1st Drive Evaluation
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Lovely and rewarding to drive as ever.
Audi has faced criticism about its cars all seeking the exact same in distinct sizes, like matryoshka, these Russian nesting dolls. Take into account the A7 a counterpoint. A large hatchback sedan primarily based on the A6, it doesn’;t look like the A6 or even the not-for-the-U.S. A5 Sportback. Each crease is its personal, and the all round shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports cars.
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, accessible from the initial quarter of 2015. The front end looks much more contemporary with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a a lot 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 more than unchanged the 3.-liter V-6 TFSI supercharged gasoline engine now makes 330 horsepower, up 20, even though with the identical 325 lb-ft of torque. Either one particular mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Even though we lament that Audi will not 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 perfectly whilst emitting little a lot more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing power the additional thrust of the high-overall performance diesel sold in Europe comes mainly at triple-digit autobahn speeds hardly ever encountered in America.
The supercharged gasoline V-6 doesn’;t feel really as robust off the line, but after 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., while buyers in other markets can choose 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 right here. That said, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor delivers a dual-clutch—you’d have to stretch the spending 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 ahead of, and it nevertheless impresses. From the light steering to the precise turn-in and the way its suspension shrugs off uneven surfaces, handful of cars can match it in spirited driving. It is comfortable, also, and quiet. For 2016, the excellent cabin is further improved with an upgraded infotainment method and fresh décor. However, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up show the massive box atop the dashboard is not possible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the method at all.
Rates will remain close to these of the existing model, which starts at $ 66,825. For what the A7 gives, including its beautiful looks, that is not a undesirable deal. But if the hatchback shape isn’t for you, check out the updated A6. It can do everything just as well for thousands less.
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