American performance is usually served with unmistakable flamboyance. For example, both the shark-nosed Corvette Z06 and Terminator-esque Shelby GT350 Mustang offer unambiguous speed cues front to back. But that’s a good thing; it’s an essential facet of their character. However, some people prefer the straight-to-jail speed in a package that flies comfortably under the radar. Folks looking for a combination like that usually turn to Europe, birthplace of cars like the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance. To the uninitiated, it’s just another AWD luxury sedan. But to those who know, it’s over 600 horsepower and a top speed of 190 mph.

Audi already offers U.S. customers the venerable RS 7,->ke3727 but now, according to a recent report from the fine folks at Autoblog, we’ll get the new Performance version as well. That means even more power, slightly tweaked styling, and all the refinement and comfort you’d expect from a range-topper with four rings on the grille.

So then – a high-output variant of an already overpowered luxury sedan. Sounds tempting. We won’t know exactly what the U.S.-spec RS 7 Sportback Performance will bring to the table until Audi->ke14 provides us with the details, but for now, read on for the Euro-spec iteration and cross your fingers it’s unaltered by the time it hits our shores.

Updated 02/12/2016: Audi dropped a pretty cool commercial title "Tear Drop" for its latest RS 7 Sportback Performance. Hit "play" to watch it!

Continue reading to learn more about the Audi RS7 Sportback Performance.

Exterior

While the RS 7 isn’t exactly a car I’d classify as a “sleeper,” it still looks quite modest next to cars with similar levels of output. Audi’s large singleframe grille dominates the front end, flanked on either side by sharp and narrow LED headlights. Moving towards the back, the lines are flowing and smooth, with a dearth of superfluous design cues. The proportions are attractive, and the roof slopes gently into a rear end that drops abruptly into the trunk. You could even get away with calling it minimalist. 

The RS 7 Sportback Performance keeps all these traits as is, and it’s not easy to spot the differences between the Performance and the “normal” RS 7. The bumpers keep the large intakes up front and exhaust-housing diffuser in back. The grille still uses a glossy black honeycomb pattern, and the side skirts are flared. But look closely, and you’ll see the Performance comes with a “quattro” logo in the lower portion of the grille. There’s also matte-titanium-look trim used in the front spoiler, lateral intake flaps, side windows, and the top edge of the diffuser. The side-view mirrors get this treatment as well. Further flair can be had with available aluminum, carbon, and gloss black styling packages.

Each model comes standard with 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, with the RS 7 Sportback Performance benefiting from an exclusive five-double-arm look design, complete with matte titanium look and gloss turned finish. The rollers are also offered in silver or gloss anthracite black.

Paint options come in a variety of finishes as well, such as solid, metallic pearl effect, crystal effect, and matte. Color choices include Daytona gray, floret silver, glacier white, Misano red, mythos black, Nardo gray, panther black, prism silver, and Seprang blue. However, my favorite has to be the RS Performance model-exclusive Ascari blue metallic. Black and blue bruiser, baby.

Interior

The four-door RS 7 Sportback Performance makes decent use of available space when it comes to hauling around people and things. There’s seating for four passengers, with more space in the back than most 190-mph performance vehicles. There’s also up to 49.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Up front are standard sport seats with large side bolsters and integrated head restraints. Opt for the RS Performance Design package, and Audi will upholster the seats in an Alcantara/leather combo, with black and blue coloring and a honeycomb pattern. The package also throws in matching contrast stitching on the armrests, control elements, and floor maps, plus Alcantara and carbon twill blue inlays for the knee pads. Further color options for the upholstery and stitching are offered with Audi Exclusive Portfolio.

Behind the leather-clad, flat-bottomed, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is instrumentation that includes a black background, white numbers, and red needles. The entry sills are illuminated, and there’s a power-retractable display mounted on top of the dash for infotainment and navigation purposes.

Standard equipment includes four-zone climate control and MMI navigation with touchpad control. Options include a heads-up display, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, and driver’s aides like night vision assistant and adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go functionality. You can also get Audi Connect for a variety of online services, plus an internet Wi-Fi hotspot.

Drivetrain

So it looks good and the interior is nicely equipped. But what about all this Performance we keep hearing about?

True to the car’s namesake, Audi and quattro GmbH bless the RS 7 Sportback Performance with the most powerful version of the make’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI V-8 engine. Peak output is rated at 605 horsepower between 6,100 and 6,800 rpm, and 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,750 and 6,000 rpm. Set the driving mode to Dynamic and step on the throttle, and you’ll activate an overboost function that temporarily increases peak torque to 553 pound-feet between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm, making the boost gauge glow red.

All told, that’s 45 horsepower and 37 pound-feet more than the standard RS 7. Engine redline was also raised by 200 rpm.

The result is a sprint from 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the base RS 7. The Performance will also go from 0-to-200 km/h (124 mph) in 12.1 seconds, 1.4 seconds quicker than the base RS 7.

Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but ask Audi nicely, and they’ll ditch the nannie for a top speed of 174 mph. Equip the optional Dynamic package, and the Performance will max out at a heady 190 mph.

Twin-scroll turbochargers make the boost. The snails and their associated intercoolers are mounted directly into the engine’s inner V, which helps to reduce turbo lag and sharpens throttle response.

The powerplant also comes with Audi’s Cylinder On Demand (COD) system, which closes valves and cuts fuel to cylinders two, three, five, and eight under light load. This system essentially turns the thirsty 4.0-liter V-8 into a four-banger when cruising, improving fuel economy substantially. That means the Performance returns the same mileage and emissions as its non-Performance siblings, with just under 25 mpg and 356 g/mi, respectively.

Routing the power is a standard eight-speed Tiptronic torque-converter transmission. Coolant is routed from the engine to help the gearbox reach optimum operating temperature more quickly, while a hydraulic accumulator is used for start/stop functionality.

The Audi Drive Select system offers multiple driving modes, modifying settings for the steering, engine, and transmission depending on the situation. Drivers can use a steering-wheel-mounted button to select between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual modes, similar to the new Audi R8. There are also paddles mounted on the steering wheel for manual shifting. Rev counts appear on the information screen behind the wheel, or on the optional heads-up display.

Finally, Audi’s iconic quattro permanent AWD system puts it all to the ground. The system comes with wheel-selective torque control, with normal operation sending 40 percent to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear. There’s also an optional sport differential for the rear that uses two superposition gears for smoother torque distribution. Audi says the diff “literally pushes the RS Performance models into the radius” in fast turns.

Chassis And Handling

The RS 7 Sportback Performance has a five-link suspension set-up in the front, and a trapezoidal link in the rear. Both are made from aluminum. The wheel carriers and pivot bearings are also made from aluminum, and the stabilizer bars are hallow. Hydraulically damped bearings are used to join the steel subframe and body.

Each model comes standard with adaptive performance air suspension, which varies settings depending on road conditions, driving style, and driving mode. For example, put it in Dynamic mode, and the ride height drops 0.8 inch.

Audi also offers stiffer RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control, which replaces the stock pieces with steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers. Other options include dynamic steering with a continuously variable ratio.

Braking comes from 15.4-inch rotors and six-piston calipers up front, which have a weight-saving design that cuts 6.6 pounds over normal discs. Finally, there are available carbon-fiber ceramic discs that shed an additional 22 pounds.

Drivetrain Specifications

Safety

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have posted crash test results for the RS 7. However, standard equipment does include dual-stage front airbags, front thorax side airbags, knee airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, LATCH anchor points in the rear, and LED lighting.

Prices

Sales in Germany will begin this November with an MSRP of 121,700 euros ($133,724). At that price, the Performance would carry a $24,824 premium over the standard RS 7. When (and if) the Performance makes it to the U.S., I’d expect it to cost roughly $135,000 before options. And don’t forget – there are plenty of four-digit add-ons to tack on before you drive away, such as new exterior trim, driver’s aide technology, premium audio, and the speed-enhancing Dynamics package.

On the U.S. market the RS7 Performance will be priced from $129,000.

Competition

BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe

Bimmer calls it a coupe, but this luxury speedboat still boasts four doors, just like the Audi. Other similarities include a gently sloping roofline and a twin-turbo V-8 nestled in the nose. Output is rated at 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Properly routed through the standard eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system, acceleration figures look like 0-to-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. Adaptive sport suspension comes standard. Pricing starts at $122,200.

Read our full review here.

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS63 S

When it comes to Mercedes, more letters means more speed. Such is the case with this four-door coupe, which gets the AMG go-faster treatment with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 good for 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Other features include a seven-speed automatic transmission and Merc’s 4Matic AWD system. A sprint to 60 mph takes just 3.5 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Between the Audi and BMW, the Merc is probably the most brutal of the three, with huge displacement and beefy looks. It’s also the least expensive, starting at $107,800.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

This is a segment that promises everything. The practicality of four doors combine with the good looks of sweptback rooflines, while high technology and world-class comfort pair up with breathtaking speed. Anyone willing to spend this kind of coin on a car is simply unwilling to compromise, no matter the situation.

With that in mind, how does the RS 7 Sportback Performance stack up? With over 600 horsepower on tap, the Audi has the muscle, while the adjustable suspension finds a happy balance between refinement and cornering prowess. You’ll also find options like ceramic brakes to gain an edge come Sunday. Inside, Audi brings top-shelf materials and the latest techno gadgetry.

All in all, things are as they should be. So why would you pick the Audi over the BMW or Mercedes?

In a word – maturity. While the BMW and Mercedes announce their presence with showy styling and faster-than-you attitude, the Audi brings a uniquely restrained confidence. On most days, it’ll easily cruise to your destination with discretion. But dig into the loud pedal, and it’s all sound and fury.

Updated History

Updated 11/27/2015: Audi dropped a new video in which it highlights its latest RS7 Sportback Performance. Hit play to watch the new RS7 in action on some very cool winding roads.

Updated 11/20/2015: We added a series of new images and one new video taken during the car's official presentation at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Updated 11/12/2015: Audi announced that the new RS7 Performance will be making its North American debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show and will be put on sale in December. Prices will start from $129,000.