Car Reviews :Audi A7
What is it?
An all-new entry to Audi's lineup, the 2012 A7 follows the pattern set by the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the BMW 5-series Gran Turismo. It's a four-door, but with its swooping roofline and hatchback rear end, its shape resembles a coupe more than sedan.
The A7 sits on a stretched A6 chassis, with a wheelbase that splits the difference between it and the larger A8. And, it comes chock-full of all of the technical and luxury goodies we've come to expect from the German company: safety systems such as lane-departure warning and night vision; sophisticated controls such as an enhanced MMI system that now includes a laptop-style touchpad, Internet connectivity and Google Earth mapping, and a sensory-pleasing interior with a bentwood furniture-like trim treatment using layered wood veneers.
Its face is unmistakably Audi, too, with the familial two-tiered grille and LED lights rimming the headlamps. Overall, we love the styling of the A7 and put it just a notch behind the gorgeous Mercedes in the battle for most beautiful of the bunch.
Car Reviews :Audi A7
What's it like to drive?
U.S.-specification vehicles will come equipped with the familiar 3.0-liter supercharged TFSI V6 engine, pushing out 300 hp to all four corners via Audi's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. We found the power easy to get to, and the surge during passing maneuvers is more than satisfying. Ride and handling feel very similar to the A6, taut and responsive, with communicative and nicely weighted steering.
We did find a bit of tire thump made its way into the otherwise serene and isolated passenger compartment, particularly from the rear (our test car rode on optional 20-inch rubber), but we chalk that up to the hatchback design. However, the utility offered by the large cargo hold--almost 50 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat--more than makes up for the minor noise intrusion.
The final word on the A7's performance will have to wait until we can try out the eight-speed Multitronic automatic; the test vehicles provided by Audi came solely with the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch boxes, and ultimate feel and performance may differ a bit. We expect a 0-to-60-mph time of about 6.0 seconds.
Do I want it?
If you love the look of this new breed of not-quite-coupe sedans, could use the extra utility offered by a hatchback, enjoy the supercharged performance of Audi's direct-injection engines and get geeky over the thought of 3D Google Earth mapping pointing you in the right direction--but only have need for four seats--then the Audi A7 deserves a look.
Need more incentive? The A7 also features an autostop function, shutting the engine off and saving fuel at stoplights. Of course, all that beauty and tech doesn't come cheaply. Look for the A7 to carry a sticker of close to $60,000 when the cars start showing up in dealerships sometime next spring.
2012 Audi A7
On Sale: Second-quarter 2011
Base Price: $59,900 (est)
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter, 300-hp, 325-lb-ft supercharged V6; AWD, eight-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4,500 lb (est)
0-60 MPH: 6.0 sec (AW est)
Fuel Economy (EPA): 21 mpg (est).
Car Reviews : Audi A7
