2015 Audi RS7 Review

A Hellcat made in Germany? Not quite but the new Audi RS7 will definitely take on the American muscle and do it with style.

Until this year’s introduction of the New Audi R8 Geneva auto show, this hot hatch was Audi’s most powerful car. From the outside, the 2015 Audi RS7 mid-size sedan doesn’t stray too far from its S and A7 siblings. The front grill gets a little different treatment,  under the slightly flared fenders are standard 21” rims and red RS brake calipers. Other than some subtle RS badging, at quick glance, you can’t really tell this is any different than an S model.

2015 Audi RS7 Interior

2015 Audi RS7 interior front cabin
2015 Audi RS7. Photo: Audi

The interior of the RS is rich and functional as you would expect. Gauges are well laid out and the standard  MMI (Multi Media Interface) is displayed on a hidden screen. This RS is equipped with the optional Bang and Olufsen stereo and it is spectacular ($6500 Option) Quilted sport seats come standard and carbon fiber trim is optional.

One thing to note: the RS7 and the S7 both only carry four passengers, while the A7 can carry five. Head and legroom are adequate in the rear although passengers over 6” may experience some hair rubbing due to the sloping rear roof line.

2015 Audi RS7 Performance and Power

2015 Audi RS7 engine
2015 Audi RS7. Photo: Audi
  • Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
  • Power: 560 horsepower
  • Torque: 516 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Quattro all-wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
  • Top speed: 174 mph

Under the hood is a 4.0L Direct Injected Twin-Turbo engine spooling out 560 horsepower. Don’t let the power fool you, this car really is practical as I experienced. You will feel just as comfortable driving the RS on the Autobahn or driving to the mall.

2015 Audi RS7 rear profile shot parked in the mountains on side of the road
2015 Audi RS7. Photo: Audi

The power is very smooth, and the steering is light, making this a straightforward car for everyday use. The RS even has cylinder deactivation, cutting half the cylinders off when not needed to conserve fuel. When asked, though, the RS can lose its polite street manners and turn into a German Hulk, literally destroying everything in its path.

2015 Audi RS7 rear view driving on the track
2015 Audi RS7. Photo: Audi

0-60 in 3.7 sec. And a top speed of 174MPH. How’s that for a car carrying a family of 4, including two infant car seats and a hatch full of strollers and baby stuff?

Starting at $116,000, the 2015 RS7 is hardly cheap. Still, you are getting a very premium product that can be driven every day of the year, carry passengers and cargo comfortably and still able to make you smile with a simple press of the right pedal.

2015 Audi RS7 side top view
2015 Audi RS7. Photo: Audi

2015 Audi RS7 Specs

CategorySpecification
Engine4.0L twin-turbocharged V8
PowerApproximately 560 horsepower
TorqueApproximately 516 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic
DrivetrainQuattro all-wheel drive
0 to 60 mphApproximately 3.5 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 174 mph
SuspensionAdaptive air suspension
SteeringDynamic steering
BrakesHigh-performance brakes
Interior FeaturesPremium materials, advanced technology
Cargo SpaceHatchback design for practicality
TechnologyAudi Drive Select, Driver Assistance
Wheels20-inch or larger alloy wheels
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