Audi RS7 Sportback facelift unveiled

Revised Audi RS7 2014 is due to arrive this year with updated design and an improved infotainment system

The Audi RS7 will benefit from a set of updates similar to those soon to debut on the A7 and S7 Sportback models.

This includes a minor interior and exterior facelift for the performance-focused five-door coupe, as well as new LED headlights and improved infotainment technology.

New styling features appear in the form of a six-point Singleframe grille – distinguished by the honeycomb pattern typical of RS models – and a slightly modified front bumper with tweaked side air vents.

As before, quattro badging adorns the central intake, helping the flagship Audi stand out. Customers can also add an extra touch of exclusivity by selecting one of three optional packages: matt aluminium, gloss black or carbon. 

On top of this there a four new paint finishes available, including the metallic ‘Floret Silver’, ‘Glacier White’ and ‘Mythos Black’, as well as a pearl effect ‘Sepang Blue’. Meanwhile, the standard 20inch alloys can be exchanged for optional 21-inch cast aluminium wheels, which will come in a choice of three different colours at launch.

Just like its revised siblings, the RS7 Sportback gains LED technology as standard. Matrix LED headlights are an optional extra, offering maximum visibility while reducing glare for oncoming vehicles, and gain additional darkened trims for the RS7.

Inside, RS sport seats are joined by a revised instrument panel, which sees Audi change the air vent controls, flappy paddles and quattro emblem. There’s also a revised MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch infotainment system, featuring Nvidia-developed graphics processor.

The German manufacturer appears to have focused its efforts on surface changes, meaning output from the 4.0-litre TFSI remains unchanged, offering 552bhp and 700Nm of torque. Paired with the eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the RS7 can hit 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and can manage either 174mph or 190mph, depending on the optional dynamics package selected.

It’s likely the RS7 will go on sale in the UK later this year for around £85,000, shortly after the A7 and S7 variants reach showrooms, with price and specification details set to be confirmed by Audi nearer the time.