Does the Audi RS7 Have Ceramic Brakes?

The Audi RS7 does not come with carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, but they are available as an optional upgrade on recent RS7 generations, typically as a high-cost performance package that also brings larger rotors and enhanced track capability.

Understanding the RS7’s Braking Options

The Audi RS7 is positioned as a high-performance grand tourer, and its braking system reflects that dual purpose: strong everyday usability combined with serious performance reserves. Across recent model years, Audi has offered powerful steel brakes as standard equipment, with carbon-ceramic brakes available as an upgrade depending on market, trim, and options packages.

Standard Brakes vs. Optional Carbon-Ceramic Brakes

Standard Braking System on the RS7

On current and recent Audi RS7 models (C8 generation, introduced for model year 2021 in many markets), the default setup is a high-performance steel braking system. This includes large ventilated discs and multi-piston calipers designed to match the RS7’s power and weight.

The main characteristics of the standard RS7 brakes can be summarized as follows:

• Large, ventilated steel rotors front and rear, optimized for high-speed stability and repeated heavy braking.
• Multi-piston front calipers (usually painted black or red depending on package and market) for strong and consistent bite.
• Integrated electronic systems such as ABS, ESC, brake assist, and often RS-specific tuning for pedal feel in different drive modes.

In normal everyday use, these steel brakes are more than adequate, offering confident stopping power while being comparatively cheaper to service or replace than the ceramic option. For many buyers who do not frequently visit the track, the standard brakes strike a practical balance between performance and cost.

Optional Carbon-Ceramic Brakes on the RS7

Carbon-ceramic brakes, often referred to as “ceramic brakes,” are typically offered as an extra-cost option on the RS7 rather than standard equipment. Availability can vary by region and model year, but for the C8 RS7 (around 2021–2025 models), a “Carbon Ceramic Brake” package is commonly listed on the options sheet.

Key aspects of the RS7’s carbon-ceramic brake option include:

• Material: Discs made from a carbon-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite, significantly more heat-resistant than traditional steel rotors.
• Size and performance: Larger disc diameters than the standard setup, often paired with upgraded, color-coded calipers (frequently gray or other distinctive finishes) for increased clamping force and thermal capacity.
• Fade resistance: Much better performance under repeated hard braking, particularly during track use or sustained high-speed driving.
• Weight reduction: Lower unsprung mass versus steel rotors, which can subtly improve steering response and suspension behavior.
• Durability: Very long service life under road use, though replacement costs are substantially higher when they do wear out or are damaged.

These ceramic systems are aimed at buyers who routinely exploit the RS7’s performance envelope—such as on track days or extended high-speed Autobahn runs—where the superior heat tolerance and reduced fade become noticeable advantages.

Generational Overview: RS7 and Ceramic Brake Availability

C7 RS7 (Approx. 2013–2018)

The first-generation RS7 (internally known as C7, later C7.5 after the facelift) also offered carbon-ceramic brakes as an option in many markets. They were often found on cars ordered with top-tier performance packages.

For that earlier RS7 generation, the general pattern was:

• Standard high-performance steel brakes on base RS7 models.
• Optional carbon-ceramic brakes available via separate upgrade, often with larger front rotors and specific wheel-size requirements.
• Packages sometimes bundled ceramics with other performance extras, such as higher top-speed limiters.

While the details of rotor dimensions and caliper designs differ from the newer C8, the principle remained consistent: ceramics were not default, but an extra-cost performance feature.

C8 RS7 (Approx. 2021–Present)

The current-generation RS7 (C8) continues this approach, but with more refined integration into the wider RS performance ecosystem. Configurators in major markets like the U.S. and Europe list a carbon-ceramic brake package, sometimes paired with RS dynamic packages that alter top-speed limits and chassis tuning.

Typical characteristics of the C8 RS7 carbon-ceramic option include:

• Very large front discs (often around 440 mm class in diameter, depending on market) with matching rear ceramics in some configurations.
• Specially finished calipers indicating the presence of the ceramic system.
• Compatibility requirements with specific wheel sizes to ensure clearance and adequate cooling.
• Substantial price premium over the standard steel system, reflecting both the material cost and intended high-performance use case.

For buyers selecting the latest RS7 with an eye toward maximum performance and minimal brake fade during extreme driving, the ceramic option remains one of the hallmark upgrades.

How to Tell if a Specific RS7 Has Ceramic Brakes

Because ceramic brakes are optional equipment, whether a given RS7 has them depends on how it was originally ordered. There are several practical ways to confirm this on a specific car.

Useful methods to identify ceramic brakes on an RS7 include:

• Visual inspection: Carbon-ceramic discs generally have a distinct, slightly matte, grayish appearance, often with a different surface texture than smooth, shiny steel rotors.
• Caliper markings: Many RS7s with ceramic brakes feature unique caliper colors or “ceramic”/“carbon ceramic” branding, though exact markings vary by year and region.
• Build sheet or window sticker: For new or certified cars, the options list or Monroney label will explicitly list “Carbon Ceramic Brakes” or the equivalent package name.
• VIN decoding: Dealers or specialized VIN decoders can often confirm the presence of ceramic brakes based on build data tied to the vehicle identification number.

Verifying through documentation is the most reliable method, particularly when evaluating a used RS7, where appearance alone can sometimes be misleading.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Ceramic Brakes on the RS7

Advantages of Carbon-Ceramic Brakes

For performance-oriented RS7 buyers, the ceramic option can bring tangible benefits, especially under strenuous driving conditions.

Key advantages include:

• Superior heat resistance: They maintain stopping power and pedal feel longer under repeated hard braking, reducing fade in track or mountain-road scenarios.
• Reduced unsprung weight: Lighter discs can enhance responsiveness and ride quality, though the effect is subtle on a heavy car like the RS7.
• Low brake dust and corrosion: Ceramic rotors produce less dust and are more resistant to corrosion, keeping wheels cleaner and components looking fresh.
• Potentially long service life: Under normal road use, ceramics can last a very long time, sometimes outlasting the typical ownership period if not abused.

These benefits are most meaningful to drivers who regularly push the RS7 hard, or who prioritize maximum braking performance and long-term track resilience over upfront cost.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite their appeal, carbon-ceramic brakes are not the default choice for every RS7 buyer, largely due to cost and usage patterns.

Main drawbacks and trade-offs include:

• High initial cost: The carbon-ceramic package typically adds a significant amount to the RS7’s purchase price.
• Expensive replacement: When ceramic rotors eventually need replacement—or if they are chipped, cracked, or damaged—the cost can be several times that of steel rotors.
• Cold performance nuances: Modern systems are much improved, but some drivers note slightly different pedal feel when cold compared with steel, depending on pad choice and tuning.
• Overkill for light use: For primarily city, commuting, or relaxed highway driving, the performance advantage is rarely tapped, making the extra cost hard to justify.

For owners who use the RS7 as a luxurious daily driver with occasional spirited runs, the standard steel brakes are often more sensible, reserving ceramics for those with frequent high-speed or track-day intentions.

Market and Model-Year Variations

Availability and configuration of ceramic brakes can vary by market (e.g., U.S., Europe, Middle East, Asia) and by model year. Regulatory environments, buyer preferences, and packaging strategies all influence whether ceramics are bundled in performance packs or sold as standalone options.

Key patterns seen across markets include:

• Some regions offering ceramics only in conjunction with specific wheel sizes or RS Performance/Dynamic packages.
• Top-speed “de-restriction” (e.g., lifting the limiter beyond the standard ~250 km/h) sometimes being bundled with the ceramic brake option.
• Minor differences in rotor sizes and caliper branding between countries, even within the same model year.

Because of these variations, checking the exact equipment list for a given RS7—rather than relying solely on model year or trim—is crucial if ceramic brakes are a deciding factor.

Summary

The Audi RS7 does not include carbon-ceramic brakes as standard; instead, they are offered as an optional high-performance upgrade on both the earlier C7 and current C8 generations in many markets. Standard RS7 models feature robust steel brakes fully capable for everyday and spirited road use. Carbon-ceramic brakes add greater heat resistance, reduced fade, and lower unsprung weight, but at a substantial cost premium and with expensive replacement parts. Whether they are fitted to a specific RS7 depends entirely on how that car was originally specified, making it essential to verify the build sheet, window sticker, or VIN details if ceramic brakes are important to a prospective owner.

How much are brakes for Audi RS7?

The average cost for an Audi RS7 Brake Pad Replacement is between $1,285 and $1,336. Labor costs are estimated between $110 and $161 while parts are typically priced around $1,175. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How long do Audi RS7 brakes last?

Brake discs, or rotors, on your Audi should serve you well beyond the 50,000-mile mark. However, your driving style and maintenance routine could see this number increase up to 80,000 miles. Similarly, Audi brake pads typically last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

Does the RS7 have ceramic brakes?

Brake Package | RS7 Ceramic Front / Rear. Fade Resistance – Using carbon ceramic rotors as the heart of the system helps to virtually eliminate any and all fade when used repeatedly.

Does Audi use ceramic brakes?

As per the build page that you were likely literally on, the RS Q8 comes standard with ceramic brakes with Gray Grey calipers.