Audi’s RS lineup represents the pinnacle of performance and engineering, transforming already impressive models into true driving machines. When considering stepping into the realm of Audi RS, the RS5 and RS7 often emerge as top contenders. While both carry the prestigious RS badge, they cater to different desires and driving styles. Understanding the nuances between the RS5 and RS7 is crucial in selecting the perfect high-performance Audi for your needs.
The RS7 Sportback, as highlighted in reviews, is more than just an A7 with aggressive styling. It’s a distinct vehicle engineered for exhilarating performance and grand touring comfort. Beneath the hood lies a potent twin-turbo V8 engine, a powerhouse shared with the RS6, delivering breathtaking acceleration and a signature RS roar. This engine is complemented by equally impressive braking systems. Standard brakes feature massive 420mm front discs with 10-piston calipers and 370mm rear discs. For those seeking ultimate stopping power, optional carbon ceramic brakes, the largest ever fitted to a production vehicle at the time of its review (440mm front, 370mm rear), offer a significant 34kg weight saving over the standard steel brakes and superior fade resistance.
The RS7’s driving dynamics are further enhanced by Audi’s Dynamic Package, now standard, which includes dynamic steering with variable ratio, all-wheel steering, a sport differential, and an increased top speed. Adaptive air suspension comes standard, prioritizing comfort, while the optional Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension offers a hydraulically activated adaptive damper system for a firmer, sportier ride. However, as experienced during test drives, the standard air suspension arguably aligns better with the RS7’s grand touring nature, providing exceptional comfort without sacrificing handling prowess. It still delivers “brutal force” acceleration and “mind-boggling traction and grip” while maintaining superior comfort, especially on roads that are less than perfect.
While the review primarily focuses on the RS7, considering the RS5 brings another dimension to the high-performance Audi conversation. The RS5, typically available in Coupe and Sportback forms, generally occupies a sportier, more compact segment. While specific details of an RS5 are not in the provided text, we can infer some comparative points. The RS5 traditionally features a smaller engine, often a turbocharged V6, which still delivers exhilarating performance but with a different character compared to the RS7’s V8. The RS5 is often lauded for its agility and nimbleness, potentially making it a sharper tool on twisty roads, while the RS7 excels in high-speed cruising and grand touring.
Choosing between the RS5 and RS7 boils down to your priorities. If you desire immense power, a spacious grand tourer capable of swallowing miles in supreme comfort, and the commanding presence of a large sportback, the RS7 is a compelling choice. Its V8 engine and sophisticated suspension, especially the standard air suspension, make it a refined yet ferocious machine. If, however, you prioritize a more agile, potentially more engaging driving experience in a slightly smaller package, with a focus on sporty handling and perhaps daily usability in tighter urban environments, the RS5 warrants serious consideration. Both the RS5 and RS7 represent the best of Audi’s performance engineering, but cater to slightly different interpretations of driving pleasure.
