2014 Audi RS 7 - 85.1 %
The top of the pack, the cream of the grand coupe crop, the best of the best: Here it is folks, the 2014 Audi RS 7. Surprised? We almost were, especially with the BMW's close proximity to the Audi's finishing spot. We would have never imagined the Bavarian to come out above the other two Germans lined up behind it...
The 2014 Audi RS 7 is a grand coupe, which means it comes with grand specs and a grand price to go with it. Starting at $115,000, the 2014 Audi RS 7 isn't for the faint of wallet, especially when you start adding options like the Bang & Olufsen sound system (a must), and the comfort seating package that offers up 22-way adjustable perforated Valcona leather seats. Our particular tester tipped the scale in the $140k region with sexy pin-stripping on the dash and centre stack, the full gamut of safety tech features and the B&O entertainment package. Well worth it -- all of it.
Pin-stripping is but a small portion of the Audi RS 7 story; the climax is truly in the 4.0L TFSI V8 direct-injected turbocharged engine that produces 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. And, of the sound of that engine. Sure the CLS was all bark-y and mean, but the Audi's exhaust note upon engine ignition was hearty, full and deep. This car means business.
So does the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission harnessing in all that power and sending it out to all four wheels via Audi's renowned Quattro system. Grip in the 2014 Audi RS 7 is almost shocking, the car is so well sorted and planted (unless you have an itchy finger and deactivate a few nannies, then this grand coupe will willfully play in the snow... or so we've been told).
Of our quartet, the Audi RS 7 was deemed the most comfortable, the most "at home" vehicle for each driver. Finding an ideal, comfortable driving position was almost instantaneous for each tester, and the perforated leather seats were both comfortable and supportive during sportier driving manoeuvres.
While it might seem like an afterthought, cargo space and interior volume are of course what make grand coupes so appealing (yes, that's what it is), and so it's important to note that the 2014 Audi RS 7 actually offered up the most trunk space of all four thanks to its hatchback configuration at approximately 535 litres (with the rear seats up).
The 2014 Audi RS 7 squeaked by with a win on this grand coupe comparison drive, however, it deserves the top spot for not only doing one thing well, but doing all things well and looking damn good while doing them.
The top of the pack, the cream of the grand coupe crop, the best of the best: Here it is folks, the 2014 Audi RS 7. Surprised? We almost were, especially with the BMW's close proximity to the Audi's finishing spot. We would have never imagined the Bavarian to come out above the other two Germans lined up behind it...
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| The top of the pack, the cream of the grand coupe crop, the best of the best: Here it is folks, the 2014 Audi RS 7. (Photo: Auto123.TV) |
The 2014 Audi RS 7 is a grand coupe, which means it comes with grand specs and a grand price to go with it. Starting at $115,000, the 2014 Audi RS 7 isn't for the faint of wallet, especially when you start adding options like the Bang & Olufsen sound system (a must), and the comfort seating package that offers up 22-way adjustable perforated Valcona leather seats. Our particular tester tipped the scale in the $140k region with sexy pin-stripping on the dash and centre stack, the full gamut of safety tech features and the B&O entertainment package. Well worth it -- all of it.
Pin-stripping is but a small portion of the Audi RS 7 story; the climax is truly in the 4.0L TFSI V8 direct-injected turbocharged engine that produces 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. And, of the sound of that engine. Sure the CLS was all bark-y and mean, but the Audi's exhaust note upon engine ignition was hearty, full and deep. This car means business.
So does the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission harnessing in all that power and sending it out to all four wheels via Audi's renowned Quattro system. Grip in the 2014 Audi RS 7 is almost shocking, the car is so well sorted and planted (unless you have an itchy finger and deactivate a few nannies, then this grand coupe will willfully play in the snow... or so we've been told).
 |
| Pin-stripping is but a small portion of the Audi RS 7 story; the climax is truly in the 4.0L TFSI V8 direct-injected turbocharged engine that produces 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Auto123.TV) |
Of our quartet, the Audi RS 7 was deemed the most comfortable, the most "at home" vehicle for each driver. Finding an ideal, comfortable driving position was almost instantaneous for each tester, and the perforated leather seats were both comfortable and supportive during sportier driving manoeuvres.
While it might seem like an afterthought, cargo space and interior volume are of course what make grand coupes so appealing (yes, that's what it is), and so it's important to note that the 2014 Audi RS 7 actually offered up the most trunk space of all four thanks to its hatchback configuration at approximately 535 litres (with the rear seats up).
The 2014 Audi RS 7 squeaked by with a win on this grand coupe comparison drive, however, it deserves the top spot for not only doing one thing well, but doing all things well and looking damn good while doing them.
 |
| Finding an ideal, comfortable driving position was almost instantaneous for each tester, and the perforated leather seats were both comfortable and supportive during sportier driving manoeuvres. (Photo: Auto123.TV) |