1st Drive Review
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Stunning and rewarding to drive as ever.
Audi has faced criticism about its cars all searching the very same in various sizes, like matryoshka, these Russian nesting dolls. Contemplate the A7 a counterpoint. A huge hatchback sedan primarily based on the A6, it does not look like the A6 or even the not-for-the-U.S. A5 Sportback. Each crease is its personal, and the general shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports vehicles.
The A7 is one 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, available from the 1st quarter of 2015. The front end looks more contemporary with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a more horizontal and angular appear above rectangular exhaust outlets.
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Audi gives 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, even though with the identical 325 lb-ft of torque. Either 1 mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Even though 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 almost everything completely whilst emitting tiny more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing energy the added thrust of the high-performance diesel sold in Europe comes mostly at triple-digit autobahn speeds rarely encountered in America.
The supercharged gasoline V-6 does not really feel really as robust off the line, but after rolling, it is clearly 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., even though purchasers 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 here. That mentioned, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor delivers 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 just before, and it still 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’;s comfortable, also, and quiet. For 2016, the superb cabin is additional enhanced with an upgraded infotainment method and fresh décor. Sadly, 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 program at all.
Rates will remain close to these of the present model, which starts at $ 66,825. For what the A7 delivers, which includes its beautiful looks, that’;s not a bad deal. But if the hatchback shape isn’t for you, verify out the updated A6. It can do everything just as properly for thousands less.
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