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Audi has revealed the all-new RS7 Sportback ahead of a local arrival with the RS6 Avant in mid-2020.

  

Like the RS6 wagon, power comes from a 4.0-litre TFSI  twin-turbo V8 augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs are listed at 441kW and 800Nm, the latter is available between 2100 and 4500rpm.

  

An eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission sends power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The torque is distributed to the front and rear axle in a ratio of 40:60 via an all-mechanical centre differential. According to Audi, if one wheel slips, more torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 per cent can flow to the front wheels and up to 85 per cent to the rear wheels.

  

In terms of performance, Audi claims the Sportback takes just 3.6 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, however, with the optional dynamic package, it can hit 280km/h which climbs to 305km/h with the dynamic plus package plus.

  

Underneath, the RS6 Avant, the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induced longitudinal and transverse forces separately.

  

Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping tuned specifically for the RS is standard. The car sits 20mm lower than the regular A7. At speeds over 120km/h, it automatically lowers itself a further 10mm to increase aerodynamic efficiency. There’s also a lift mode that raises the vehicle by 20mm at low speeds.

  

Audi says the car will come standard with “sporty progressive steering” with dynamic all-wheel steering kept as an option, at low speeds, the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle by as much as one metre.

  

21-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 10-spoke star design shod with 275/35 tyres are standard. 22-inch wheels with 285/30 tyres are available as an option.

  

Stopping power comes from a steel brake system with 420mm discs at the front and 370mm at the rear. Buyers can option RS ceramic brakes measuring 440mm at the front and 370mm at the rear. Audi claims the ceramic option cuts the weight by 34kg.

  

For 2020, the RS7 gets a revised front grille, larger air intakes on each side of the front bumper, an adaptive rear spoiler that deploys at speeds above 120km/h and LED headlights.

  

On the inside, the RS7 is available as a five-seater with Audi offering an optional three-seat rear bench.

  

With the rear seats up there’s 535L of boot space, increasing to 1390L with the rear seats folded down.

  

Standard kit also includes the dual-screen MMI touch response infotainment system with an RS monitor, Audi’s virtual cockpit with unique RS displays, a perforated sport leather steering wheel, new large RS shift paddles made of aluminium, sport seats in black pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara and illuminated front door sill trims.

  

When it comes to safety tech, Audi says more than 30 assistance systems are available including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, lane change warning, curb warning, and 360-degree cameras.

  

Audi has said the RS7 is expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2020. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the launch date.