2015 Audi RS 7

The RS 7 is the performance version of the A7 sedan and hence comes in only one trim level called the ‘Prestige’ with an obvious increase in price. The RS 7 is one of the best value for money cars in the segment with a ton of features and creature comforts that come with it. As the RS 7 is a sports-oriented sedan, it also comes with some sports-tuned components in the powertrain, suspension system, and drivetrain system. The following table shows the pricing and the prominent features of the 2015 Audi RS 7-

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The 2015 Audi RS 7 is only available in a ‘Prestige’ trim for sale. This is a well-equipped trim that comes with all of the features offered in the Audi A7 and more. The RS 7 is said to be one of the most value-for-money cars in the segment and is certainly one of the best choices around considering the features that come along with it.

The powertrain unit powering the 2015 Audi RS 7 is a turbocharged 4.0 L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a whopping 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. From a sports car’s perspective, the power output might seem normal, but considering the fact that the RS 7 can seat 4 occupants and haul their cargo as well, it seems to be an outrageous amount of power.

The engine unit is mated to Audi’s famed 8-speed DCT gearbox unit that works seamlessly to deliver the best gear shifts in the segment. The RS 7 is only available as an AWD car unlike some of its rivals like the BMW M6 Gran Coupe which is available in an RWD form. The RS 7 seems to be the cheapest option in the segment but it’s also the quickest of them all. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and does a quarter-mile distance in 11.3 seconds.

The Audi Quattro AWD system along with the 8-speed DCT transmission ensures that the RS 7 is the quickest and fastest option in the segment without a doubt. The closest competition in terms of performance figures seems to be the 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo but considering the differences in pricing, the RS 7 is a bargain. It is definitely the best option to get in this particular segment and price range. 

If you need fuel-efficiency along with the impeccable performance figures of a sports sedan, the RS 7 clearly fills the need. It might be the quickest and fastest in its class, but it also has the best fuel efficiency of them all. The 2015 Audi RS 7 delivers a combined fuel economy of 19 MPG and offers 15 and 27 MPG in the city and highway respectively. It’s got a fuel tank capacity of 19 gallons that helps the RS 7 to deliver 376.2 miles combined range.

The only drawback on the RS 7’s side is the fact that it comes with the smallest fuel tank in the segment. But the difference is not drastic and the Audi makes up for it with higher fuel efficiency. While it might give you the best in class fuel economy, its small fuel tank restricts its combined range to 376 miles while the 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo would give 475 miles of combined range on a full tank.

The 2015 Audi RS 7 certainly has an interior inspired from the A7 as it is based on the A7, but a few RS touches here and there make it an exclusive addition to the Audi fleet. The dashboard layout has a proper Audi look to it with the flowing metal trim insert lines and the placement of the infotainment screen and the buttons. The interior is only available in a single black color specification as it’s an RS model. The 12-way power-adjustable leather seats with RS Sport honey sport quilting and ‘RS’ logo embossed on its look and feel premium. There is an ample amount of space in the front and second row of the cabin which is an added advantage of being a sedan.

The second-row seats are full folding Sportback seats that are separated for added space and convenience making the seating capacity to be 4 people instead of the usual 5. The seats are nice and wide but the headroom has been compromised due to the flowing roofline of the RS 7. The standard trunk capacity is not known but is expected to be around 15 cu-ft. mark. The remote keyless entry to the cargo area and the wide opening make it convenient to load and unload cargo making the RS 7 a practical option in the segment.

The fully foldable seats of the Audi RS 7 remind you that this is a coupe and the cargo capacity can surely be increased by folding the second-row seats completely. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe has a slight advantage in the segment as it can seat 5 occupants in its cabin but the second row seems to be cramped up compared to the space in the RS 7. The M6 also offers the highest cargo capacity in the competition. Standout interior features include :

• Memory function for driver seat
• 12-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with power lumbar control
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• RS-specific carbon-fiber inlays and thoughtfully designed aluminum pedals
• Ambient LED lighting
• Full comfortable sports-style seats
• Optional Comfort Seating package offers massaging seats
• Valcona leather seating with honeycomb stitching

How intuitive is the 2015 Audi RS 7’s infotainment system?

The RS 7 comes equipped with Audi’s latest-gen Audi MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen multi-information display. The display unit controls all the multimedia settings including the rear camera view, music system, SatNav, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lot more. The RS 7 offers a 630-watt premium Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers and a subwoofer which enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. Standout infotainment features:

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio All Access Package with a 3-month trial subscription
• Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• USB port
• 630w premium Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers and a subwoofer
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit

The exterior of the 2015 RS 7 is a tweaked-up version of the A7. The exterior bodywork gets an aggressive bumper design and the overall bodywork looks muscular and wide. The wheel arches are wider in the RS 7 compared to the A7 and give it a handsome stance. Overall it is an extremely beautiful looking sports car but its attributes clearly mean that it means business and that it is extremely powerful. 

At 4475 lbs, the RS 7 is one of the heaviest cars in the segment in terms of curb weight. But still, it manages to be the quickest and fastest in its class all thanks to the clever sports tuned suspension and differential units. The RS 7 comes with 20-inch wheels as standard which does make the ride stiffer while offering increased grip and better cornering abilities. 

The RS 7’s proportions are aesthetically pleasing as its wheelbase and length are in the right proportions. It also has one of the best heights in its class that helps increase the headroom by a tad bit. The Panamera however, happens to be the longest and widest whereas the BMW has the longest wheelbase. Some standout exterior features of the 2015 Audi RS 7 include:

• Headlights with unique LED and darkened-trim designs
• Giant rear exhaust outlets
• Power Moonroof
• Standard 21-inch titanium-finish wheels
• Retractable rear spoiler
• Optional Carbon Optics package
• Aggressively raked roofline

The 2015 Audi RS 7 hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS. But considering the fact that it is derived from the A7 is a relief as we are sure that Audi wouldn’t compromise on safety when it comes to one of its best-performing cars in the fleet. The RS 7 does get some premium safety aids such as a low tire pressure warning system, Audi side blind spot assist, Audi Pre Sense basic front collision warning system, rear camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Standout safety features in the 2015 Audi RS 7 include:

• Audi Pre Sense Basic
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Audi Side Blind Spot Warning
• Low tire pressure warning

The Audi RS 7 is undoubtedly one of the best choices in the segment and a great value for money car. Its beautiful and sporty-looking exterior, aggressive stance, exciting performance, and best-in-class interior features make it a really handsome deal considering the fact that it is the cheapest option in the segment. The only notable drawbacks on the RS 7’s side would be its fuel range and the ride quality being a tad bit stiffer than usual.