You may have seen the new Audi RS6 Avant that’s been doing the rounds on the net over the past couple of weeks and been thinking you’d fancy something with that sort of power, but want something that looks a little sexier.

Meet the RS7 Sportback – the sleeker, more stylish alternative to the RS6 that might lose the big rump of the wagon, but retains the same immense power and performance.

Propelled by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 440kW and 800Nm on tap, which is channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels at a standard 40:60 split ratio, its capable of charging from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, while storming on to a top speed of 305km/h with the limiter removed as part of the Dynamic Plus package.

As in the RS6, the RS7 also has a fuel-saving 48V mild-hybrid system that can allow the engine to stop running while coasting at normal speeds, while cylinder deactivation technology will help in continuing to cut fuel use when the engine is in use at low throttle.

Being almost identical under the skin, the same sorts of performance options are available for the drivetrain – namely, a torque vectoring limited slip differential, 420mm steel or 440mm carbon ceramic brakes, the choice of adaptive air or coil and adjustable damper suspension, and a clever four-wheel steering system to reduce its turning circle at low speeds and aid with stability at higher speeds.

Externally, the sporty enhancements it gains are subtle at first glance in comparison to the regular A7 on which its based – you can see what that looks like in our write-up on driving the famed Reefton Spur – but a revised front end that’s more angular and has a subtle added vent right below the bonnet, more aggressive front splitter, pronounced side skirts, and whopping great exhausts poking out at the rear (rather than down) are the real giveaways. Given it retains that oh-so-sleek roofline of the regular A7, however, it’s still very classy while packing some extra visual punch.

On the inside, it’s been given some sporty touches as well, with plenty of red stitching, a flat-bottomed Alcantara steering wheel, and a variety of new performance gauges and displays across its three crystal-clear screens.

Currently, the RS7 Sportback is slated to arrive in Australia in mid-2020 alongside the RS6 Avant, with initial European deliveries for both slated for the first quarter of the year.

As with the RS6, pricing is still yet to be announced, but you can expect more details to arise closer to that seemingly distant release date. For now, you can lust over this beauty with us by looking through the full gallery below.

Patrick Jackson
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