1st Drive Assessment
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Beautiful and rewarding to drive as ever.
Audi has faced criticism about its vehicles all looking the exact same in distinct sizes, like matryoshka, those Russian nesting dolls. Think about the A7 a counterpoint. A huge hatchback sedan primarily 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 own, and the general shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports vehicles.
The A7 is one 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, offered from the initial quarter of 2015. The front end appears more modern with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a much 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, even though with the exact 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 every thing completely even though emitting little more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing energy the additional thrust of the high-overall performance diesel sold in Europe comes largely at triple-digit autobahn speeds hardly ever encountered in America.
The supercharged gasoline V-6 does not feel quite as strong off the line, but when rolling, it is clearly much 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 delivers only the ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic in the U.S., although buyers in other markets can decide on a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We’re told that Americans prefer 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 mentioned, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor gives 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, couple of automobiles can match it in spirited driving. It’;s comfy, also, and quiet. For 2016, the excellent cabin is additional improved with an upgraded infotainment system and fresh décor. However, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up show the massive box atop the dashboard is impossible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the program at all.
Prices will remain close to these of the present model, which begins at $ 66,825. For what the A7 delivers, which includes its stunning looks, that’;s not a undesirable deal. But if the hatchback shape isn’t for you, check out the updated A6. It can do every thing just as effectively for thousands less.
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