Audi RS7 facelift launched at Rs 1.4 crore

Audi today launched the face lifted version of its already bonkers RS7 in India, more than a year after launching its predecessor, with a few subtle nip and tucks.

Although the RS7 facelift is no longer the most powerful road car produced by Audi, since the launch of the limited-edition R8 LMX supercar, it still has a lot of gadgetry on offer to enthuse the buyer who is willing to part with Rs 1.4 crore. For what it's worth the RS7 is still the most powerful Audi road car in production, since all 99 units of the LMX have found takers.

The engineers have reworked the headlights on the RS7 Sportback with integrated dynamic turn signals, and also offer Audi’s Matrix LED headlamps as an option, much like the ones seen in the A8 facelift. Among the other cosmetic changes to its exterior, the tail-lights have a new interior design (also with dynamic indicators), there is a new grille with a black honeycomb typically seen in RS models, plus unique air inlets.

Inside, the instrument cluster, the air vent controls, shift paddles and the MMI navigation system have been redesigned. But the Ingolstadt-based automaker has more up its sleeve than just creature comforts to blow the likes of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, BMW M5 and the mighty Mercedes E 63 AMG out of the water.

At its heart, the RS7 facelift has the 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine from the outgoing model making an immense 553bhp with 71kgm of torque being made available at as low as 1,750 rpm. The 553 horses are just 10 shy of those in the limited edition R8 LMX launched earlier this year.

The engine of the RS7 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Torsen (torque sensing) four-wheel drive system, thereby hurling the car to 100kph from standstill in a goosebump-inducing 3.9 seconds.

Before you ask, the RS7 can do a top whack of at least 255kph with the upper limit depending solely on what optional extras your bank account permits, because Audi says the speed governor can now be deactivated upon customer request to permit a top speed of up to 305kph, provided you find the road to do so. 

Moreover, Audi is giving the RS Sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control as an option. 

NISHANT PAREKH