2022 Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 is a weighty performance car but it disguises this well through the corners thanks to a series of advanced and intelligent mechanical and digital features. The front and rear five-link suspension setup is supported by an electrically assisted dynamic steering system that includes rear-wheel steering, RS adaptive air suspension controllable via the Audi drive select software, and a self-locking center differential.

Using these components, the car is able to translate sporty driving characteristics with a high focus on grip levels. The twitchy rear-biased persona experienced in the M8 and GT 63 is not apparent here, but the rear isn't shy to step out just a little bit, thanks to its ability to send 85% of its power to the rear axle via the sport differential.

Granted, it is not without its limits. Placing too much faith in the RS7's grip levels and being overly generous with the throttle will result in spontaneous understeer due to a large portion of the car's curb weight resting on the front axle. Opting for the Dynamic Ride Control suspension will bring the true potential out of the chassis, as the more advanced shocks mitigate body roll and reduce the amount of weight that is transferred to the sides.

An electronically retractable rear spoiler may appear as a nifty party trick used to show off to your friends, but at higher speeds, it ensures that the rear axle remains stable and planted. The standard set of brakes is more than capable of keeping things in check but if you want an unfiltered stopping experience, the optional Carbon Ceramic pack will be sure to provide blood-rushing braking.

Audi products are generally known to be cars that offer a plush ride and with the RS7, that remains consistent. Thanks to the aforementioned air suspension setup, the chassis can transform into a soft and lofty cruiser that is a joy to pilot through urban settings.

The Audi RS7 is an accomplished performance car that comes close to ticking all of the boxes you'll need in your daily life. Visually, it stands out from other cars on the road thanks to its distinctive lines and unique shape. Staying true to the Audi ethos, it remains an understated offering, particularly when colored with a neutral shade.

The highlight of the package is the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 which balances a Jeckle-and-Hyde personality impressively. While cruising around, it offers refined and relaxed characteristics and at the push of the accelerator pedal, it can transform into a hard-edged land missile that has enough grunt to stay on the heels of your average entry-level supercar.

Where it does fail is in dynamic feeling. Make no mistake, the RS7 is no slouch when it comes to tackling a series of corners, but next to the likes of the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GT63, there is an athletic presence that is clearly missing. The two German rivals are able to provide drivers with characteristics that lean more on the extreme side while the RS7 retains a more conservative persona. But this is the very trait that makes the RS7 a unique proposition. Drivers looking for a fast car experience that doesn't require too much skill behind the wheel will feel more than comfortable behind the wheel of the RS7 and won't regret their purchasing decision during the slower commutes through the cities and suburbs. Impressive comfort levels and interior packaging further highlight its daily usability appeal.

Looking strictly at the figures, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe dominates the Audi RS7 with its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that delivers 617 hp to the xDrive system via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. With this, it is able to sprint from 0-60 mph in a mind-bending three seconds dead. The base model M8 Gran Coupe, with its 600 hp state-of-tune, would have been a more ideal competitor, but this is no longer available in the US. The CLAR-based chassis means that the M8 features more driver-focused dynamic characteristics without compromising daily usability. With all this extra power though, the Bavarian competitor comes with a price tag of $130,000 MSRP; by comparison, the RS7 starts at $118,500. Included in the M8 Competition as standard is a 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system and adaptive M Suspension which is matched by the lower-priced RS7. The 15/21/17 mpg EPA estimates are a very slight improvement over the RS7, considering that it is powered by a larger engine that delivers more power. With regards to interior space, the M8 features a longer wheelbase and more headroom but the rear legroom and shoulder space are more compromised. The 11 cubic foot trunk volume, however, is substantially less than what you get in Ingolstadt's champion. The M8 may have a stronger sporting history behind its name and benefit from improved dynamics but based on value for money alone, the RS7 is too compelling to not consider. The design of Ingolstadt's chic sedan is also more distinctive than the Bavarian.

The GT63 isn't the flagship of the range but given its 577-hp output produced by the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive 4MATIC system, it is clearly an RS7 rival. Despite a lower power figure, the GT63 will sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reach a higher top speed of 193 mph. This more rapid pace can be credited to the fact that it has a significantly lower curb weight figure of around 4,700 lbs compared to the Audi, which verges on 5,000 lbs. At $140,600 for the 2021 model, it also costs substantially more than the Audi RS7 with a list of standard features that are not much more outstanding. Two notable differences are the fact that the AMG ships standard with dual-zone climate control and only offers lane departure warning as an optional extra. Despite these minor failings, the GT63's drivetrain and chassis combination offer a much more characterful and engaging driving experience down a straight and through a tight set of corners while retaining a composed ride for it to be used comfortably in a variety of urban and city settings. The GT63 has a bit more muscle to its engine and sharper dynamics but that base price is a massive ask over the RS7 which offers similar performance on paper and a more distinctive and futuristic design both inside and out. The RS7 also benefits from a better interior quality. Due to supply chain constraints, the GT63 is temporarily unavailable in the US at the time of writing this review, but the brand assures us that stock will be reintroduced fairly soon.