1st Drive Overview
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Lovely and rewarding to drive as ever.
Audi has faced criticism about its automobiles all searching the same in distinct sizes, like matryoshka, these Russian nesting dolls. Think about the A7 a counterpoint. A massive hatchback sedan primarily based on the A6, it does not appear like the A6 or even the not-for-the-U.S. A5 Sportback. Every single crease is its personal, and the general shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports vehicles.
The A7 is 1 of our favorites, producing 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, offered from the 1st quarter of 2015. The front end looks much more modern with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a far more horizontal and angular appear 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 over unchanged the 3.-liter V-6 TFSI supercharged gasoline engine now tends to make 330 horsepower, up 20, though with the same 325 lb-ft of torque. Either a single mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Although we lament that Audi won’t send its awesome 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 every little thing completely while emitting small much more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing power the extra thrust of the high-efficiency diesel sold in Europe comes mostly at triple-digit autobahn speeds hardly ever encountered in America.
The supercharged gasoline V-6 doesn’;t really feel really as strong 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 gives only the ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic in the U.S., whilst purchasers in other markets can decide on 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 here. That said, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor gives a dual-clutch—you’d have to stretch the budget 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 prior to, and it nevertheless impresses. From the light steering to the precise turn-in and the way its suspension shrugs off uneven surfaces, few vehicles can match it in spirited driving. It is comfy, also, and quiet. For 2016, the superb cabin is further improved with an upgraded infotainment program and fresh décor. Unfortunately, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up show the huge box atop the dashboard is not possible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the program at all.
Rates will remain close to those of the current model, which starts at $ 66,825. For what the A7 delivers, like its gorgeous appears, that’;s not a undesirable deal. But if the hatchback shape is not for you, verify out the updated A6. It can do everything just as nicely for thousands less.
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2016 Audi A7 1st Drive: A Tiny Prettier, Far more Potent
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