2024 Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance are incredibly fast and fun to drive

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Throw an extra 30 ponies under the hood of any car and that’s enough to be the star of the story, but the 2024 Audi RS6 and RS7 Performance models boast even more impressive upgrades than just the bump in power. Add it all together, and the sum is one of the most complete and well-rounded vehicles on the market today, offering plenty of driving joy, practicality, family-friendly comfort and head-turning style.

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How much power do the RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Sportback Performance have?

In fact, the bump in power seems like the simplest change the automaker has made to these two cars. For reference, the RS6 is a wagon, while the RS7 is a Sportback, and they are virtually identical — save for the profile and added versatility of the wagon model. The 4.0-litre V8 engine found in these Performance models has larger turbos nestled within its hot-V setup, and some software optimizations to increase the overall output to 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

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How fast are the Performance vehicles?

That’s enough to cut down the sprint from zero to 100 km/h by about .2 of a second, letting the RS6 and RS7 Performance hit highway speeds from a standstill in 3.4 seconds. On a closed track or the autobahn’s unlimited-speed highways, the cars will manage a top speed of 305 km/h.

What are the Audis like to drive?

You’ll hear more of that motor, as the vehicle has cut eight kilograms of sound insulation, meaning you’ll enjoy that V8 soundtrack all the way up to redline. The car also changes its startup behaviour depending on the drive mode, allowing it to spark up to life in sportier settings, or quietly settle down in the eco-oriented modes.

The drive modes are worth pointing out — there are two RS modes allowing for customization of the on-road experience. The automaker offers a pair of adjustable suspension systems. I preferred the air suspension setup, which felt like it offered a wider spectrum between its sportiest settings and its more comfort-oriented settings. Another option is the dynamic ride control, which is firm and responsive, though ideally suited for locations with limited potholes and perfectly smooth roads.

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Special tires add to the impact

Beyond the motor being the star of the show, I’d say the tires are second on the call sheet. The Continental SportContact 7 tires provide incredible grip and confidence when paired with the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. The automaker notes that this new tire is especially improved in braking and wet weather performance over the rubber found on non-Performance models.

These tires can be wrapped around some optional and gorgeous 22-inch wheels that are five kilos lighter than the outgoing models, resulting in 20 kg of weight savings. There’s also a lighter and more compact centre differential (to further weight savings) that splits the power 40:60, front to rear, as default and up to 70 per cent of the power to the front wheels, or a maximum of 85 per cent to the rear. The Performance models also include a rear differential to enhance the grip and sling the car out of corners with haste.

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Any concerns about the variable-ratio steering are put to rest as this thing responds far better than the standard A6 or A7 models. It’s well weighted and feels fairly natural around the windy roads surrounding Napa Valley. A rear-wheel steering setup allows for more stability and tighter turns in parking situations.

On the road, the combination of power, grip and comfort is an overwhelming mix. The RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Sportback Performance both feel both smooth and luxurious when kept in the sedate drive modes and then wild and rambunctious in the sportier settings. It closes gaps and hauls in the horizon with every mild poke of the throttle, but can also chill out and relax during commutes. This is important to note, as sometimes high-performance models put the driver in a “let’s go already!” kind of antsy mood. This isn’t the case in the RS6 or RS7, which feels like it’s ideally designed for whatever situation you’re in. It’s a perfect fit for any road or traffic conditions.

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Interior features and exterior looks

It helps that the cabin is adorned with high-end materials and plush appointments. In addition to red or grey, Performance models can get blue accents, as well. Twinkles of that blue can also be applied to the dash and other inlays, even within carbon fiber trim. The seats are supportive and well-bolstered, and the rear seats are spacious with plenty of room.

The vehicle boasts a number of displays. A 10.1-inch screen sits in the centre of the dash, while an 8.6-inch screen offers HVAC and comfort settings. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which is bright, high-res and has specific looks for the RS drive modes. Beyond the touch screens and displays, I couldn’t get enough of the paddle shifters, which were tactile and had a unique design.

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The Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance models are easy to dismiss as some extra package, but their appeal is with the addition of so many little details that add up to something that feels more complete. The lightweight, cool wheels and the splashes of colour in the cabin add expression to the car, and the vehicles are now available in metallic and matte Ascari Blue or matte Dew Silver. The automaker also extends matte grey to the mirrors, the front spoiler, the front side flaps, the side sills, the roof rails, window trim and the rear diffuser, and shoppers can swap it out for a matte black or carbon setup too. Even the Audi rings can be customized between black or chrome.

Canadian pricing and value

A joy to drive, yet relaxing to commute in, the 2024 Audi RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Sportback Performance are among the most complete cars available on the market today. Loaded with power and handling, but also capable of handling mundane tasks, it’s hard to think of other cars that can better cater to such a wide audience. However, these models don’t come cheap.

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The non-performance versions of these vehicles are well into six-figure territory, with the MSRP of the normal RS6 carrying a $132,950 asking price, while the RS7 is $138,150. The new Performance models are sure to be more expensive.

Audi RS6 Avant Performance and Audi RS7 Sportback Performance competitors

The best rivals for these cars are the BMW M5 Competition and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Sedan and Wagon. The Audi offerings feature more power, while the BMW M5 Competition will appeal most to those heading to the track. The Mercedes-AMG has a very rowdy soundtrack though.

It’s capable of delighting speed freaks, feeding track junkies, performing grocery-getter duties and hauling around your family and your gear. Few cars can do it all as these ones can, so why get multiple cars when one will do the trick?

Pros

✔ Incredibly fast and fun to drive
✔ Wonderful accents and details within cabin
✔ Air Suspension is smooth and comfy, while dynamic ride control is firm and responsive

Cons

✘ Sure to be pricey
✘ Subtle, sleeper look