Audi’s slope-back luxury powerhouse, the RS 7, gets a facelift for 2015

By Stephen Edelstein June 2, 2014

Hot on the heels of the refreshed 2015 A7 and S7 is the slope-backed, four-ringed luxury car we’ve really been waiting for: The 2015 Audi RS 7.

Like its less-powerful siblings, the 2015 RS 7 retains its winning looks but gains a few styling and content tweaks. Not bad for a model that was just unveiled a year ago.

Up front, the RS 7 gets more-angular headlights with Audi’s optional Matrix LED system, which allows the high beams to stay on even if other cars are approaching.

Other exterior changes include revised front and rear bumpers, a “quattro” emblem for the central air intake, and some new colors and trim.

The interior features slight changes to the vent controls and column-mounted shift paddles, as well as an updated version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system.

What hasn’t changed is the RS 7’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, which produces the same 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque it did in the 2014 RS 7. That seems like plenty.

The only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic, and naturally Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive is standard as well. A sport rear differential is also available.

The RS 7 will do 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 174 mph. However, an optional dynamics packages will raise that top speed to 190 mph.

Look for the 2015 Audi RS 7 in dealerships this fall. Want to know what it’s like to drive? Check out our first drive of the 2014 RS 7.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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