DecodedCars2017 Audi RS 7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Rs7 4dr Sportback 4.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,475 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 33% below the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Audi RS 7 is a midsize car offered with a 4.0L 8-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 25 highway), 33% worse than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 RS 7 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 RS 7 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs7 4dr Sportback 4.0 Tfsi Quattro | 197.2 in | 75.2 in | 55.9 in | 114.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,475 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS 7 | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -33% | $4,550 | 497 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Audi RS 7.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi RS 7 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | Not rated | 16 |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Lexus LS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 23, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · 26,093 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
- Risk
- Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V370000 · 139,249 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
- Risk
- If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 7, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V096000 · 3,543 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Audi S7 and 2016-2018 RS7 vehicles. The tire information label on these vehicles incorrectly lists the combined maximum weight as 1146 lbs/520 kg, when the correct combined maximum weight is actually 992 lbs/450 kg. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- If the operator were to load the vehicle based on information on the tire information label, they could overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44N9.
Not every 2017 Audi RS 7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2017 Audi RS 7 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2017 Audi RS 7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Audi RS 7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RS 7 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →