The all-new Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback are due to hit Australian showrooms on July 24, with the German marque announcing pricing and specifications this week.
Prices are well down compared to the previous-generation models, by around $30,000 in the RS6 and almost $40,000 for the RS7.
Despite the significant price cut both models are faster and better equipped than the vehicles they replace.
Pricing
- RS6 Avant quattro – $216,000
- RS7 Sportback quattro – $224,000
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
Both the RS6 and RS7 are powered by a 4.0-litre ‘TFSI’ twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, developing 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
Maximum power comes in between 6000 and 6250rpm, while peak torque is on tap from 2050 through to 4500rpm.
Audi claims both the RS6 and RS7 can dash from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and hit a top speed of 280km/h – not that you’ll ever get there on heavily-policed Australian roads.
The new 4.0 TFSI V8 features 48V mild-hybrid technology which can recover up to 12kW of energy while coasting, and allows the stop/start system to function at speeds up to 22km/h.
According to Audi, the 48V system saves up to 0.8L per 100km in conjunction with cylinder-on-demand technology which can shut down four cylinders under light engine load.
The official fuel consumption rating is 11.7L/100km for the RS6 and 11.6L/100km for the RS7, both on the combined cycle.
For reference, the outgoing RS6 Performance and RS7 Performance produced 445kW and 700Nm from their 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, good for a 3.7-second sprint to 100km/h.
On the older NEDC fuel testing protocol, the old RS6 and RS7 claimed to use 9.7L/100km and 9.6L/100km respectively – keep in mind the new models are assessed on the stricter, more realistic WLTP regime.
Drive is sent to a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ conventional automatic transmission, with a 40:60 front to rear torque split in typical driving.
Up to 85 per cent of torque can be sent to the rear axle “for especially sporty handling”, while the quattro sport differential can split torque between either rear wheel for added grip.
Safety
The RS6 and RS7 remain untested by ANCAP and Euro NCAP, as the ratings from the A6 Avant and A7 don’t carry over.
Regardless, both models feature a full suite of Audi’s driver assistance technologies as standard, including adaptive cruise control with stop&go and traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and 360-degree cameras with kerb view.
Other safety tech includes tyre pressure monitoring, loose wheel detection, autonomous emergency braking, and active bonnet, driver attention assist, seatbelt reminders for all five seats, side assist (blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists), as well as emergency braking for intersection crossing and front cross-traffic.
Dimensions
Unladen, the RS6 Avant weighs in at 2150kg while the RS7 Sportback is slightly lighter at 2140kg.
Behind the standard 22-inch alloy wheels there are 420mm front and 370mm rear performance brake discs, with 10-piston calipers up front.
An optional RS ceramic brake system increases the front disc diameter to 440mm.
Luggage capacity is rated at 565L for the RS6 and 535L for the RS7 with the second row in place, expanding to 1680L and 1390L respectively with them folded.
Standard Equipment
Highlights for both models include:
- Black exterior styling package
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Metallic paint
- Fine nappa leather cabin upholstery
- RS sport front seats in Valcona leather with full electric adjustment
- Heated front seats
- Convenience key
- Electric tailgate
- Electric/heated/folding side mirrors
- Privacy glass
- Soft-close doors
- Electric steering column adjustment
- MMI navigation plus with MMI touch response (dual touchscreens)
- Audi connect plus
- Audi virtual cockpit
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless smartphone charging
- 4 x USB outlets
- DAB+ digital radio
- Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers and 705W output
Several option packages are also available for further customisation, including the RS Dynamic package plus ($19,500) which brings ceramic brakes and an increased top speed (305km/h).
The optional sensory package ($11,000) brings an Alcantara headliner, rear sunshades, heated rear seats and a 1820W 19-speaker sound system, while several design packages bring carbon or aluminium exterior accents as well as Alcantara interior trimmings.
Servicing
Audi Australia offers three- and five-year service plans for the RS6 and RS7. The three-year plan is $2380 while the five-year package is $3910.
Like the wider range, the RS6 and RS7 will be covered by Audi’s three year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
