2025 McLaren GTS vs 2026 Audi RS 7
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 McLaren GTS and the 2026 Audi RS 7 is the $86,700 MSRP gap, with the McLaren priced at $219,400 versus the Audi's $132,700. Performance metrics are surprisingly close; the GTS produces 626 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, narrowly beating the RS 7’s 621 hp, but trailing significantly in torque with 627 lb-ft available in the Audi. Fuel economy is marginally better for the McLaren at 18 combined MPG compared to the RS 7's 16 combined MPG. The Audi is substantially longer at 197.2 inches versus the GTS’s 184.4 inches and offers 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, absent in the two-seat coupe. While both demand premium fuel, the Audi's AWD and superior torque suggest a different driving dynamic than the RWD, automated manual GTS.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi RS 7
The 2026 Audi RS 7, as a four-door sedan with 24.6 cu ft of cargo space, offers superior daily usability over the McLaren GTS coupe.
2026 Audi RS 7
The Audi RS 7 is the only vehicle of the two with four doors and substantial cargo volume necessary for family transport.
2025 McLaren GTS
The McLaren GTS offers a dedicated RWD platform and a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission for a pure sports car experience.
2026 Audi RS 7
The Audi RS 7 delivers nearly identical horsepower (621 hp vs. 626 hp) for $86,700 less than the McLaren GTS.
Choose the McLaren GTS if...
- Prioritizing a specialized sports car experience with a Rear Wheel Drive configuration.
- Seeking the absolute highest peak horsepower rating at 626 hp.
- Preferring the rapid shifting nature of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a traditional automatic.
Choose the Audi RS 7 if...
- Requiring practical sedan body style with 24.6 cu ft of usable cargo capacity.
- Prioritizing high low-end pulling power, evidenced by 627 lb-ft of torque.
- Seeking superior foul-weather capability provided by its All Wheel Drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | McLaren GTS | Audi RS 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.4" | 197.2" |
| Width | - | 76.8" |
| Height | 47.8" | 56.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.3" | 115.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 626 hp @ 7500 rpm | 621 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | 627 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/22 MPG | 14/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 285.0/418.0 mi. | 270.2/405.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Bang & Olufsen |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 57.2 in. |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | — | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 x 10.5 in | 21 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 295/30R21 | 275/35R21 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | McLaren | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 10 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
| Basic Warranty | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 McLaren GTS and 2026 Audi RS 7.
How does the torque output compare between the 2025 McLaren GTS and the 2026 Audi RS 7?
The 2026 Audi RS 7 boasts significantly higher torque, delivering 627 lb-ft compared to the 2025 McLaren GTS's 465 lb-ft. This suggests the RS 7 will offer superior immediate responsiveness and acceleration feel from lower speeds.
Which vehicle is more practical for regular driving based on dimensions?
The Audi RS 7 is more practical, classified as a sedan and measuring 197.2 inches long with a height of 56.1 inches. The McLaren GTS is a much smaller coupe, measuring only 184.4 inches in length and a low 47.8 inches in height, with limited interior accommodation.
Is the difference in fuel economy between the two cars substantial?
The fuel economy difference is minimal, with the McLaren GTS achieving 18 combined MPG (15 city/22 highway) versus the Audi RS 7 at 16 combined MPG (14 city/21 highway). Both require premium unleaded fuel.
What is the core mechanical difference in how these two cars transfer power to the road?
The McLaren GTS utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive setup paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the Audi RS 7 features an All Wheel Drive system mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Why is the price difference between the GTS and the RS 7 so large?
The MSRP gap is $86,700, with the McLaren GTS starting at $219,400 and the Audi RS 7 at $132,700. This reflects the difference in manufacturer positioning, as the McLaren is a dedicated supercar while the RS 7 is a high-performance luxury sedan.
Does the Audi RS 7 offer usable cargo space compared to the McLaren GTS?
Yes, the Audi RS 7 offers a defined cargo capacity of 24.6 cu ft, suitable for larger luggage or groceries. The McLaren GTS, being a dedicated sports coupe, does not list comparable cargo specifications.
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