Audi RS7 Sportback revealed

Audi has released the RS7, the latest addition to the ‘RS’ family of cars that represent the company's ultimate performance models.

The RS7 is powered by a 552bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and also comes with four-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. That’s even faster than a Porsche 911.

Top speed is limited to 155mph, but buyers can pay to have the limiter raised to 174mph or 189mph if they specify the Dynamic or Dynamic Plus packages.

The impressive performance is backed up by better fuel economy than you might expect, thanks to a clever engine that can shut down half of its cylinders when they’re not needed. The result is 28.8mpg consumption.

Handling is improved over the standard Audi A7, with air-suspension lowered by 20mm and a special system that can send power from the engine to the wheel with the most grip.

Marking out the RS7 from lesser A7 models are the huge oval exhaust pipes, more muscular looking bumpers and signature red and silver ‘RS’ badges. The interior gets white dials with red needles and leather sports seats.

The Audi RS7 can be ordered in the UK from this summer, with the first cars reaching customers by the end of the year. Audi hasn’t confirmed final pricing but expect to pay around £84,000 – that’s £7,000 more than the RS6 Avant, which is powered by the same 552bhp engine.

To view the full Audi range, see the CarBuyer Audi reviews page.