This is the new, and we use that word on advice, RS7 – a mid life refresh for the monstrous 552bhp “sportback”.

As you can see the changes are minimal, but the A7 has been a winning formula so far, so Audi were never going to go all radical on us.

Up front the headlights are slimmer and the grille becomes more hexagonal, while the bumper gets a refresh.

At the back the rear lights are ever so slightly modified, retaining the same shape but with the LEDs reconfigured.

Inside the majority of the dash gets the most subtle of refreshes, while some new paint options arrive with the latest generation of Audi’s infotainment software.

Underneath that amazing engine remains, a 4.0 turbocharged monster of a petrol V8 which summons up 516 lb ft of torque to propel the huge limo to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to 174 mph (or 189mph if you optional dynamics package).

That power is communicated to the road through 20 inch forged alloy wheels, with an option to go even bigger if you feel the need.

That’s it, the RS7 will be available to order this summer and delivered to your door in late 2014.

By Ben Miles  -