Audi RS7 Sportback is powerful, precise, smooth and spacious

The combination of blistering performance and Coupé-like styling make the RS7 hugely-desirable.

A high-point is the evocative sound brought forth by the characterful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which has larger turbochargers on this model to further enhance acceleration.

The RS7 has a purposeful look The launch of the Performance version of the RS7 coincided with the RS6 being given the same treatment. Both vehicles received a raft of upgrades, both mechanically and and visually.

The ‘RS Dynamics’ package increases the top speed and adds all-wheel steering, which gives the RS7 fantastic agility at higher speeds. Power has been boosted by 30bhp to 621bhp while torque is also up 37lb ft to a meaty 627lb ft.

That all makes for awe-inspiring performance, with a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds.

For those who enjoy track days, it’s worth knowing that the top speed of the Audi RS7 Sportback isn’t determined by its engine. The RS7 Sportback is limited to 155mph as standard, but you can pay extra for performance packs and software upgrades to increase the top speed, to 174mph in the case of my test car.

The renowned quattro all-wheel drive system comes as standard, helping to give the RS7 a sure-footed feeling. Its balance and poise when cornering inspires great confidence, with grip levels being off-the-scale.

The car offers excellent performance and looks the part The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission works well and allows the driver to extract maximum performance from the eager engine. On this model, it has been tuned for faster shifting times, which is sure to appeal to keen drivers.

The RS7 has the type of dynamic styling that turns heads and attracts admiring looks, with plenty of visual flourishes to set it apart from the A7.

Sharp, confident creases and a sporty roofline give the car an elegant yet purposeful appearance. The Performance variant comes with 21-inch lightweight alloys that sit within wider wheel arches, while there are other design differences such as matt grey mirrors and side skirts.

The slick side profile of the stylish Audi The huge exhaust tips are the biggest fitted to any Audi RS model and combine with a totally redesigned rear bumper.

The changes on the inside aren’t quite so obvious, although you do get more supportive RS-branded seats with electric adjustment, plus there’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with stylish aluminium gearshift paddles.

You’ll find plenty of RS logos dotted around too, including the dials on the Virtual Cockpit display, which looks the part and can be easily-customised to suit personal preferences.

Audi connect Infotainment provides a wealth of entertainment and information at your finger tips through the multi-media screen.

The cockpit-style cabin is a pleasant place to be The RS 7 Sportback performance is packed with driver assistance features and advanced infotainment.

Legroom is excellent, both front and back, and there’s also more room in the boot than you’ll find with rivals in this segment. The angular roofline slightly hinders headroom on the back seats, but not to any great extent.

As you might expect, the RS7 is a thirsty beast, with combined fuel consumption coming in at 22.6 mpg, so the running costs aren’t cheap and nor is the initial outlay.

With a whole raft of optional extras added into the mix, my test car came to £125,000. Few will have that type of money lying around but – if you did – this is a true beauty of a car!

Audi RS7 Sportback

ENGINE: V8, 4-litre petrol

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and top speed of 174mph

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed tiptronic/auto, all-wheel quattro

ECONOMY: 22.1 mpg combined and emissions of 284 g/km

POWER: 621bhp

PRICE: £125,000 on the road