Audi's RS 7 Sportback is a close cousin of the phenomenal RS 6 Avant, one of the world's most exciting estate cars. Although they look very different, they are made of largely the same stuff, sharing a 552bhp 4.0-litre V8 turbo petrol engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
Each has a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph, though you can raise this to 174mph or 189mph via the options list.
On the face of it, the RS 7 is the more eccentric purchase. At £84,525 it's nearly £6,000, and although it can carry 535 litres worth of luggage with the rear seats in place it's considerably less practical than the RS 6 Avant.
This is not, however, a market sector where these things matter to any great extent, and it may well be that potential customers are happy to pay extra for a slightly less utilitarian look. And of course a large hatchback is bound to handle better than a large estate, right? Well, not necessarily.
The RS 7 certainly has a staggering amount of grip, enough to allow full throttle from the apex of a tight corner on a narrow road. Also, its rear suspension feels less compromised than that of the Avant, which is more likely to have to carry heavy loads.
But if driving enjoyment were the only factor I'd go for the RS 6 every time. It may look nothing like a sports car, but it feels surprisingly like one. The RS 7 is more of a long-distance cruiser with fantastic acceleration available when you need it. It handles well, no question, but I get the impression that it prefers going in a straight line. Through corners it doesn't feel quite as agile as it might.
The difference is less marked when you're driving gently. It rides surprisingly well for a car running on 20-inch wheels, and it's generally very quiet, with only occasional hints that it will start to sound like a lion caught in a thunderstorm if you floor the throttle pedal.
The engine uses Audi's cylinder-on-demand technology, which means that it can run on just four cylinders rather than all eight when only moderate power is required. This will certainly have a positive effect, though the official combined fuel economy is only moderately good at 29.7mpg, and realistically you'll probably use a lot more petrol than that.
This is undoubtedly a very fine car, and one of Audi's best current models. If you buy one you'll no doubt be very happy about your purchase, though I suspect you may be slightly disappointed if you later drive an RS 6 Avant and discover how good it is.