History & character

Unveiled in Detroit in 2013, the RS7 Sportback C7 is Ingolstadt's answer to the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG and the Panamera: a 560 hp family GT that dispatches 0-100 km/h in 3.9 s. Its 4.0 TFSI biturbo V8 (700 Nm), equipped with 'cylinder on demand' cylinder deactivation, sends its power to all four wheels via quattro and an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox — the efficiency of a saloon, the temperament of a supercar.

The long, sweeping Sportback hatchback silhouette makes it one of the most desirable Audis of the decade: five doors, a genuine boot, and coupé-like styling. Having depreciated since new, the RS7 C7 has become an accessible modern classic — a pre-hybridisation biturbo V8 capable of over 300 km/h, yet liveable on a daily basis. A well-maintained, fully documented example is a rational pleasure investment.