2022 Audi RS 7

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New Audi RS 7
An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove
German automakers are known for their premium performance luxury cars and Audi has joined the high ranks of BMW and Mercedes-Benz with a sleek sedan that offers up a beautiful body and a refined ride married to raw horsepower and blinding speed. The 2022 Audi RS 7 Sportback brings today's discerning driver surprisingly quick acceleration in a polished and pleasing package.
 
Audi has a long history of producing superior motorcars under the slogan orsprung durch Technik, which translates as "Being Ahead through Technology." This can certainly be said of the RS 7. As the grandson of the 1980 Quattro four-wheel drive turbocharged performance coupe, the RS 7 debuted in 2014 based on the Audi A7 Sportback and S7 Sportback. It was recognized as the most powerful four-door hatchback production vehicle ever introduced in the United States.

High Performance

RS stands for "racing sport" and the original version of the car appeared in showrooms with a 553 horsepower motor and zero to 60 times of under four seconds. Known for its lavish interior and amazing horsepower, the RS 7 was heralded by the automotive press as the most refined and exciting sports sedan of 2014. With its swoopy shape and high performance capability, it was built to go head to head with the BMW 6 Series Grande Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
 
For 2021, the high performance hot hatchback got a complete refresh including its mighty 591 horsepower 4.0-liter, twin turbo V8 and eight-speed Triptronic automatic transmission. It is still the most powerful sedan you can buy. The body takes on an aggressive stance thanks to wider body panels than previous incarnations. The mean-looking front honeycombed grill snarls through satin black paint while the rear transforms thanks to an active lift spoiler. The big oval exhaust tips let you hear the throaty burble of that massive V8.

The Prince of Power

Under the hood, the turbo charged V8 motor is paired to a 48-volt hybrid system and Quattro all-wheel drive. Those 591 horses offer up 590 pound-feet of torque for astounding launches from zero to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds. Put that power together with an ingenious air suspension system with adaptive settings and you'll get a refined ride at any speed.
 
It should be noted that this car's chassis is outstanding. It seems to flex feline-like in hard corners, adding great agility and traction to the four-wheel steering and hard gripping sport tires on 21-inch rims. Launch control sends power to all four wheels and you'll manage zero to 60 miles per hour faster than you can blink. So, don't blink. The RS 7 can do a quarter mile in 11.5 seconds at 123 miles per hour. The car hunkers down and feels more sure footed the faster you go, capable of advancing effortlessly to 155 mph in one swift woosh.
 
The RS 7 is a big car that's over 16 feet long and weighs in at 4,800 pounds. Even with that size and weight, it is quick to respond to steering input and sends the driver loads of feedback letting you steer as much with the throttle as the wheel. Upgraded brakes are included with ceramic discs and big, beefy calipers. Braking from 60 mph to zero happens in just 111 feet.

The View from the Cockpit

Inside, the RS 7 surrounds you with rich leather sport seats, an RS steering wheel with bigger shift paddles, and unique performance displays in a virtual cockpit. It shares design ques and interior space with its A7 sibling but the RS 7 is adorned with unique accents and trim-specific logos. As you might expect, the cabin of this Audi is much more lavish and comfortable than you would expect in such a jet fighter. For instance, there's room for three people in the back seat and there is 49 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Remember, this is a hatchback.
 
You'll find the latest infotainment features displayed on two touchscreens along with Audi's excellent voice recognition system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot comes as standard. An optional Bang & Olufsen audio system blasts 1,820 watts to 19 speakers. Audi also offers a complete suite of driver assist features including night vision for Big Foot or pedestrian detection.

What's New for 2022

Roaring into 2022 in style, the RS 7 now includes standard carbon fiber trim in the cabin and a flat-bottom steering wheel. A snazzy RS Design package adds such sporty details as more microsuede and leather surfaces throughout the interior with contrast stitching, black seat belts with gray or red borders, and unique floor mats. But somehow, I doubt you are buying this road warrior for the floor mats.
 
The RS 7 comes with all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and the afore mentioned adaptable air suspension system. You can also opt for Dynamic Ride Control to reduce body roll in corners. A Black Optics package lets you go Darth Vader with this Audi to include sinister exterior trim and massive 22-inch titanium wheels shod with performance tires. If you enjoy rattling the neighbor's windows, a sport exhaust option should do the trick.
Check out time
EPA fuel ratings for the RS 7 are 15 MPG city and 22 on the highway. The Audi RS 7 is a true German luxury performance car and that means you'll pay for that prestige and power. MSRP starts at $114,500.
 
This, the hottest of all hatchbacks behaves like a true high tech luxury car, not a track day star. Few cars in the world will give you the total posh performance experience of the RS 7.