Who has test driven both the S7 and RS7?

[afdude]

I'm about to order one of these vehicles on Wednesday. I've driven the S6 and S7 extensively and have made up my mind to the 7's design since I'm consolidating my SUV and S4 into one vehicle. Now, other than looks, which are awesome in the RS7, has anyone driven both and care to express their ideas about the two?

I look at it this way, if I buy the S7 moderately equipped I'm close to $93k. OR if I get the RS with the basics, I'm around $106k. (MSRP). In the grand scheme of things, that's not much difference. So the lines get a little blurred here.

[pandi]

I'm about to order one of these vehicles on Wednesday. I've driven the S6 and S7 extensively and have made up my mind to the 7's design since I'm consolidating my SUV and S4 into one vehicle. Now, other than looks, which are awesome in the RS7, has anyone driven both and care to express their ideas about the two?

I look at it this way, if I buy the S7 moderately equipped I'm close to $93k. OR if I get the RS with the basics, I'm around $106k. (MSRP). In the grand scheme of things, that's not much difference. So the lines get a little blurred here.

How long is your wait on the RS7? Had I ordered one it would have taken 24 mos.

[dr.evil]

How long is your wait on the RS7? Had I ordered one it would have taken 24 mos.

2 years?!?! Crazy

There are a few in inventory scattered around the country, might get lucky and find one that fits already in stock that you dealer can trade for, or whatever they do to get it to you. Just go talk to your dealer, they can see what is available on lots or unordered inventory on the ships headed this way.

I was in the same boat between the Q5 3.0T or SQ5...for the relative small difference, you can't go wrong with the upper end model. Plus when you get ready to sell it, it will be should be worth more than the lower model option as well.

Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure of driving either of those, so I can't comment there. I would love to own an RS7 someday!

[TimTaylor]

Like others said, if you haven't ordered the RS yet it will be a long wait. Seeing them next to each other, you will enjoy a loaded S7 much more than a base RS7. If you are worried about the power you can always do a couple mods to the S7 and it will be very similar.

I say go with the S7.

[lditty]

RS7 will be worth the WAIT!

[b6Hate4]

2 years is a long, long time to wait for a car.

[kiku]

A base RS7 is very well equipped. I have a base one with minor upgrades that bumped the price to a bit over 110k. What pushes you to a high priced RS7 are the audio B&O upgrade (the Bose standard audio is great), laser/nightvision crap (you only need the technology package that adds adaptive cruise control and a few amenities), and upgraded paint (who pays 5k for a factory paint????).

The biggest difference you will have is the out-of-the-box power. But, with tune available for S6/S7, you can bump it up and be up to par on RS7 performance for much less. In addition, if this is your daily driven car and you are not going to push it to RS7 limits all the time, an S7 is probably sufficient power for you.

[ky0t3s]

I actually have an offer to trade my daily-driver S6 for an RS7. It's a fair offer and I find it very tempting as I'd have the RS7 in a few weeks if the dealer can swap for it. However, the S6 is wonderful and really doesn't leave me desiring a whole lot more, so without being able to test drive an RS7 to experience the difference I kind of doubt I can justify going through with it. It's very tough to turn down the offer though--still not sure what I'm doing. :)

[afdude]

A base RS7 is very well equipped. I have a base one with minor upgrades that bumped the price to a bit over 110k. What pushes you to a high priced RS7 are the audio B&O upgrade (the Bose standard audio is great), laser/nightvision crap (you only need the technology package that adds adaptive cruise control and a few amenities), and upgraded paint (who pays 5k for a factory paint????).

The biggest difference you will have is the out-of-the-box power. But, with tune available for S6/S7, you can bump it up and be up to par on RS7 performance for much less. In addition, if this is your daily driven car and you are not going to push it to RS7 limits all the time, an S7 is probably sufficient power for you.

Yeah, it will be daily driven. Good point.

[DaveinAZ]

I just lucked into an RS7 last week. I owned a 2012 A7 Prestige (outright) and had been going to the dealer, here and there just looking around (asking for trouble, I know...). As luck would have it, an Estoril Blue RS7 came in and the buyer was too tall to fit in it (6-6). For once, being short (5-9) paid off.

It was equipped almost exactly how I would have purchased it - upgraded 21 inch, sports exhaust, B&O, comfort seats. No drivers assist but hey, can't have it all...also would have gone with the black inlay and this has the race aluminum.

My A7 nougat with ash looked classier inside. The RS7 interior screams, "Get ready for some action!" It delivers on that promise.

Prior to this I had driven the S6 a number of times and a Panamera.

The difference between the S6/7 and the RS7 is night and day. Really, no comparison as far as performance. The RS7 is stupid fast and the exhaust note...well, I knew I was going to buy it when I started the engine. Yea, it's that nice.

That said, while I love the car, and it's going to be a fun 36 months driving it (would never buy one of these due to TCO after warranty even though I'm getting ripped from the lease), I'm quite sure I'll step back down to the S7 (or some other new Audi) when it comes time to turn it in.

The RS7 is near super-car performance. It will pass anything but a gas station (the quoted estimated, even with COD is simply not how you're going to drive this thing...it's a beast and the beast is thirsty).

It is a BRUTAL machine. Crazy, crazy fast. The S7 is a pepped up version of the A7 (no slouch, by the by) but not in the same conversation.

The Panamera handles MUCH better than the RS7. And while yes, I can only see the dashboard, I'm not going to pay $120k for something that ugly. Sorry. Seriously however, for pure driving experience, the Panamera is just about perfect.

[pandi]

^^ great review..Just to clarify, if you liked the looks of the panny, you would prefer it over the RS7?

[lditty]

Thanks for input

[kiku]

The RS7 is near super-car performance. It will pass anything but a gas station (the quoted estimated, even with COD is simply not how you're going to drive this thing...it's a beast and the beast is thirsty).

True. In comfort mode, daily driving I average anywhere between 18mpg-24mpg.

But, the minute you crack the whip on this thing (or god forbid put it in dynamic mode), you are 8mpg-16mpg [drive]

Not that I am complaining - I didn't buy the RS7 to save gas....

[lv2000]

i am in same boat as you i have driven both and if you want performance the rs7 is amazing but in saying that i have a s7 and wish i had a rs7 but coming from a tuned s4 the s7 is a big imporvment over the s4 by far im just still getting use to how big the car is .the exhaust and little upgrades the carbon fiber exterior is awesome in person and the front of the rs7 is really agressive as where the s7 is close to a7

[ky0t3s]

An update:

My local dealer just got an RS7. I'm sold on it. The acceleration and noise is amusment-park worthy, plus it's one of the best looking cars on the road with its aggressive styling, whereas the S6 is more normal looking. We found one on a boat with my desired config and I put money down on it. I'm just waiting to hear back if they were able to swap for it. :)

My advice is to find one to test drive. My local dealer actually had one; I don't think they're quite as rare anymore, but maybe I got lucky.

[dab]

there are 32 rs7s available on autotrader

[ky0t3s]

With 276 Audi dealers in America that's still pretty rare. (I found that number on a random site, I don't know if it's accurate!)

[Jay Slay]

i had an apr flashed s6 and an rs7.

ummmm, rs7....by a lot.

[LINDW4LL]

Another thing to consider is the DSG vs Tip. Small factor though. For the small difference in price I'd go RS.

[60614allroad]

In October I traded my Stasis A7 in on an RS7. The RS was on order for a long time and, prior to making the swap, I test drove an S7. My Stasis A7 had virtually identical performance to the S7. Two weeks before the RS7 arrived I was lucky enough to test drive an RS7 with nearly identical options to mine. I knew right away that I was going to be much happier with the RS. There is a huge difference between the drivetrain on the S7 and the one in the RS. The RS is freakishly fast, and the power is always there. There is no lag, and the difference between the DSG and the 8-speed ZF is tiny (in fact, I think I like the ZF box better, it seems smoother to me). With all that said, the RS7 is $20,000+ more than a comparably equipped S7.....

After 6 weeks and 1700 miles, I'm still as excited about my RS7 as the day I picked it up. [:D] My winter wheels & tires go on tomorrow (at last).

[DaveinAZ]

^^ great review..Just to clarify, if you liked the looks of the panny, you would prefer it over the RS7?

Versus the Panamera, for straight line performance, RS7 takes it (not sure about the V8 turbo...). However, realistically, you're going to need to drop another $75-100k to actually feel like another car is faster in this regard (e.g. yes, some AMG, M config, etc. might be .2 faster, but to FEEL faster, you're going to need to shave off .5-.6 and that's near $200k territory).

From a handling perspective however, the Panamera is dramatically superior...it's also so well laid out for the driver. No menus, just buttons. Ugly? Yep. Practical? Totally. Click once and the suspension (ferrous liquid) goes from firm (normal) to tight. Press the same button again, and it's like your palms are on the pavement. For a car its size, it is amazing.

In fairness, I'm driving the air suspension in the RS - there is obviously the sports springs with dampers option - so I think that's better. But it's no secret that Porsche makes sports cars that have luxury features. Audi's makes luxury cars with sports features.

If you could combine the handling of the Panamera and the looks of the RS=perfect car.

- Dave

[DaveinAZ]

I didn't buy the RS7 to save gas....

Amen!

[afdude]

So guys, I went in today to order a RS7... And my dealer came back to me and asked if I was sure I didn't want the S6 or S7 because there are a few in their inventory that they would be willing to let go for a reaaaaallly good price. So I entertained the idea, I had all "in stock" S6/S7 options at 8% off sticker, plus $1500 loyalty and a $1000 military discount (I'm sure that money comes from somewhere). Does it get much lower than that, guys? I have a pretty good relationship with the salesman so he's treating me like family here. He didn't make me feel pressured at all and I even was able to choose anything in local inventory (3 dealerships). So at the end of the day I couldn't make a decision. I floundered from S6 to S7 for several hours and decided I need to take a night to think about it.

All in all, I believe I'm in this position because I compromised. I bought the S4 when I wanted the RS5 and here I am, back because I want the "upgrade". RS5 seems like a fun idea as well, but the RS5 seems a bit dated anyways. There's got to be a new one on the horizon soon. So tomorrow I'm going back and I THINK that I'll order the RS7. It'll give me more time for a larger down payment while I wait too. Would you guys do the same?

And thanks again for all of the input. Some really good feedback here.

[mmaturo]

No replacement RS5 soon but it is a great car...and it gets about as many compliments as my R8 does. The rest of the world does not think its dated. Not RS7 great though. Its a long wait for the RS7 even if you order it now. My 2 cents is to order the RS7, take an RS5 now and trade that when the 7 comes in.

My dealership in Chicago has two RS7s showing up unsold...one of them being my first order. It went into production a little too soon (I had changes to make) as now I want the DRC. Suzuka, Aluminum optics with quattro scrip, red brakes, 21" silver wheels, lunar silver leather, layered aluminum/black wood inlays, sport exhaust, rear airbags. Kept all the other expensive gadgets off.

[masmole]

So tomorrow I'm going back and I THINK that I'll order the RS7. It'll give me more time for a larger down payment while I wait too. Would you guys do the same?

And thanks again for all of the input. Some really good feedback here.
RS7 all the way. No regrets.

And you said it yourself; you've compromised before, why do it again? Buy the car you want, not the discount.

btw, I too have test driven the S6, S7, and S8 prior to taking delivery of my RS7. It's no contest. The RS may have the same basic 4.0T engine layout and air suspension, but it's amazing how different it is in character. It is truly deserving of the RS badge... just make sure you check off that sport exhaust option box :)

[kiku]

RS7 all the way. No regrets.

And you said it yourself; you've compromised before, why do it again? Buy the car you want, not the discount.

btw, I too have test driven the S6, S7, and S8 prior to taking delivery of my RS7. It's no contest. The RS may have the same basic 4.0T engine layout and air suspension, but it's amazing how different it is in character. It is truly deserving of the RS badge... just make sure you check off that sport exhaust option box :)

Not sure I'd go with the sport exhaust option if you plan on daily driver. Have you driven a non sport exhaust RS7 on dynamic mode? Gnarly is how I'd describe it, with literally spitting fire and hocking a loogey between microsecond shifting. :)

I'm not sure I would like having it that way ALL the time. But to each his own. Maybe someone can give a background on the spectrum of sound from a sport exhaust option. IMO.

[ecpChris]

Anyone know what rs7 is leasing for? I own my s6 but am really thinking about jumping ship

[masmole]

Not sure I'd go with the sport exhaust option if you plan on daily driver. Have you driven a non sport exhaust RS7 on dynamic mode? Gnarly is how I'd describe it, with literally spitting fire and hocking a loogey between microsecond shifting. :)

I'm not sure I would like having it that way ALL the time. But to each his own. Maybe someone can give a background on the spectrum of sound from a sport exhaust option. IMO.

I originally ordered my RS7 without the sport exhaust option, thinking it might be too obnoxious. Boy was I wrong. I was in Frankfurt on business last March and decided to take a day and drive down to the Audi forum in Neckarsulm to see if they had any RS7 on display. No RS7 but after I told a nice fellow that I was from the US where I had an RS7 on order, he got excited and brought me to the back holding area where they had several RS6 parked, and I had the fortune of hearing both a sport exhaust RS6 and a non-sport rev both from the inside and out. From the outside, both exhausts sounded plenty loud and mean sounding, likely because we were inside a garage. But from inside the car with the door shut, I was surprised at how quiet it was on the non-sport exhaust, while the sport exhaust had a more noticeable growl to it and lots more popping and crackling when lifting off the throttle. Granted, I was not allowed to drive them because they were customer sold cars, but I got the gist of it just by revving the car while parked. That's the day I decided that I must have the sport exhaust option. I even emailed my dealer as soon as I returned to my hotel in Frankfurt. It sounds incredible, but in no way too loud or obnoxious that it would interrupt a phone call during your daily commute. If anything, I wouldn't have minded if it were another notch louder. At cruising speeds on the highway, the sport exhaust is quiet. There's no drone like what you typically get from aftermarket exhausts that forego the center muffler. It's as quiet as any of the S6/S7/S8 I've driven at cruising speeds. The intoxicating growl doesn't happen until you're on the throttle, under load, and even then it's a very refined sound. With the transmission in dynamic mode, the exhaust barks, pops and crackles at every near full throttle up shift, when lifting off suddenly after getting on the throttle, and when allowing the car to downshift while slowing down from speed. I can't imagine wanting these wonderful sounds to be muted in any way, but then again, it's personal preference since I also happen to think that the S8 was too quiet for its own good when a I drove it. This is an RS car after all. I love that Audi has finally taken the time to offer a great sounding factory exhaust option that I'd be shocked if any aftermarket tuner can top without getting into the obnoxious category.

[afdude]

No replacement RS5 soon but it is a great car...and it gets about as many compliments as my R8 does. The rest of the world does not think its dated. Not RS7 great though. Its a long wait for the RS7 even if you order it now. My 2 cents is to order the RS7, take an RS5 now and trade that when the 7 comes in.

My dealership in Chicago has two RS7s showing up unsold...one of them being my first order. It went into production a little too soon (I had changes to make) as now I want the DRC. Suzuka, Aluminum optics with quattro scrip, red brakes, 21" silver wheels, lunar silver leather, layered aluminum/black wood inlays, sport exhaust, rear airbags. Kept all the other expensive gadgets off.


That's funny. I saw these in the inventory last night.

Now I truly wish I could make any decision here... I'm headed back to the dealer in a few hours with the following options:

S6- ice silver/black optics FULLY LOADED around 82k...there's also an estoril blue/black optics with less options on the radar too.
S7- moonlight blue/black optics, everything but innovation and comfort seats around 90k
RS5- black/black optics around 75k

Or

RS7 around 110k

[Rcalcaide]

No replacement RS5 soon but it is a great car...and it gets about as many compliments as my R8 does. The rest of the world does not think its dated. Not RS7 great though. Its a long wait for the RS7 even if you order it now. My 2 cents is to order the RS7, take an RS5 now and trade that when the 7 comes in.

My dealership in Chicago has two RS7s showing up unsold...one of them being my first order. It went into production a little too soon (I had changes to make) as now I want the DRC. Suzuka, Aluminum optics with quattro scrip, red brakes, 21" silver wheels, lunar silver leather, layered aluminum/black wood inlays, sport exhaust, rear airbags. Kept all the other expensive gadgets off.


Mmaturo how long is the wait on an RS7 if you ordered and specked out one similar to yours today?

[LINDW4LL]

That's funny. I saw these in the inventory last night.

Now I truly wish I could make any decision here... I'm headed back to the dealer in a few hours with the following options:

S6- ice silver/black optics FULLY LOADED around 82k...there's also an estoril blue/black optics with less options on the radar too.
S7- moonlight blue/black optics, everything but innovation and comfort seats around 90k
RS5- black/black optics around 75k

Or

RS7 around 110k
Here are my thoughts. I would order the RS today, and trade your S4 for an S6/S7 and drive that until the RS gets in. At that point you can make a decision...

Keep in mind a tuned S7 is 500whp, so dollar-for-dollar that is really a better deal. But obviously that's risking your warranty- and at the end of the day, the RS7 will always be the top dog.

[kiku]

Anyone know what rs7 is leasing for? I own my s6 but am really thinking about jumping ship

You are talking 1600$/month for a 48 mo lease with decent money factor and like 5 grand down. Obviously your mileage will vary based on credit, money down, money factor (interest), and term.

I wanted to outright own this car so I didn't lease but financed with a bit more money down and equity from my a7 trade.

[ecpChris]

Ok. Sounds about right. I outright own my s6 but after reading some of this past weeks posts, am no longer satisfied with it or comfortable that the trans will hold up. Natural progression would be to get into an rs7 but wasn't sure I wanted to own it

[afdude]

Here are my thoughts. I would order the RS today, and trade your S4 for an S6/S7 and drive that until the RS gets in. At that point you can make a decision...

Keep in mind a tuned S7 is 500whp, so dollar-for-dollar that is really a better deal. But obviously that's risking your warranty- and at the end of the day, the RS7 will always be the top dog.

That sounds like a fun idea, but the what about the part of the WHOPPING depreciation? Ive already taken most of the hit on depreciation in the S4 due to owning it for the past 14 months. Wouldnt I be better off waiting it out in the S4?

[LINDW4LL]

That sounds like a fun idea, but the what about the part of the WHOPPING depreciation? Ive already taken most of the hit on depreciation in the S4 due to owning it for the past 14 months. Wouldnt I be better off waiting it out in the S4?

I prefer to buy pre-owned to minimize the depreciation hit. That said, I misread a prior post of yours and misunderstood. I agree I would probably just keep the S4.

[60614allroad]

I totally agree with masmole, now that I have it, I would never order an RS7 without the sport exhaust. The sound is intoxicating and it's actually quieter most of the time than the Stasis exhaust on my A7.

[ky0t3s]

So my dealer wasn't able to trade for the RS7 I wanted (apparently it was already sold). I ended up just buying the one my dealer had. The config is close to what I was after (just a different color), plus there was a small discount since it's used with 450 miles. I can't wait to take her home tomorrow!

http://bit.ly/18oUwpG

[kiku]

A beauty!

[lditty]

Congrats!

[somedude]

just something to keep in mind to the people that are watching the bottom line. The RS cars have a history of holding value extremely well when compared to a S or even a standard car. Initially it does cost more but if/when you go to sell it 5 years down the road it will be worth a lot more too. Just something to keep in the back of your mind. 03 RS6's are still doing good money and TTRS is almost selling for sticker and they are out of production as far as I know.

[ky0t3s]

This thing is a beast. Amazingly fun.

[lditty]

post pics!