2021 Audi RS 7

And voila, you have to get yourself a superb machine, and attention-stealing performance vehicle, accompanying a terrifying stance with the frantic V8 growl underneath the hood. But the 2021 RS7 isn’t the only perfect combination engineered. Nameplates like Porsche Panamera Turbo S, Mercedes AMG GT 63 4-door, and BMW M8 Gran Coupe have been in existence to try and bulldoze the Audi RS7. In this review, let’s delve deeper into how the 2021 Audi RS7 might excel in various aspects and to its rivals.

The 2021 RS7 is a standalone option as Four-Ring’s high-performance vehicle. It carries a $114,000 price tag and is generously loaded with tonnes of features. Besides, buyers can choose various available optional packages to add more bells and whistles. Since this is a souped up version of one of their already well selling models there is not many trims to offer but packages are available. 

Besides the listed features, the RS7 can add more attractive details from optional packages that include Side Assist, Driver Assistance, RS7 Executive, and Individual Contour Seat package. In addition, more upgrades will require you to shell out some cash but will be worth every dollar. Options like Upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system, Carbon-ceramic brakes, Black Optic and Carbon Optic styling packages, Sport exhaust, and Night vision are individually offered upgrades.

Which Trim should you buy?

Audi removes any hassle of picking from different trim ladders, as there’s only one RS7 to choose from, and for the price tag, it is loaded with features. But then, there are numerous optional packages and upgrades to avail. We suggest you get Driver assistance and Carbon-ceramic brakes from the options list to enhance your driving experience.

The 2021 Audi RS7 is motivated by a growling and grunty 4.0L Twin Turbo V8, shared with the RS6 Avant sibling, punching out 591-hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The engine is assisted by a 48V mild-hybrid system for smoother start-stop transitions. The Audi RS7 is a blistering quick machine and a lightning-quick 8-speed automatic has to be credited for its contribution. The power is distributed through the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and hence the exciting performance figures.

The Audi RS7 belongs to the performance breed, and it can leave the occupants in shock with its performance. The fire-breathing V8 and its thrust make sure that the RS7 races from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, replicates it over and over, and does not mellow out. It takes 11.2-seconds to munch a quarter-mile and a top speed of 174 mph evolves the RS7 into a missile on AutoBahn. If fitted with available carbon-ceramic brake upgrades, the vehicle can touch supercar-taxing 190 mph top speed. Besides being racy, the Audi RS7 and its air-suspension setup make sure that the ride quality is soft and smooth for certain times. The optional all-wheel-steering adds agility and easy maneuverability.

For a reasonable sticker price, the 2021 Audi RS7 is nearly as thrilling as a supercar, yet quite efficient as a midsize sedan. Compared to the rivals, the RS7 has the best dollar-to-horsepower ratio. Competitors like Porsche Panamera Turbo S and AMG GT 63 come with a sky-scraping price and scorching accelerations that put it on the top of the chart.

How well does the 2021 Audi RS7 handle?

Undoubtedly, the 2021 Audi RS7 is blisteringly quick, yet makes peace with the pedal, and it turns into an absolutely calm cruising machine in no time. The twin-turbo V8 block under the hood is very powerful, and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system cleverly puts all this power into the wheels. The transmission manages brisk and smooth shifts, and launch control makes sure that every occupant whiplashes to their seats. The RS7 performs adequately on the backroads too. With different driving modes, the electronics optimize the throttle, suspension, and other equipment to result in a smoother ride in one setting and is a monster in the other. Besides, the RS buttons can memorize the individual customized settings.

The air suspension offers a smooth and composed ride quality, but the same make the RS7 stick to the road on sharp turns. Goodies like the Quattro system, sports rear differential, and dynamic all-wheel steering system adhere to providing a balanced driving experience. But when the RS7 needs to pull out of the corner or push hard enough, the sport differential sends 85 percent of the power to the rear wheels and around 100 percent of that power to either the left or right wheel, to induce a bit of oversteer.

Braking Performance

With a ferocious and fire-breathing V8, the 2021 RS7 also gets massive brake rotors- 16.5-inch front rotors and 14.6-inch rear rotors.

Together these bring the 4938-lbs RS7 from 60-mph to a dead stop at 101 feet. Though, one can always upgrade to optional carbon-ceramic brakes that have prowess in high-performance braking. 

Despite being the heftiest in the lot, the 2021 Audi RS7 manages to slow down more effectively, beating the Mercedes AMG GT 63. With figures unavailable, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S and BMW M8 Gran Coupe can’t be compared for now.

For the performance traits that the Audi RS7 showcases, it’s unwise to expect healthy fuel economy. Yet the powerful Audi machine delivers 17 mpg combined, decent enough to take you places yet flaunt the V8’s roar and punch. With a 19.3-gallon fuel tank, the 2021 RS7 makes efficient long runs, unless the driver floors the pedal to prioritize performance over economy.

If you are looking for mind-numbing performance yet vital economy, then Mercedes AMG GT 63 4-door is the best option to pick. The other rivals are down to the Mercedes high-performance machine, yet Porsche Panamera Turbo S has one of the best range in the lot, owing to a massive fuel tank.

The 2021 Audi RS7 remains remarkable; the sporty interior synchronizes with an ambiance of luxury that the German automaker is renowned for. The cabin flaunts three screens that make it a hi-tech wonder. The cabin is quite practical for RS7’s nature and can seat 5-passengers.

Up in front, the RS sport seats with integrated headrests hug the drivers, thanks to impressive bolsters, contours, and also the quilted Valcona leather seating surface. There’s loads of headroom and legroom in the front, along with added convenience of power-adjustable front seats. The tasteful honeycomb stitching on the seats looks mesmerizing, and the same continues to various other surfaces. 

The dash is upright and striking, but not significantly different from the A6 and A7. There are gloss black panels, carbon-twill structure inlays, and brushed aluminum accents that together create an unforgettable interior attire. The rear seats are very practical and comfortable, and three passengers would love the space, but two would sit more comfortably. The rear seats also retain the sporty attire and stitching. In terms of roominess, a tall passenger might bump their heads into the roof, owing to the tantalizing sloping roofline. 

The 2021 RS7 continues to feature the very practical hatchback-style tailgate and massive boot opening. The 24.6 cu-ft cargo area can easily fit four medium-sized suitcases with space still to spare. The 60/40 split-folding seats go down to reveal a 49.1 cu-ft volume, big enough to fit a mountain bike. The likes of RS7 attract a bigger crowd of buyers, those looking for both luxury and practicality. The big boot, stylish interior, and premium materials together elevate the experience. 

Standout interior features:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front sport seats
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• RS Front Sports seats with 14-way power adjustments
• Aluminum Race anthracite inlays
• Optional 18-way seats with massaging
• Quilted Valcona leather seating surface
• Heated steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Audi RS7 flaunts modern and hi-tech infotainment details that look stunning and reduces the cluster of buttons. The 10.1-inch touchscreen substitutes for the infotainment system with an 8.6-inch lower screen for the climate controls. The screens are slightly tilted towards the driver and feature haptic touch feedback. The screens are prone to fingerprints, yet it complies as modern and upmarket. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit gauge cluster with a specific RS layout offers all vital information. Besides, the infotainment also includes wireless Apple Carplay, wired Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, HD Radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The screen graphics are sharp and the haptic touch response makes it easy to access the screens without much distraction. The audio experts would love the16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system that comes as standard, yet an upgradable 19-speaker 3D Advanced setup can blow their minds off.

Standout infotainment features:

• Digital instrument cluster (Audi Virtual Cockpit)
• Dual touchscreen displays (10.1-inch top and 8.6-inch lower) with navigation
• Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless charging pad with phone signal booster
• Bang & Olufsen audio system

The 2021 Audi RS7 is an A7 midsize sedan turned into a daunting and frightening machine. The design is arresting and head-turning, where Audi sticks the same wide-mouth, irregular hexagonal grille with aggressive matrix LED headlights and LED DRLs that do a dance thing. The vent below the hoods adds a race-car resemblance to this family high-performance vehicle. 

The planted side stance flaunts the stylish alloy wheel design, and the Sportback roofline smoothly flowing and mating with the rear end. The rear end boasts an adaptive spoiler, full LED tail lights with dynamic indicators along with RS-signature oval exhaust tips that are housed along with the massive faux diffuser setup. 

The 2021 RS7 poses as a burly and hefty vehicle to the rivals, despite the lesser stretched length and low height. The aggressive and intimidating RS7 attire is striking, but so are the rivals.

Standout exterior features:

• 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires
• Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension
• Matrix LED headlights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Illuminated aluminum front door sill inlays
• Adaptive rear spoiler
• RS-signature oval exhaust outlets
• Faux diffuser setup

The Four-Ring emblem has been one of the best automakers globally, and safety has been a priority for them. In a similar notation, the 2021 Audi RS7 packs a wide suite of electronic safety aids to keep the occupants safe. The RS7 hasn’t been through the safety tests yet nor will it ever be. The Audi A7 was tagged with “Top Safety Pick” by IIHS, since the RS7 is based on the A7 with more standard safety features, it can rely on it as a very safe ride. 

Standout safety features:

• Lane departure warning
• 360-degree camera system
• HD Matrix Design headlights with laser light and automatic high beams,
• Surround-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Forward collision detection and preparation with automatic emergency braking
• Rear collision preparation
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane keep assist
• Night vision camera with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and vehicle exit warning

2021 Audi RS7 vs 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

In case the obvious price difference isn’t enough to make the 2021 Audi RS7 a more direct pick, the more practical interior layout and excellent utility from the hatchback body style make the RS7 more family-friendly.

But if you can ditch the spaciousness, and have heavier pockets, then the Porsche Panamera Turbo S can make you drool. It is ridiculously quick, offers Porsche-level handling and feedback and a more luxurious interior. But again, the price difference is huge.

2021 Audi RS7 vs 2021 Mercedes AMG GT 63 4-door coupe

The Mercedes AMG GT 63 coupe is very closely matched to the RS7, in terms of power, acceleration, interior luxury ambiance, and hi-tech touchscreens.

But the former is more economical and the sticker price makes the RS7, again, a more direct pick in the lot. Both are natural rivals, are plusher with top-notch materials, have menacing looks, and offer nail-biting performance. But for the fact that the Mercedes AMG GT coupe is slightly more efficient, it should get more points.

2021 Audi RS7 vs 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe

Both Audi RS7 and BMW M8 Gran Coupe are neck-and-neck matched rivals, with brutal power and luscious interiors. When it comes to solid build quality and infotainment intuitiveness, the BMW has a fair edge.

The Audi RS7 and its bigger boot prove to be more practical, while the interior is more bent to being sporty, while BMW is more elegant and lavish.

The 2021 Audi RS7 is a potent high-performance vehicle, though less practical but with a more arresting silhouette to its RS6 Avant sibling. The powermill under the hood makes the RS7 blistering quick, agile and thrilling. The interior is garnished with modern tech and sporty bits that complement the luxurious cabin ambiance. The standard safety features are limited, yet spending more on optional packages can get you a fully loaded RS7.