Thinking of performance sedans conjures up images of BMW M models, the illustrious AMG offerings, the muscular Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Lexus' IS 500, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. However, some of the best sports sedans of the last few years that have consistently gotten the limelight are the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG E63. Both are luxurious inside; both sprint like no one's business; both ooze precision German engineering, and both radiate class and aggression in equal measure.Then we have Audi's newest seat-gripping performance sedan: the 2026 Audi RS7. This thing does it all; it is stylish, unbelievably fast to 60 mph and to its top speeds, comfortable for everyday use, kitted out with the best tech, and is the epitome of a luxury sports sedan. This is the performance sedan you should get if you want an alternative to a BMW or AMG. The Sports Sedan Has Leveled Up 1965 BMW 1800 front 3/4Long before 600-horsepower super sedans became the norm in the performance world, the foundations of the luxury sports sedan were laid in the 1960s. The legendary BMW 1500, as part of BMW's Neue Klasse lineup, is widely seen as one of the first true luxury sports sedans to grace the roads. It was designed to blend sharp handling, a rev-happy inline-four good for 80 horsepower, four doors, and stylish, everyday usability. This blueprint has lasted for decades.Mercedes-Benz By the '80s, models like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 took things further, and the formula got serious. The E28 M5 quietly packed a motorsport-worthy inline-six rated at 286 horsepower under the hood, and provided 6.5-second 0–60 mph times, happily taking on the sports cars of the day. Then the 190E 2.3-16 brought along a Cosworth-tuned 7,000 rpm inline-four. It has slower rest-to-60 times, but it offered a serious homologation pedigree to the luxury market.Bring A Trailer Then in the 1990s and 2000s, the arms race really upped the ante. More naturally aspirated V8s (think the early '90s Audi V8), manual gearboxes, rear-wheel-drive, and eventually, all-wheel drive, transformed the sports sedan market into a 300-, 400-, then 500-horsepower executive yet seat-gripping offering.Audi What started as a bit of a niche has grown into one of the most competitive markets today, and with the stalwart marques like BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, AMG, and Cadillac all turning out epic machines, we are very spoiled for choice. Why Luxury Performance Sedans Are No Longer Just About Speed Audi While we may love to drive a luxury sports sedan that is faster than a sports car, the simple benchmark of horsepower dominance and 0–60 mph times has moved on slightly. The super sedan of the past revolved around wedging the biggest engine possible into an executive platform and letting the torque talk. However, as outputs of some of the most powerful sports sedans have climbed to over 500 ponies, straight-line speed has stopped being the sole selling point.TopSpeed | Garret Donahue Today, if we buy a luxury performance sedan, we do expect a bit more than just outrageous forward pace. Adaptive dampers and air suspension are needed for the highest-end models to give both road and track prowess; all-wheel drive systems are a must for most models; tech needs to be the best there is, and a model wouldn't last long without the best materials used in the cabin.TopSpeed | Garret Donahue Above all, refinement is key. Yes, a V8-equipped road rocket with little in the way of anything but the engine may be called upon on days when we are feeling like flooring it, but if you need a comfortable yet still potent machine for everyday driving, it wouldn't be much use if you don't like getting in it every day. This is where we are now with the luxury sports sedan segment: a blend of performance nous and high-end, everyday comfort. The BMW M5 And AMG E63 Everyone’s Talking About BMWArguably, two of the most obvious German sports sedans that show how far the segment has come are the 2026 BMW M5 and the final model year of the Mercedes-AMG E63 (2023). The new BMW M5 has a starting price of $123,300. Under the hood sits a 4.4-liter TwinPower turbocharged S68 V8 mated to a plug-in rig and an 18.6 kWh battery; output is rated at 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This translates to 0–60 mph times of 3.4 seconds and top speeds of 190 mph (with the M Driver's Package added).William Clavey | TopSpeed Standard fare includes M xDrive all-wheel drive, adaptive M suspension, an electronically-controlled active differential, and four-wheel steering. You can even add carbon ceramic brakes. The interior is kitted out with a 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display, M-specific ambient lighting, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, and Merino leather appointments everywhere. In other words, it covers the sporty side exceptionally well and the comfort and techy side as well.Mercedes-AMG Likewise, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG E63 also gets things right. Used prices are currently sitting at just over $91,000, but despite being a few years old, the AMG E63 still delivers in the cabin. You get high-res screens, Nappa leather upholstery, AMG performance seats, a Burmester audio system, and a special AMG steering wheel. It is classy and athletic at the same time.Mercedes-Benz Then there is the engine it boasts. The AMG E63 comes equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged M177 V8, with power sent through an AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, and then to all four wheels via 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This setup is rated at 604 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Despite being less powerful than the M5, you can still get to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. You also get Drift Mode, so you can stick the tail out, AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension, a top speed of 186 mph with the AMG Driver's Package, and optional carbon ceramic brakes. The Audi RS7: Where Brutal Power Meets Everyday Usability Audi However, despite all the amazing things about both the new BMW M5 and the 2023 AMG E63, the 2026 Audi RS7 Performance causes a bit of a problem for them. It has all the gear you could ask for in a modern luxury sports sedan; the engine is a weapon, it is unbelievably fast for its weight, it has all the executive-come-sporty tech you could ask for, and it is set up to be driven all day at speed.The 2026 Audi RS7 Performance MSRP is $132,700 and is the sole range-topping model in this year's A7 family lineup. It is also up there as one of the most powerful ICE Audi models in 2026, so there is a lot to like about it before even getting into what makes it one of the best plush performance sedans in 2026. 600+ Horsepower From A Twin-Turbo V8 Audi At the heart of the new RS7 Performance is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged TFSI V8 mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that shifts out over 600 horsepower. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels via the highly coveted Quattro all-wheel drive system.The 4.0-liter V8 is made from aluminum and boasts a 90-degree V, dual overhead cams, and four valves per cylinder; it is made for high-load durability and razor-sharp feedback underfoot. The RS7's engine is also a hot-V, meaning that the twin-scroll turbos are nestled inside the cylinder banks, shortening exhaust routing and helping turbos spool faster.Everything about the RS7's V8 is built to be hammered all day. Inside, plasma-coated cylinder walls reduce friction and handle heat more efficiently, while direct injection and cylinder-on-demand tech help to balance performance and a relative amount of fuel efficiency despite the high horsepower output. Though don't expect too much, the RS7 is thirsty, with some reports suggesting it will only achieve around 17 combined mpg. Plus, the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is tuned for RS duty and delivers very smooth, quick, firm shifts for both epic straight-line speed and when you want to blast it about the track (which is very much in the RS7's wheelhouse). Quattro All-Wheel Drive And Handling That Hooks Audi What makes the new RS7 Performance stand out, though, is not just because it is a powerful four-door; it is how it gets around the pavement. At its core is Quattro AWD, but in the new RS7 Performance, it has been taken to a performance-oriented extreme. A mechanical center differential is paired to an electronically-controlled rear differential that varies torque side-to-side, sending the lion's share of torque to the rear, meaning you get both a grippy and sporty feel in the turns at the same time.CarBuzz This also means there is less understeer; the RS7 can rotate more willingly when you want it to, and still claw forward when you put your foot down. The suspension is also exceptional; you get adaptive air springs that are set up independently at each corner, working with magnetorheological dampers that adjust in real time. So, you get a smooth ride on the highway and a stiff ride in the corners.Audi Steering is also dialed in. Audi has fitted a progressive rack that alters ratio as you turn the wheel, tightening up as you get deeper into a corner for more direct input, and loosening near the center for easier city driving. This is what makes the Audi RS7 Performance such an epic luxe sports sedan: the interplay of adaptive suspension, sharp all-wheel steering, a beast of an engine, and torque vectoring. Why The Audi RS7 Beats The Competition Audi You may be thinking, why should you choose the Audi RS7 Performance over the BMW M5 and the AMG E63? Horsepower output from the RS7's engine is less than the M5's output; the RS7 is more expensive than the new M5, and it arguably looks more executive compared to the sportier-looking AMG and M5. So why should you buy a new RS7 over the M5 and E63? For a few reasons. The RS7 Performance is faster to 60 mph than both the M5 and the E63; it is lighter than the M5; the RS7 offers more cargo space, and there is no plug-in hybrid complication to rely on for power.You also get more legroom in the RS7 compared to the other two illustrious sports sedans, so it is not just on the sporty side of things that the new Audi RS7 is worth taking for a test drive. You get style, comfort, and intense athleticism in one package. Supercar Acceleration In A Four-Door Package Audi Despite weighing nearly 5,000 pounds and boasting four doors and generous legroom, Audi says that the 2026 RS7 Performance can hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach top speeds of 155 mph. This is a limited top speed, but if you opt for the RS Dynamic Package, top speeds are upped to 190 mph, right up there with the new M5. While 0.1 of a second faster than the M5 and E63 may not sound too impressive, if you are a fan of fine margins, the RS7 takes the win. To put this kind of speed from an executive sedan into perspective, the RS7's sprint time is faster than the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse (4.1 seconds), the 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish (3.5 seconds), and the 2026 Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 (3.8 seconds). Sportback Style With Executive Comfort AudiWhile the BMW M5 and AMG E63 stick with a classic four-door sedan shape, the RS7 brings a sweeping sportback design to the party. The roofline follows straight into a hatchback-style rear. So, it looks classy, aggressive, executive, and fast-looking all at the same time. It is more sleek coupe-looking than sedan-looking, but that doesn't mean you miss out on any of the practicalities of a full-size sedan.The roofline and hatch mean the RS7 has a lot of cargo space behind the rear seats, and a taller opening, making it easier to load than the M5's and E63's trunks. The new M5 boasts up to 18.7 cubic feet of storage space, the AMG E63 gets 19 cubic feet, and the RS7 flaunts a very impressive 24.6 cubic feet of storage space with the seats in place. In other words, you get the intense performance guts of some of the best RS models on earth, and a lot of practicality for everyday use.The M5 and RS7 are equal when it comes to legroom, but the E63 is slightly tighter in the rear for taller passengers. However, the RS7 comes in slightly lower than the M5 and E63 for headroom, but despite the fastback, there is still a lot of room inside. Beyond The Specs: RS7 Features And Technology Audi The 2026 Audi RS7 Performance doesn't just dominate in speed and handling; it is a full statement piece. Wide, muscular fenders, a sharp Singleframe grille, sleek Matrix LED headlights, standard 21-inch wheels, and a sculpted hood are direct indications that this is one powerful sport sedan. Its silhouette keeps the stance low and aggressive, while RS-specific bumpers, side sills, and quad exhaust tips make it obvious that this is not your average executive sedan. Even though the M5 and E63 may look slightly more overtly aggressive and sporty, the RS7 is the market's top-tier executive-looking performance sedan with an aggressive edge. Interior, Technology, Infotainment, And Upgrades Audi Inside, the RS7's cockpit is a fine blend of techy, sporty, and high-end. The flat-bottom RS steering wheel, RS-design sport seats, and brushed aluminum, carbon accents, and Alcántara leather upholstery create a cabin that feels both focused and plush. Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus replaces gauges with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that sits behind the wheel, while 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch touchscreens handle navigation and infotainment.CarBuzz Everything inside is smooth and intuitive, with haptic feedback, customizable layouts, and voice commands taking care of most things you could want to ask for or tweak about the ride, while optional upgrades take the interior design in an even more comfortable and luxurious direction. Optional interior upgrades for the 2026 Audi RS7 include: Ventilated and massaging seats HUD Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system Nappa leather Ambient lighting Cutting-Edge Driver Assistance And Safety Systems AudiThe new RS7 isn't just a powerhouse that can go fast and make you look good while doing it, but it is also packed with smart systems that make it a very usable performance sedan. At the heart of its everyday usability is Audi's Pre Sense suite, which is a full-circle monitoring system that can detect anything around the vehicle, automatically prepare the brakes, and tighten seatbelts if it thinks a potential collision is incoming.You also get standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert, a top-view camera with Virtual 360, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control, side-impact beams, ABS, and traction control. In short, it can be used every day with a lot of ease.CarBuzz It may not always be the first choice for a luxury performance sedan in a market so competitive, but the 2026 Audi RS7 takes on both the final model year of the Mercedes-AMG E63 and the new BMW M5 (and most others available at the moment) in terms of style, practicality, speed, technology, and comfort. If these things aren't a priority for top-tier luxury sports sedan shoppers, we don't know what is.
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