There are probably dozens of cars as beautiful and purely indulgent as the Audi RS7.
But they’re not exactly commonplace.
Okay that might be a slight reach. After all, Audi’s two most fierce rivals - Mercedes Benz and BMW - would argue their flagship models are every bit as beautiful as this long, lithe, polished pussycat from the German maker.
Audi’s corporate cousin Porsche can also lay claim to a member of this high-speed luxury category.
A car that demonstrates all the good intent of a three-metre white pointer shark, combined with the balance and poise of a prima ballerina: that’s the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance.
The car delivers on the company’s logo - Vorsprung Durch Technik.
If you don’t sprechen die deutsch so well, that roughly translates to Progress Through Technology.
The RS7 ticks every box you might expect in a twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive luxury flying machine with a price tag nudging $300,000, with taxes and other government fees.
This is what happens after a bunch of engineers and designers get together with a late-night bottle of Schnapps and let their hair down.
The Sportback is not only as fast as it is luxurious; it’s remarkably sensible, with a rear seat the equal of any in this segment.
The Audi’s ethereal silhouette is emphasised by the shark-coloured powder grey paint job.
The “performance” tag which is tucked away on various surfaces, most obviously in the door sills and rear boot lip, is much more than a piece of expensive decoration (you’ll pay $700 to have your four Audi rings finished in black, not chrome).
But there’s nothing superficial about the performance package.
Think 22-inch, Y-spoke black alloy wheels; the all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, high-performance braking system adorned with massive red calipers.
Last but not least is the RS sport exhaust that makes it plain to those within earshot the big Audi is near.
Looking for something more flashy? What about HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators and Audi “laser light”; privacy glass for rear windows, a panoramic sunroof for those German summers and, of course, the obligatory Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system.
It’s pleasing at least one prestige maker’s commitment to its sedan and hatchback models is still strong - particularly the light and thunder of that powerplant.
There are more subtle impressions of the RS7, too - the Laser light show which welcomes and farewells the occupants when they enter and exit the car.
It’s hard to stop yourself taking “just one look” over your shoulder, so pretty is this big hatchback.
The “Performance” moniker is particularly effective in this model - with its 3.4-second dash from 0-100km/h; not to mention the car’s ability to stop just as impressively as it accelerates.
The traditional benchmarks (463kW @ 6000rpm; 850Nm) are scary numbers but tamed by Audi’s silky 8-speed Tiptronic automatic and the all-wheel-grip of Quattro system that keeps it planted nicely to the road or racetrack.
Most importantly, this machine continues to do what Audi has done for decades. Be authentic.
There was a time when Audi took a slightly manic approach to some of its interior design - no doubt in its haste to run down its German counterparts.
Thankfully the company has moved beyond that obsession because the more conventional, classy approach gives cars such as the RS7 a more confident, sophisticated appeal.
That is particularly so in the case of the Audi’s electronics which don’t fall into the trap of trying to blind its buyers with science.
The flagship RS7 cockpit is built around three main touch-pads: one for multimedia functions, a second directly below for climate control and related features and an impressive big console that houses the comprehensive dash and instrument arrangement.
Beyond that, it’s lashings of brushed alloy finishes, glossy piano-black features.
The test machine, despite its ballistic acceleration, was surprisingly frugal, with Audi claiming a 11.6 litres per 100km thirst.
It will cost $248,500 (plus on-road and statutory charges). There’s also something called a sensory package (maybe the feel of your wallet disappearing from its pocket) for $11,000 and a further $2850 for Audi RS suspension with Dynamic Ride Control.
That pushes the asking price up to $263,050.
AUDI RS7 SPORTBACK PERFORMANCE
HOW BIG? It’s almost limousine-sized with sweet lines and huge cargo boot. It could fit four in absolute comfort.
HOW FAST? Reaching 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds is a significant benchmark in cars of this ilk. It’s quick.
HOW THIRSTY? Audi says with its 8-speed automatic transmission and a decent strip of road ahead, it will guzzle a reasonably conservative 11.6L/100km.
HOW MUCH? Prices start at $250,000 but expect to pay closer to $300,000 once all the bits and pieces are added.
