Audi Adds 'Performance' Variants of the Audi RS6 and RS7

There is more power to choose from when it comes to the hugely successful Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback. But at a significantly increased cost.

The Audi RS6 Avant estate and Audi RS7 Sportback were already monsters in their own rights and at the very top of Audi's respective RS models. But now they have new variants dubbed the 'Performance' models that offer even more power and some extra equipment for those wanting the very best.

Going on sale from December 2022, the Audi RS6 Avant Performance and Audi RS7 Sportback Performance both come with 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engines that offer around 621bhp. That's an increase of 21bhp from the standard models (which come with 591bhp) and an increased 50Nm of torque.

Audi has been able to do this thanks to tinkering with the engine and giving an increase to the maximum boost pressure. The transmission is still an eight-speed automatic Quattro (all-wheel drive) setup but it now offers a 0-62mph sprint of 3.4 seconds thanks to Launch Control. Audi says this is 0.2 seconds faster than the standard models.

Both cars are limited to 174mph top speed; if you fancy taking them to the Nurburgring. And to help the cars feel more in tune with their 'Performance' moniker, sound insulation has been reduced, both on the inside and outside, so that you can hear that engine roar better when getting the RPMs up high. You can't argue with that, as the sound of performance cars has been disappointing as of late due to tightening EU noise laws.

Both models come with 22-inch alloys and a striking glossy matt grey paint if you so choose. At the rear, the RS sports exhaust tips are finished in gloss black, along with the badges on the front and rear. Audi has also managed to drop the weight of both cars by around 8kg. This certainly helps propel the cars forward with a bit more oomph.

Looking inside, the interior of both models is finished with the 'RS Design Package' which offers multicoloured stitching and inlays (red, blue or grey). You get a 12.3-inch Audi digital cockpit as standard and a flat-bottomed Alcantara steering wheel. Puddle lighting emerging from the underside of the rearview mirrors projects an ‘RS performance’ logo onto the ground when you get out as well. Lovely.

Both models come with a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a head-up display and a 360-degree reversing camera. Prices for the new RS6 and RS7 Performance variants are below.

If you would like to lease a brand new Audi RS6 Avant or Audi RS7 Sportback, please visit our Audi leasing page.