The new Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback Performance derivatives have touched down in South Africa, each boasting a heady 463 kW. Here’s how much these V8-powered monsters will cost you…

The new Audi RS6 Avant Performance and Audi RS7 Sportback Performance have arrived in South Africa, each offering more power, faster acceleration and less cabin insulation than their respective forebears. Interestingly, their launch furthermore sees the “standard” models fall away.

So, how much will they cost you? Well, the RS6 Avant Performance is priced from R2 332700, while the RS7 Sportback Performance starts at R2 444500. For the record, that’s a premium of R78 100 over the outgoing standard model in each case.

Revealed in November 2022, the new Performance-badged flagship derivatives each employ an uprated version of the Ingolstadt-based firm’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. While the outgoing version of this 8-cylinder motor makes 441 kW and 800 Nm, the iteration used in the freshly minted Performance variants upgrades to larger turbochargers and features an increase in boost pressure.

As a result, peak outputs climb to 463 kWand850 Nm, while the claimed 0-100 kph sprint time falls to a mere 3.4 seconds(for the record, that’s 2-tenths quicker than the standard models). So, Audi’s Performance badge here plays a similar role to the BMW M division’s Competition moniker and Mercedes-AMG’s S designation.

In addition, Audi has reduced the amount of insulation between the engine compartment, the cabin and the rear of the vehicle, both allowing the V8 soundtrack to resonate louder and saving a total of 8 kg (thus, the RS6 Avant Performance tips the scales at 2 090 kg, while the RS7 Sportback Performance weighs 2 065 kg).

The Performance derivatives each employ an 8-speed automatic transmission with updated software that makes for faster shifting, delivering drive via a permanent all-wheel-drive system. Audi says a “lighter and more compact” self-locking centre differential is also included in the deal, claiming this results in “more precise cornering” and less understeer at the limit.

In SA, both the new RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Sportback Performance ship standard on 22-inch matte titanium grey wheels – which are also available in burnished glossy metallic black, matte black or matte neodymium gold.

The German company also says it has tweaked the drive select dynamic handling system, while the RS Dynamic Package – which hikes top speed to 280 km/h and adds dynamic all-wheel steering and a quattro sport differential on the rear axle – is standard equipment. Audi furthermore offers the RS Dynamics Package Plus as an option, which raises the maximum speed to 305 km/h and adds an RS ceramic brake system (saving a further 34 kg).

Inside, you’ll find a new RS design package in blue. Tick this box and the steering wheel rim comes finished in black with Mercato blue contrasting stitching, a treatment that is repeated on the floor mats, the side of the centre console and the selector lever cuff. The seat belts are full-surface ocean blue with the decorative inlays in a carbon twill structure with optional blue accents.

There are also entrance LEDs in the front doors that project “RS Performance” lettering onto the ground, while the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus offers additional features such as a blinking shift indicator in manual mode.

How much do the Audi RS6 and RS7 Performance cost in SA?

Audi RS6 Avant Performance – R2 332 700

Audi RS7 Sportback Performance – R2 444 500

The prices above include a 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

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