RS7 Audi’s 2024 performance overhaul stuns critics
The 2024 Audi RS7 arrives with a focused set of performance upgrades that have already shifted how critics rank the car against its German rivals. The new RS7 Performance model adds horsepower, sharper suspension tuning, and ceramic brakes while the standard RS7 keeps the same 591-horsepower output but rides on revised dampers. Both versions keep the four-door Sportback silhouette that has defined the model since its U.S. debut in 2019.
Performance numbers updated
The standard RS7 still packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Zero-to-60 mph takes 3.5 seconds and the electronically limited top speed sits at 155 mph. Those figures match the previous generation, but the chassis changes alter how the power reaches the ground.
The RS7 Performance variant raises output to 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft. It trims the sprint to 60 mph down to 3.4 seconds and offers an optional package that lifts the top speed to 174 mph. Both cars retain the 48-volt mild-hybrid system and quattro all-wheel drive.
Car and Driver called the Performance model the best-driving RS7 yet, citing quicker steering response and tighter body control through corners. MotorTrend noted that the added grip makes the sedan feel closer to a sports car than a luxury liftback.
Chassis refinements added
Audi revised the RS Sport suspension with new adaptive dampers that react faster to road inputs. The changes reduce body roll without sacrificing ride comfort on daily drives. Owners of the 2019-2023 models will notice the tighter feel immediately.
The Performance model adds ceramic brakes and 22-inch wheels as standard equipment. These parts cut unsprung weight and improve fade resistance during repeated hard stops. The standard RS7 keeps steel brakes but gains the same damper calibration.
Edmunds previously described the outgoing RS7 as a rocket disguised as a family hauler. The 2024 updates keep that character while sharpening the edges that reviewers once found soft.
Design stays consistent
The 2024 refresh applies to the entire A7 lineup, so the RS7 receives updated headlights, grille textures, and interior tech alongside its mechanical upgrades. The Sportback shape remains the main visual link to the standard A7. Most observers still recognize the car at a glance.
Inside, the MMI infotainment system adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver-assistance features expand with improved adaptive cruise and lane-centering functions. Audi kept the same carbon-fiber and leather trim options that defined the prior cabin.
The platform shares components with the A6 and A8, but the RS7 adds sport-tuned springs, larger sway bars, and a limited-slip rear differential. Those parts separate it from the regular A7 without altering the basic architecture.
Market positioning clarified
In the U.S., the RS7 competes directly with the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63. Buyers who want a four-door liftback instead of a traditional sedan now have clearer performance steps between the standard and Performance versions. Pricing for the base RS7 starts just above the prior model, while the Performance trim carries a noticeable premium.
Fleet data shows that most RS7s are sold to individual buyers rather than corporate fleets. The car’s combination of daily practicality and weekend-track capability appeals to owners who want one vehicle for both roles. The 2024 updates reinforce that balance.
Early allocation at U.S. dealers sold out within weeks of the announcement. Remaining inventory is scheduled for late-summer arrival, which has pushed some customers toward certified pre-owned examples of the 2023 model.
Critic reactions mixed
Car and Driver praised the sharper steering and stronger brakes on the Performance model, calling the changes noticeable within the first few miles. MotorTrend echoed that view after testing on mountain roads, where the ceramic brakes maintained consistent feel during repeated descents.
Some reviewers noted that the power increase on the Performance trim is modest compared with the price jump. They still credited the suspension and brake upgrades for improving overall composure. The standard RS7 drew fewer complaints because its price stayed closer to the prior generation.
Long-term tests have not yet appeared, so questions remain about reliability of the ceramic brakes and 22-inch wheels on rough winter roads. Early owner reports from European markets have been positive so far.
Competitive context shifts
The BMW M5 recently added more horsepower and a plug-in hybrid system, while the Mercedes-AMG E63 continues with its own twin-turbo V8. Audi’s decision to offer two distinct RS7 trims gives buyers a clearer choice between outright speed and daily usability. That strategy mirrors how the brand has segmented the RS6 Avant in recent years.
Lease rates for the standard RS7 remain competitive with the M5, partly because residual values have held steady. The Performance model’s higher transaction price narrows the gap with the AMG E63 on monthly payments. Dealers report that most customers cross-shop all three cars before deciding.
Track-day groups have already booked the new RS7 Performance for comparison events against the latest M5. Early lap times favor the Audi on tighter courses where the quattro system shines, though straight-line acceleration remains close among all three cars.
Owner considerations grow
Buyers who keep cars for five years or more will want to weigh the cost of 22-inch tires and potential brake jobs on the Performance model. The ceramic discs last longer under track use but cost more to replace. Standard RS7 owners avoid that expense while still gaining the updated suspension.
Insurance quotes for the 2024 models have risen slightly compared with the prior generation. Companies cite the higher power outputs and larger wheels as factors. Some owners offset the increase by adding track-day exclusions to their policies.
Service intervals remain the same as the previous RS7, with oil changes due every 10,000 miles under normal driving. Audi extended the basic warranty to four years and 50,000 miles on all 2024 models, matching the coverage offered on the A6 and A8.
Future outlook unclear
Audi has not confirmed whether a plug-in hybrid RS7 will arrive before the current generation ends. European emissions rules may force the brand to adopt electrified powertrains sooner than U.S. regulations require. For now, the twin-turbo V8 remains the sole engine choice.
Supply-chain reports suggest that ceramic brake production could limit Performance model volumes through 2025. Dealers expect the standard RS7 to account for roughly 70 percent of total allocation. That split may shift if reviews continue to favor the higher-output car.
Trade-in values for the 2019-2023 RS7 have softened as the new models reach showrooms. Owners looking to upgrade can still find strong private-party demand, especially for low-mileage examples with the carbon-ceramic brake option from the prior generation.
Buyers weigh options
The 2024 rs7 audi gives enthusiasts two clear paths: the standard model for balanced daily use or the Performance variant for sharper track capability. Both keep the Sportback shape and quattro grip that defined the original U.S. launch. Early reviews suggest the chassis updates matter more than the modest power bump on the top trim.
