Initial Drive Evaluation
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Gorgeous and rewarding to drive as ever.
Audi has faced criticism about its automobiles all hunting the very same in different sizes, like matryoshka, those Russian nesting dolls. Take into account the A7 a counterpoint. A massive hatchback sedan based on the A6, it does not appear like the A6 or even the not-for-the-U.S. A5 Sportback. Each and every crease is its personal, and the all round shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports cars.
The A7 is 1 of our favorites, creating 3 appearances on our 10Best list and winning separate comparison tests against the BMW 640i Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS550. As with the A6 and S6, Audi has upgraded the 2016 model, obtainable from the 1st quarter of 2015. The front finish looks a lot more contemporary with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a much more horizontal and angular look above rectangular exhaust outlets.
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Audi offers 2 engines for the U.S. The 3.-liter V-6 TDI diesel with an output of 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque carries more than unchanged the 3.-liter V-6 TFSI supercharged gasoline engine now tends to make 330 horsepower, up 20, although with the very same 325 lb-ft of torque. Either one mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Although we lament that Audi won’t send its great 320-hp twin-turbo BiTDI to the U.S., the 240-hp diesel launches the A7 on a wave of torque and builds speed with reassuring force. It does just about everything completely even though emitting small much more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing energy the extra thrust of the higher-functionality diesel sold in Europe comes largely at triple-digit autobahn speeds hardly ever encountered in America.
The supercharged gasoline V-6 does not feel very as powerful off the line, but when rolling, it is clearly a lot more responsive than its TDI sibling—or most any turbocharged model in its segment. The soundtrack is silky-smooth, not menacing. The trade-off for its supreme manners is fuel consumption far thirstier than that of the TDI that recorded 30 mpg in our 2014 test.
Audi offers only the ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic in the U.S., even though buyers in other markets can pick a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We’re told that Americans favor the torque overload at step-off. The automatic is fine for the diesel, but the eager supercharged gasoline engine pairs nicely with the dual-clutch gearbox Audi reserves for the sportier S6/S7 models right here. That said, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor offers a dual-clutch—you’d have to stretch the price range at least $ 10,000 to nab the DCT in the base Porsche Panamera.
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We’ve praised the A7′s competent chassis just before, and it nonetheless impresses. From the light steering to the precise turn-in and the way its suspension shrugs off uneven surfaces, handful of vehicles can match it in spirited driving. It really is comfy, also, and quiet. For 2016, the excellent cabin is additional enhanced with an upgraded infotainment system and fresh décor. Unfortunately, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up display the huge box atop the dashboard is not possible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the system at all.
Rates will remain close to those of the current model, which begins at $ 66,825. For what the A7 delivers, like its beautiful looks, that is not a bad deal. But if the hatchback shape is not for you, verify out the updated A6. It can do everything just as well for thousands less.
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