AUDI: 2020 RS6 and RS7 Sportback Specs and Techs

24 December 2019

Audi UK announces availability of RS6 saloon, RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, with all-wheel steering and sport diffs as standard and three trim levels plus a limited Launch Edition across all three body styles.

Audi UK has opened the order books for the 2020 venom and versatility trio – the RS6 saloon, Avant and RS7 Sportback, in four specification lines – Standard, Carbon Black, Vorsprung and a limited run Launch Edition.

Both models are powered by an omnipotent 600hp twin-turbo V8 TFSI engine delivering 800Nm of peak torque sent to the road via the eight-speed tiptronic ‘box via a centre differential-based quattro all-wheel-drive, backed up by the sport differential acting on the rear axle.

From a standing start, 62mph is reached in a blistering 3.6 seconds and, where conditions permit 124mph will arrive in 12 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155mph, or 174mph in the Vorsprung and Launch Edition versions.

To add a tinge of green to all that power is the deployment of 48v mild hybrid technology, which harvests energy usually lost during light deceleration and stores it in a separate lithium-ion battery. The system also initiates coasting at speeds of between 34 and 99mph for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. A cylinder-on-demand (COD) system deactivates four of the V8’s eight cylinders to conserve fuel at low to intermediate loads and speeds.

Dynamic all-wheel steering is also standard throughout the ranges to assist low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability and three of the four variants in each line-up couple that with RS-specific adaptive air suspension. The RS sport suspension with diagonally linked adaptive dampers is the basis of the Dynamic Ride Control system and is standard for the top-tier Vorsprung versions and an option on all other versions.

Externally, Standard models wear 21-inch alloy wheels and feature Matrix LED headlights, privacy glass and aluminium mirror housings and detailing. Carbon Black versions upgrade to a 22-inch wheel with a black finish and add a carbon black styling package. The top Vorsprung models also feature a 22-inch wheel in a titanium matt gloss design and a gloss black styling package. 

Inside, all models are equipped with heated and ventilated front RS sport seats clad in Valcona leather, an electrically adjustable flat-bottomed RS steering wheel incorporating new, larger aluminium shift paddles and a new RS mode button for two new driver profiles – RS1 and RS2 - that can be set and saved via the Audi drive select system.

Audi’s virtual cockpit is standard along with MMI Navigation, Audi Connect internet-based services and wireless charging, plus useful assistance systems such as camera-based traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and a rear-view camera.

Vorsprung variants offer a panoramic glass sunroof, power door closure, Bang & Olufsen 3D audio and front and rear seat heating.

For a limited period, the Launch Editions will combine highlights from all the variants such as red brake callipers, exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels with a black gloss turned finish, and a gloss black styling pack. The panoramic glass sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and sport exhaust are also standard, as is the 155mph top speed de-restriction to 174mph.