Audi RS7 Sportback facelift review, test drive

What is it?

It’s the freshly launched facelifted version of the Audi RS7 Sportback, and yes, the first thing you will notice are those sexy, slimmer new headlights. Like before, they’re full LED units, but now, there’s the option of the ‘Matrix’ system we saw in the A8. What that means is a slick new Y-shaped pattern for the running lamps and an adaptive system whereby each of the diodes within the lamp can operate independently, lighting up precisely what you need to see and preventing oncoming traffic from being blinded. It’s all incredibly clever, but let’s be honest, most will love it for how menacing it makes the new RS7 look. It’s a similar story with the new smoked black LED tail-lamps, and the indicators that now swipe in the direction you are turning.

Although it’s not like the RS7 was ever lacking in visual drama. The svelte Sportback shape is one of the most attractive around, and then there’s the RS addenda – wide, sharp-edged bumpers, huge intakes, black honeycomb grille (wider than before), massive oval tailpipes and flared wheel arches. Then there’s the optional 21-inch wheels (similar design as before, but now finished in two-tone gloss paint), the hunkered-down stance and the gorgeous shade of blue that this car is wearing. While luxury super-sedans often intentionally look a bit restrained, this is not one of them.

The cabin is still a wonderfully luxurious place for four – save for that slightly low and narrow rear cabin – but here too, Audi has added a number of subtle things that you notice over time. Each seat is lit up individually by an overhead lamp as you open the corresponding door, for example. The MMI system has an updated operating system that has a few improvements. It can now play video files (though only when the car’s stationary), it’s much easier to browse through your music and, for the first time in recent memory, Audi has provided two USB ports in the centre bin – no more silly ‘accessory cable’ required. There’s also a better colour screen between the dials now.