RS6/7 Standard vs. Performance

[johnpark287]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently driving a 2023 RS6 standard model and have the chance to upgrade to the performance variant.

I know the performance model comes with a 30HP boost and a few minor upgrades like the new safety screen on the virtual cockpit, remote start, and some cool white-colored gauges. While those are nice, they're not really the deciding factors for me.

What I'm really curious about is the difference in cabin noise, especially when it comes to engine sound. The standard variant feels a bit too muted, which dampens the overall experience for me. I'm also wondering if the performance variant delivers more noticeable pops and bangs inside the cabin.

I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and everyone keeps saying it's more lively, more engaging, and definitely louder, but I'm not sure if that's genuinely the case or if they're just saying that because Audi wants them to.

For those who have owned both the standard and performance variants, is there a real, noticeable difference?

Thanks!

JP

[KRS Aaron]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently driving a 2023 RS6 standard model and have the chance to upgrade to the performance variant.

I know the performance model comes with a 30HP boost and a few minor upgrades like the new safety screen on the virtual cockpit, remote start, and some cool white-colored gauges. While those are nice, they're not really the deciding factors for me.

What I'm really curious about is the difference in cabin noise, especially when it comes to engine sound. The standard variant feels a bit too muted, which dampens the overall experience for me. I'm also wondering if the performance variant delivers more noticeable pops and bangs inside the cabin.

I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and everyone keeps saying it's more lively, more engaging, and definitely louder, but I'm not sure if that's genuinely the case or if they're just saying that because Audi wants them to.

For those who have owned both the standard and performance variants, is there a real, noticeable difference?

Thanks!

JP

I did the same thing and can tell you I'm very happy with the upgrade, and not just because I ordered an AE color.

The small upgrades around the electronics behavior are noticeable but nothing earth shattering. In addition to the safety screen and gauges, I have noticed that Carplay connects faster and there is a new layout for the "home" screen on the MMI. I have noticed my car doesn't go to 4-cylinder mode while cruising any more, but I also just turned 500 miles yesterday so I'm not driving a lot like I did with my 23.

To me, the performance upgrades are noticeable. The weight reduction of the wheels makes the car roll much better and the larger turbos move the car with less effort. The exhaust noise in the cabin is definitely noticeable over the 23 and I did notice right around 500 miles that I started getting the pops and burbles when I let off the gas. That said, I'm still putting an AWE exhaust on it at some point because I prefer a much louder car.

[tempus_x]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently driving a 2023 RS6 standard model and have the chance to upgrade to the performance variant.

I know the performance model comes with a 30HP boost and a few minor upgrades like the new safety screen on the virtual cockpit, remote start, and some cool white-colored gauges. While those are nice, they're not really the deciding factors for me.

What I'm really curious about is the difference in cabin noise, especially when it comes to engine sound. The standard variant feels a bit too muted, which dampens the overall experience for me. I'm also wondering if the performance variant delivers more noticeable pops and bangs inside the cabin.

I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and everyone keeps saying it's more lively, more engaging, and definitely louder, but I'm not sure if that's genuinely the case or if they're just saying that because Audi wants them to.

For those who have owned both the standard and performance variants, is there a real, noticeable difference?

Thanks!

JP

We’ve had our 2024 RS6 for almost a year now and previously owned a 2021. Agree with everything Aaron mentions above, the 2021 left me wanting a bit more emotion and the 2024 delivers. Cabin noise is much better, gear changes are more aggressive and we switched to DRC from air and I much prefer the road feel (that’s more personal presence though). We also bolted on the AWE exhaust in the spring and that was the finishing touch for the sound (stock exhaust is still quite muffled on the 2024).

I put this video together when the comparison between our 2021 and 2024 was pretty fresh in case you want hear my thoughts at the time.

[Nickos1]

Both regular and performance versions of the car are fantastic. I don't own either but have driven both and the Performance model was louder but it was still subtle, and doesn't resemble anything close to the difference of say a stock E60 M5 (loved that engine) vs one with a res delete and/or Eisenmann (which makes sense as those were for the select few!). If you want to stay stock (I do) and sound is as important as you say it is then you'd likely be happy with the upgrade, otherwise you could modify your exhaust on your '23 and have something much louder than the RS6p.

I have a '25 on order as it's a damn shame the age of pure ICE vehicles like this is rapidly closing and it's the best high performance wagon ever made imo. I finally pulled the trigger as the combination of less unsprung mass, less sound deadening, faster shifter transmission, 50NM, and the smaller/lighter differential I found compelling. YMMV. Cars release after the combination of engineering and marketing decide on a release date. The LCI of a high performance car is generally more tilted towards engineer driven as they've had extra time to tweak which you don't get when an OEM needs to get a product on sale. Other great examples of this would be the 991.2 GT3 and the Competition version of the F80 M3. I've been an early adopter and gotten to enjoy a car for a couple of years while it's the car of the moment, and I've also waited and bought the LCI which are almost always 5-10% better but the chassis is a couple years older at time of purchase.

Good luck with your decision, but you really can't go wrong with your '23 or a Performance model. Like picking between two dimes but one has slightly nicer eyes or voice ;)

[emericr]

yes the performance model has all the extra features mentioned by others but from a performance and sound perspective, deleting the suitcases and adding a tune on your standard car will yield better results than the performance model and your wallet will thank you for it.

[Jprieur]

I have always thought that Audi RS models advantage over AMG or M was that they were more livable everyday, ie more refined and quiet at the expense of some raw and visceral emotion. Sure reviewers would knock them as not being emotional enough or raw enough, but keep in mind a reviewer is not living with the car day to day and is simply driving it like its stolen for a few hours.

Removing 40 lbs of sound deadening is not what I want from my RS; but I could appreciate a little less isolation from the Air Suspension (I drive around in dynamic most of the time).

The only thing I would appreciate is the wheel weight reduction. To me it's insane at this price/performance level that the wheels were not forged lightweight to begin with. That is a lot of weight to control from a suspension point of view per a corner; no question lightening that weight would increase the ride and handling.

[Existentialist]

I never drove a non-performance to compare, but my '24 is nearly silent with the exhaust flaps closed and that's even with the 034 front resonator delete. I just did my first 1 hour trip in comfort mode and I don't think the dog in back woke up once. I can't imagine what 40 lbs more sound deadening would have been like.

It's substantially louder and deeper with the valves open which is normally how I drive, but it's great to have both completely different personalities.

[STALKER]

I never drove a non-performance to compare, but my '24 is nearly silent with the exhaust flaps closed and that's even with the 034 front resonator delete. I just did my first 1 hour trip in comfort mode and I don't think the dog in back woke up once. I can't imagine what 40 lbs more sound deadening would have been like.

It's substantially louder and deeper with the valves open which is normally how I drive, but it's great to have both completely different personalities.

Yah, in normal mode it’s so quiet…to quiet even on the 22s.

[johnpark287]

Thanks everyone for the replies. This is a great forum!

Any idea when the new "RS7" Avant will be coming out? I noticed 2025 RS6/7 models being available which means 2025 is set in stone. Some people are saying 2026 but I am leaning more towards 2026 since RS models usually lag a year behind.

[NoGarageQueen]

I also would say the car is “quiet” (2024 RS6 with 400 miles). It’s FAR quieter than expected based on reviews. We do have sport exhaust, and in RS1 or RS2 it definitely louder, but not “obnoxious”. I was concerned it would be too loud for highway trips but it’s perfectly comfortable. I have a stock 718 GT4 and the Audi is significantly quieter. I choose to wear earplugs in the GT4 on highway trips (after many hours the noise level can be fatiguing) but I don’t think it’ll be necessary in the wagon. For me that’s a big plus.

I can see why people choose to put on an exhaust because it’s fairly “sedate” (I’m happy with it stock but clearly aftermarket exhaust would make a big difference).

I don’t have experience with the 21-22-23 models to compare. This 2024 has exceeded every expectation. Love it!

[TheOtherEric]

Switching to a 2024+ Performance just for wheel weight isn’t a real reason, since you can get lightweight aftermarket wheels. Stock heavy 22” wheels are ~41 lbs (I think), while 21” 10-spoke are 33.1 lbs (which I measured). BC Forged wheels in 21” are just 23.5 lbs, so you can drop 9.6 lbs to 21 lbs per corner. Sell your old wheels and the net cost is like $3k or so.

The ‘24 is absolutely not too noisy with its less insulation. On the highway the car is still really quiet, certainly far quieter than the E63 wagon I had. This is how all RS6s should have always been made IMHO.

[Nickos1]

Can’t compare weight of 22s to 21s without considering tire weight. You need more sidewall if downsizing tire size and rubber is heavy.

But to the OPs question- the myriad upgrades and changes to the performance edition finally got me to pull the trigger and order one. I couldn’t be happier with the car. It’s superb.