Audi RS7 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG GT63 S
Two German V8 titans go up against each other
Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 S and Audi’s RS7 Sportback represent the ultimate in luxury performance from these two Germanic automakers.
And while both have a very similar coupe-like body shape, the Mercedes is priced significantly more than the Audi. While Audi South Africa has yet to reveal pricing for the upcoming RS7 (which is slated to land in Mzansi in early 2021), it is expected to be priced around the R2 million mark. The AMG meanwhile, has been on sale in South Africa for some time and carries a sticker price of a whopping R3 174 320.
Make no mistake about it, both of these machines are absolutely gorgeous from any angle, and have a world-class interior to match its dramatic exterior. And while they have their coupe-like aerodynamic shape in common, they have another commonality. They both draw propulsion from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, paired with an all-wheel-drive system.
The RS7 uses a very high-tech V8 motor, as it features a mild-hybrid system to produce 441kw and 800nm. It also uses a conventional Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. The AMG meanwhile, uses a hot-vee setup and outputs 470kw and 900nm, paired with a trick all-wheel-drive system that can switch between an RWD-drift-mode and an all-wheel-drive mode.
Both are lightning quick, with some publications testing the RS7 running from 0-100kph in just 3.38 seconds. AMG meanwhile claims that the GT 63 S will blitz the 0-100kph sprint in just 3.2 seconds.
Despite the Audi tipping the scales a few kilograms less than the AMG, the result of this race is sadly a forgone conclusion.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S carries a hefty price tag of R3,174,320 in South Africa, making it significantly more expensive than its Audi rival.
Q: How much power does the Audi RS7 Sportback produce compared to the AMG GT63 S?
The Audi RS7 Sportback produces 441kW and 800Nm from its mild-hybrid V8, while the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S delivers a more potent 470kW and 900Nm from its hot-vee twin-turbo setup.
Q: Which is faster from 0-100kph, the RS7 or GT63 S?
The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S edges out the Audi RS7 Sportback with a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds versus the RS7's tested time of 3.38 seconds.
Q: What is the expected price of the Audi RS7 Sportback in South Africa?
The Audi RS7 Sportback is expected to be priced around the R2,000,000 mark when it arrives in South Africa, making it roughly R1.2 million cheaper than the AMG GT63 S.
Q: Do both cars have all-wheel drive systems?
Yes, both feature all-wheel drive, but the Audi uses a conventional Quattro permanent system while the Mercedes has a more advanced setup that can switch between rear-wheel drive drift mode and all-wheel drive.
Should You Buy It?
If you're shopping for a luxury performance coupe with a R2-3 million budget, the Audi RS7 Sportback represents the better value proposition at around R2,000,000. While the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S is marginally faster and more powerful, its R3,174,320 price tag makes it a tough sell when the RS7 delivers 90% of the performance for significantly less money. The best luxury performance coupe under R2.5 million in South Africa is the Audi RS7 Sportback, offering supercar performance with four-door practicality and that gorgeous swooping roofline. Unless you absolutely must have the extra bragging rights and that switchable drift mode, save yourself over a million rand and go with the Audi.
