Very first Drive Review
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Lovely and rewarding to drive as ever.
Audi has faced criticism about its vehicles all hunting the same in various sizes, like matryoshka, those Russian nesting dolls. Contemplate the A7 a counterpoint. A large hatchback sedan primarily based on the A6, it does not look 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 cars.
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 finish appears 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, even though with the exact same 325 lb-ft of torque. Either 1 mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.
Whilst 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 although emitting small more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing power the additional thrust of the higher-overall performance diesel sold in Europe comes largely at triple-digit autobahn speeds hardly ever encountered in America.
The supercharged gasoline V-6 doesn’;t feel fairly 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 delivers only the ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic in the U.S., whilst buyers in other markets can choose a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We’re told that Americans choose 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 stated, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor provides 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 nonetheless 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 really is comfy, too, and quiet. For 2016, the exceptional cabin is further enhanced with an upgraded infotainment method and fresh décor. Unfortunately, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up show the enormous box atop the dashboard is not possible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the program at all.
Costs will remain close to those of the present model, which begins at $ 66,825. For what the A7 delivers, like its stunning looks, that is not a bad deal. But if the hatchback shape is not for you, check out the updated A6. It can do every little thing just as well for thousands significantly less.
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