Title says it all, which would you prefer as the ultimate twin turbo awd luxury performance sedan? I have the itch for a new sedan, and I know the 2014 has many improvements over the 2011 model. Smoother PDK, interior refinement, slightly different bumpers. I'm sure it handles better than the rs7, but i'm drawn to the body style of the rs7. Can't get ceramics, but you have better cargo space, the engine is a beast. 8 speed auto is supposedly superb. Tough decisions!

 

I think Audi has the edge on looks but form follows function and it is the Panamera all the way for me

believe me don't think you are the first guy that went through the decision tree for four door performance sedans, we all did and look what forum you are in!


good luck, either way you are getting a great vehicle

 

I would not consider the RS7 as the ride quality is harsh and will take its toll on you after awhile. The S7 can be just as fast with an AWE exhaust ($2800) and ecu tune from GIAC ($1500), will add another 90 to 120hp. Much smoother ride and $30k less MSRP.

Don't know much about the PTT refinements in the new model, but the tech on Audi is 2nd to none, if you car about that stuff.

Overall you can have an S7 fully loaded, modified with an extra 100hp easily, and an extra $60k in your pocket vs the PTT.

 

I just traded my ’12 A7 – which was a wonderful… although uninspiring vehicle. The RS on the other hand! Wow –looks magnificent/outperforms and has more power than every car in its category/costs less/and it’s much more of an anomaly on the road; that is, you’ll rarely see another one. Long story short, I’d prefer the RS7 – The gadgetry and technology is undeniably cutting edge and nothing short of amazing. The Porsche is a bit long in the tooth and they ruined the rear fascia of the Panamera w/ the “refresh” IMHO.

 

Porsche>Audi. From personal and friends' experience owning multiple Audis and P-cars, Audi's can be finicky after a few years and some miles built up. Audi long term reliability is not the greatest.

 

I drove both the RS7 and S7 extensively and honestly can't tell the difference in power on regular street but the RS7 is pretty harsh as a DD.

I like the Panamera's exterior look and interior design much better, but that is personal. The fact Panamera is power and comfort in one car; it is a no brainer which to choose for me.

 

Close call..both are fantastic vehicles. I would likely choose the PTT because of the interior. Best in class IMO.

 

Panamera... but look at what forum I'm replying to...

 

While you're at it, you might wanna throw in the M6 Gran Coupe for consideration as well.

To make your choice, the best thing to do is....

TEST DRIVE!

 

I think it depends how you drive, if you are regularly driving on winding / tricky roads then you'd certainly notice the better handling of the Panamera. If your daily commute is on a freeway then the RS7 (although IMHO the RS Audi's are compromised by overly hard suspension, the S variants are much nicer in this regard).

 

M6 isn't in mix, I want AWD. The only other car potentially in mix would be e63 S-AMG 4matic.

 

Was the rs7 equipped with air suspension? I know the spring setup is brutal, but believe all US cars have Air.

 

Yes, that RS7 have air suspension, I think it is standard equip for RS7. Seat massage is kinda neat.

 

Saw one on the road today. Matte grey definitely looks good on it!

 

I went looking at 4 door sport sedans the past 3 days. I test drove - Audi S7 and S8 (could not find an RS7 to drive), BMW Grand Sport M6 and M5, Maserati, Mercedes S-63 (last version) and new S550 and a Tesla.

When all was said and done I came home today feeling like I still have the best, most flexible 4 door sports sedan available for me. I have a 2012 PTT. Doesn't mean it is for you. Take the time to look at each, drive them and see what you like and don't like.

The RS7 will be a fun, fast car, tons of room behind the 2nd seat for kids stuff. Like the S7 I was surprised how poor the back seat leg room and head room was.

S8 I like better than the S7, more room, more comfort, more trunk space, more go. But it feels like and is a big car, but a great car at that. This may be my 2nd choice.

BMW GS M6/M5. Fast and smooth. M6 rear seat is not ideal, both have small trunk, so not super functional. Nice cars but don't meet my needs. I have owned every M5 before this (1998, 1993, 2000, 2003 and 2006) as a daily driver.

Maserati - new version - felt slow after the others, makes good sounds, nice enough to drive. Not my style and not good enough to pay a premium over the Audi or BMW. Pay more and get less.

Mercedes - S63 is a big car, but steers light and goes like stink. This and the S8 are great cars and either would make a great daily drive, if you need a "full size" luxury sport sedan. New S550 - wow on the technology - new S63 should be super nice, but a different class of car.

Tesla - nice torque - no noise! For commuter car makes a lot of sense, but it is not a sport sedan.

In the end I realized I paid a premium for my Panamera Turbo over its counterparts in other brands, but it is worth every penny! I also like the fact that there are a lot of boxes you can check to personalize your car to your taste, yes you pay for it, but it is nice to have the option to get exactly what you want.

No question in my mind the Panamera, in whatever form you own offers the best 4 door sport sedan with the most utility money can buy (you just need a few extra sheckels!).

Can't go wrong with either - good luck finding what you like.