex-showroom. The RS 7 is based on the second generation A7 and is available for the first time ever in a five-seater configuration. It also offers mild hybrid technology for improved efficiency at lower speeds.
On the outside, the RS 7 looks wider than before and the aggressive frontal styling with a glossy black honeycomb grille gives it a sporty stance. The RS 7 is unmistakably low slung and the sloping fastback roofline makes it look absolutely ballistic. Giving it an aggressive stance are blacked out elements like the signature Audi grille, wing mirrors and the twin exhaust tips.
Elements connoting the RS 7 Sportback’s performance-oriented intentions are present all over the cabin as well. Audi’s virtual cockpit displays details like tyre pressure, torque, boost pressure, lap times and G-forces among many other things. The centre console comprises of a dual touchscreen layout, typical of latest generation Audis and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped around Alcantara. It also sports new paddle-shifters i aluminium finish. That said, the RS 7 Sportback is now offered in a five-seat configuration, adding a pinch of practicality to a car that will solely be an emotional choice for most buyers.
The performance-oriented version of the A7 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in conjunction with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The motor in the RS 7 churns out a colossal 591bhp and 800Nm of torque and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The RS7 is offered with Audi’s staple Quattro all-wheel-drive system and Audi claims that it can clock 0-100kmph in a just 3.6 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the outgoing version. It also gets a 48V mild hybrid system that can provide an additional 16bhp.
It also features Audi’s cylinder on demand technology that shuts of four cylinders at lower rpms for increased fuel economy. In terms of electronic techno wizardry, the RS 7 gets torque vectoring, dynamic all wheel steering (optional), standard adaptive air suspension, carbon ceramic brakes (optional) among many other features that make the drive more engaging.
The Audi RS 7 Sportback is about Rs 17 lakh more expensive that its predecessor and it now locks horns with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and the BMW M5 Competition.