Verdict
–Napa, California
The Audi RS6 Avant Efficiency will get all the eye, and understandably so. It’s a 621-horsepower supercar slayer with room for 5 people and their baggage. However hey, don’t overlook concerning the Avant’s slicked-roof, mechanically similar sibling, the RS7 Efficiency.
As with the RS6, the RS7 earns some further horsepower for the 2024 mannequin 12 months with the Efficiency trim within the US. The dual-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 now pumps out 621 hp and 625 pound-feet of torque, which propels the quick fastback to 60 miles per hour in simply 3.3 seconds and on to a high pace of 177 mph for those who go for the Bronze Version (or restricted to 150 mph in commonplace trim).
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Granted, these two vehicles principally similar from a driving and engineering standpoint – the RS7 has a slight 55-pound weight benefit. However they’ll have disparate personalities relying on the way you spec them.
Whereas the RS6 I drove on the similar occasion had air suspension, the RS7 acquired the metal coils. The Sport Suspension Plus with Dynamic Journey Management (DRC) makes the largest distinction to the general dynamics. Obtainable on each the RS6 Avant and RS7, DRC provides fastened coil springs with adjustable dampers and carbon ceramic stoppers, versus the usual air journey and metal brakes.
And off the bat, one factor is clear: DRC makes the RS7 stiff as hell. The place the usual air suspension presents a pleasant variation of softness and sportiness, DRC ditches any semblance of consolation for efficiency on high of Efficiency. So until you’ve gotten a observe in your yard or stay on a highway with the smoothest pavement on planet Earth, the RS7 with DRC is hard to advocate as a each day driver.
However when you’ve got a knack for aggressive driving – on a regular basis, in all places you go – and don’t thoughts rattling your children round within the again seat, DRC does have big advantages. The three-way adjustable dampers give the RS7 higher roll and pitch stabilization, which helps counter physique actions. So whereas the journey is certainly ultra-stiff, it additionally yields much less physique roll and provides the automotive a extra planted really feel.
You’ll be capable to brake faster, too, with the brand new carbon ceramic stoppers. The excellent news is that they aren’t overly grabby like this sort of brake will be; there’s a beneficiant quantity of give within the pedal which permits for simple modulation even at larger speeds. Solely once you actually stomp on them do you discover the distinction between the upgraded brakes and the usual metal rotors – in a great way. They’re docile round city, however ferocious once you need them to be.
On the finish of the day, there’s actually no unhealthy option to spec your 2024 RS7 Efficiency – DRC is a bit stiffer but in addition extra dynamic, whereas air journey yields a spectrum of consolation and efficiency. The unhealthy information, although, is that you’ll truly must pay a bit extra for the 7 than you’d the equally succesful RS6; the fastback five-door prices $127,800 with the $1,095 vacation spot payment included, whereas the tremendous wagon is $126,895.
