A7/S7/RS7 First drives: Audi A7

[Zafiro]

Autocar:'

Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro - Road Test First Drive - Autocar.co.uk

 

[HighestOfHigh]

First Drive: 2012 Audi A7 Sportback

We don't normally think of Germans as being shrinking violets, but apparently the country's national pride has been enduring a long winter of sorts – a decades-old funk from which it's only now beginning to emerge. So says The New York Times, which notes that the nation's resurgent patriotism is taking many forms, from an increasing amount of German-language music on the radio to more flag-waving pride and a stable economy that remains the envy of Europe in dark times. Certainly, the same could be argued for Deutschland's auto industry. Having weathered the threat of upstart luxury foes from Japan over the last 20 years, Germany's premium brands have fought through their own crises to emerge stronger and with more than a bit of swagger in their step. You'll remember that, for some time now, German marques have been trying to unceasingly convince us of their technical brilliance through things like all-in-one dashboard controllers, willfully disagreeable styling and the steadfast adherence to stone walled run-flat tires. But a decade or so in to these initiatives, it's finally all starting to pan out. iDrive, COMAND and MMI aren't the counterintuitive scourges they once were. Edges have been chamfered off controversial styling languages. Run-flat tires have improved. And lo and behold, BMW is once again threatening Lexus for the U.S. luxury sales crown, Mercedes-Benz has its quality control woes in hand, and Audi... well, Audi's rocket-like trajectory is the envy of the industry, isn't it?

After enduring a near-death experience at the hands of 60 Minutes during the 'Unintended Acceleration' fiasco of the Eighties, Ingolstadt has only truly caught fire in the last five years or so, but now it's white-hot and giving its fellow countrymen at BMW and Benz fits. Its latest offering, the 2011 A7 Sportback, promises to turn up the heat on the budding luxury five-door segment, so we headed to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia to see if Audi might have a good reason to indulge in a bit of horn-tooting of its own. Audi has made much of its headway over the last few years by being a design leader, and that torch has clearly been passed to the A7, a car that boldly presumes to challenge the long-held stereotype that Americans don't buy hatchbacks – especially one with a premium price point. Built on Audi's new modular architecture that underpins the company's forthcoming A6 replacement, the aluminum-paneled A7 Sportback is predictably gorgeous – that is, it breaks little new ground for the brand stylistically, yet it's still altogether beautiful. The tapered greenhouse and resulting long hatch might throw off a few people, but it's hard to argue against Audi having done a top job integrating its once-controversial single-frame grille. The A7's profile nicely pulls along viewers' eyeballs toward the rear with some well-chosen character lines, and Audi has blessed the car with a range of great-looking alloys, including the 20-inchers seen on our Dakota Gray tester. As with its R8 brethren, a full complement of LEDs can be specified if the standard adaptive Xenon headlamps are somehow deemed inadequate, and there's an S-Line package available, too (though the standard car doesn't lack aesthetic oomph).

Not everyone will be a fan of the A7's truncated Kamm-tail and rather simple taillamps, but the latter sports an interesting helix-pattern for those who look hard enough, and the pop-up airfoil is well hidden, only revealing itself at speeds above 80 mph. We think the whole package looks sensationally rich, an easy foil for its "four-door coupe" rivals that include Benz's CLS, Porsche Panamera and Jaguar XF, not to mention BMW's bizarro 5-Series Gran Turismo. If we're being honest, the Audi makes both Porsche and BMW's offerings appear even frumpier and more misshapen than they already are, but if you open the A7's frameless rear doors and scoop inside, you'll understand the price of pulchritude. Whereas the Porsche and particularly the limo-like Bimmer flatter second-row occupants with vast expanses of head- and legroom, the Audi... doesn't. It's definitely a bit tight back there. Still, it's a workable space for most adults, with a reasonably airy feeling thanks to plenty of glass and Audi's decision to not even attempt to pretend the A7 is a five-seater (there are only two rear belts). Toe room is a bit cramped and taller folks won't want to sit back there for long sojourns, but it's fine for shorter trips. Pro-tip: Find the money for the quad-zone HVAC system – the rear windows only roll down about half-way, the practical penalty of such a stylish greenhouse. One area that does benefit – hugely – from the A7's fastback form is the cargo area. It's colossal, and it looks like it could swallow a few Paris Hilton shopping sprees without even putting the 60/40-split seats down. The space is admittedly a bit shallow, but there's no denying the Sportback offers unexpected wagon-like utility.

Front seat occupants will have no space complaints, as the A7's front chairs are a sumptuous place to be. Our tester's optional layered oak wood trim was particularly stunning – the low-gloss finished inlays looked like something that originated from a master musical instrument maker's shop, not a mass-market factory. We also came to appreciate a couple of Audi's latest MMI developments, namely the finger gesture pad and the Google Maps data included with the navigation system (originally seen on the A8, but not due in the U.S. until next year). We even liked the peek-a-boo gyrating eight-inch screen, though we're not sure how often one might leave it retracted when the car isn't parked. Our A7's optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced stereo was similarly decadent, both audibly and visually thanks to its polished speaker grilles and tweeters that rise above the surface of the dashboard like miniaturized lairs of a James Bond villain. While a range of drivetrain offerings will grace A7 engine bays the world over, North American models will make do with the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. Our European-spec A7 was fitted with Audi's seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, but all models bound for our shores will instead be fitted with an eight-speed automatic. We love twin-clutch gearboxes as much as the next enthusiast, but we're guessing the ZF-sourced cogswapper is a better fit for the rest of the car, which reflects a priority list emphasizing refined luxury rather than outright friskiness and pace. We've sampled this gearbox in other European bruisers and found it to be a model of refinement and efficiency while offering snappy paddle-shifts, so we're not worried that all driving enjoyment will be chipped away. The all-aluminum, direct-injected, supercharged V6 produces 300 horsepower in European guise (at a fairly lofty 5,250 rpm) and a healthy 324 pound-feet of the twisty stuff (from 2,900 to 4,500 rpm), which is enough, Audi says, to hit 62 mph in 5.6 seconds en-route to a limited top speed of 155 mph. In practice, the 3.0-liter TFSI is a smooth device with no obvious burrs or hiccups, but it's also not a particularly sonorous engine, which perhaps explains why Audi has elected to bury it behind a wall of sound deadening and double-glazed windows. Those looking for a sexy exhaust note or intake bellow will want to look elsewhere by either seeking solace in the aftermarket or waiting until the S7 arrives.

Dull engine soundtrack aside, there's little to complain about with the powertrain, as the Quattro all-wheel drive and hugely grippy Yokohama Advan Sport shoes eagerly pushed the A7 around the Emerald Coast's lilting blacktop as hard as we liked. Sardinia is blessed with entertaining road surfaces that are largely very well maintained, and the A7's ride was very pleasant and the chassis rock-solid – so much so that we didn't realize that our tester was shod with such gigantic footwear until we happened to notice during a photo break.Since September is past the resort area's high season, we didn't encounter a single soul-crushing traffic tailback as we wended our way through the mountains and along the shoreline. Doing so at an advanced clip allowed us to experiment with our car's air suspension and take advantage of the A7's neutral cornering stance and minimal roll – particularly when the Drive Select settings were pegged in Dynamic mode. We found the brakes up to hauling the 4,100-pound luxocrat down from considerable velocities, but despite the sticky summer rubber, the electric power steering setup was disappointingly light and feel-free regardless of the Drive Select system's setting (though its accuracy was seldom in doubt). A torque-vectoring sport differential is available to curb understeer, but the standard rear-biased Quattro system does the job admirably.


We encountered exactly one stop light in all of Sardinia, so the emissions-saving stop-start technology was only triggered a single time, but this bit of programming isn't expected to make it to the U.S. when the A7 goes on sale next year as a 2012 model. Audi suggests that our seven-speed tester sips premium fuel to the tune of 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers on the Euro cycle, which works out to nearly 29 miles-per-gallon. That's an impressive figure, and even though the EPA's test cycle is different and doesn't reward automakers for fitting start-stop technology, it's likely that with the eight-speed automatic that the A7's economy outlook will be similarly rosy. Pricing has yet to be established, but we're expecting it to base somewhere around $60,000. Germany may have only begun emerging from its period of self-enforced temerity and diffidence following World War II, but in the automotive sector, the country's representation has had its mojo workin' again for some time now. With both Japan and Sweden's premium players sitting back and regrouping for a bit and Korea attempting to build up its first head of luxury steam, you might think that Audi might ease off the gas a bit and take a breather. Not so. The A7 may not yet be perfect, but its blend of beauty and poise checks a lot of the right boxes both emotionally and practically, and we couldn't blame Audi for engaging in a bit of good ol' fashioned flag-waving parteizeit in celebration.

- First Drive: 2012 Audi A7 Sportback — Autoblog

 

[HighestOfHigh]

2012 Audi A7 First Drive

2012 Audi A7 First Drive
Who You Callin' Hatchback?

By Erin Riches, Senior Editor | Published Sep 14, 2010

Poor So-So Pretty Good Good Excellent PoorSo-SoPretty GoodGoodExcellent32 Ratings 32 RatingsSardinia is a really old place, and at first it feels odd to drive Audi's latest creation, the 2012 Audi A7, on roads that meander past the remains of a stone village from the Bronze Age and a 3,800-year-old olive tree that's miraculously still alive.

But Sardinians have gotten in the habit of reinventing their island over the centuries. Their latest creation is the Costa Smeralda, a gorgeous strip of coastline that's currently the No. 1 destination for millionaires from Moscow, Dubai and all points in between. You certainly wouldn't be surprised to see a high-end vehicle here, particularly if it's new and avant garde in design, as the Audi A7 is. We don't mean to make too much of the "five-door coupe" marketing wizardry that will accompany the launch of the 2012 Audi A7 in Europe this fall and here in the U.S. next spring. This car is a sedan, in the same way the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a sedan. The difference is the A7 has a hatchback tail, so it can carry four millionaires and their luggage on a tour of the island. Of course, the beautiful vacationers would never actually want to be seen in a practical vehicle, so the 2012 Audi A7 hides that utility under sleek bodywork.

It's a Small Island
Although it's a five-door hatchback, the 2012 Audi A7 is a preview of what we can expect from the redesigned 2012 A6 sedan — both in size and driving characteristics. The A7 uses the same chassis architecture as the A4, S4, A5 and S5, but has a longer wheelbase (114.7 inches) and wider track (64.5 inches front, 64.1 inches rear) than any of those cars. At 195.7 inches, it's also a good foot longer than the S5 and a couple inches longer than the current A6. But like we said, the Audi A7 is sleek; at 55.9 inches, it's only 2 inches taller than the S5 and most definitely not of the crossover persuasion — a BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo this is not.

The A7 is also fairly lightweight for its size. Audi says it weighs 4,100 pounds — same as the last A6 we tested. Although the unit-body is primarily steel, 13 percent of it is the lighter, high-strength variety. Audi used plenty of aluminum, too, saving an estimated 150 pounds, officials tell us. The hood, front quarter panels, doors and tailgate are all aluminum. Most of the roads in Sardinia are two-lanes lorded over by fearless locals, and the 2012 Audi A7 manages just fine. It has that wonderful quality of shrinking around you as you drive it, and it feels at ease going through tight corners. Our test car has the optional adaptive air suspension, which allows you to tailor the damper maps in the Audi Drive Select menu, in addition to drivertrain response and steering weight. In the most aggressive "Dynamic" suspension setting, the ride height is lowered by up to 0.8 inch. An optional S line sport suspension (with steel springs, rather than air) will be sold separately for those who prefer to drive around with the lowered ride height all the time.

With its vast usable torque, the supercharged V6 would be content with half as many forward gears. The electric-assist power steering still feels a little off to us, as in the A4 and S5. The precision and feel you get with hydraulic-assist setups isn't quite realized here. The "Dynamic" setting adds heft to the wheel, but doesn't actually improve the act of steering the car. Maybe the biggest surprise during our drive is the ride quality. Audi will offer a range of wheels from 18-20 inches in diameter on the 2012 Audi A7. Our test vehicle has 20s mounted with 265/35R20 99Y Yokohama Advan Sport summer tires, and somehow it still finds the sweet spot between control and compliance. Mind you, the Sardinians seem to have spent plenty of the revenue from the Russian tycoons on maintaining their roads, so we'll have to test an A7 in Southern California before we deliver a verdict on ride quality.

This Engine, Not This Transmission
The Europeans will get their diesels, of course, but in the U.S., the 2012 Audi A7 will come with just one engine (unless you count the S7): Audi's gasoline-fueled, supercharged and direct-injected 3.0-liter V6. Still carrying the misleading "3.0 TFSI" badge (misleading, because it's not turbocharged), this V6 will be rated right around 295 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque in the 2012 A7. Our European-spec test car has the automaker's S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, but U.S.-spec models will use the ZF-developed eight-speed automatic transmission exclusively. Audi's German product managers tell us that they feel Americans will prefer the smoothness of a real automatic. However, the seven-speed S tronic is as smooth in its automatic modes as any dual-clutch gearbox we've ever tried. So the decision here is likely more about consistency, as Audi has announced plans to use the eight-speed automatic on every U.S. model except the A3. With its vast swath of usable torque, though, the supercharged V6 would be content with half as many forward gears. All 325 lb-ft are available from 2,900-4,500 rpm, and the power doesn't show any signs of dropping off by the time you hit the engine's 6,500-rpm redline. Audi estimates the S tronic version of the A7 3.0 TFSI will hit 60 mph in the mid-5-second range, and we'd guess the American version won't have much trouble cracking 6 seconds, either.


Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all Audi A7 3.0 TFSI models, and it's identical to the setup on the RS5, where you have a couple of clutches for front-rear torque vectoring on the fly. In perfect traction conditions, 60 percent of engine torque goes to the rear wheels. A rear limited-slip differential will be offered as an option. We have few opportunities to stop on Sardinia, where there are 50 roundabouts for every traffic light, but when we do, the engine in our A7 tester shuts off. All European models will have this fuel-scrimping start-stop feature, but no U. S. models will. "With start-stop, there are several implications on the comfort side for the customer, and it's something we thought U.S. customers would not be too thrilled about," Sebastian Mackensen, Audi's head of sales and marketing for the Americas, tells us. "On a car with a stylish design and a lifestyle orientation, we didn't think it was the right time to launch this."

Seats and Timber
Sitting in the 2012 Audi A7 is a lot like sitting in the new A8, as all the same technology is at your disposal. The navigation system calls up Google Earth images, and the pad for Audi's MMI Touch interface, where you can use your finger to spell out a destination or phone number, is on the console. And like the A8, the Audi A7 becomes a mobile WiFi hotspot when you insert a SIM card into the appropriate slot in the dash; you'll need to buy a pretty robust data plan from your wireless provider, of course. It's a lot of technology to negotiate, but simple tasks like setting the climate control or hooking up an iPod via hard USB line remain simple in the 2012 A7. Expect a lengthy options sheet, with everything from a head-up display to a car-parks-itself-for-you system. Because Audi plans to market the A7 as a coupe, the seating layout is for just four and the car will launch as a four-seater even in the U.S. There's definitely room for a third seatbelt in back, though, and Audi of America officials tell us they're pushing for a five-passenger version. Adults will fit in back just fine, provided they're not much over 6 feet, as the fast roof line noticeably limits headroom. Cargo capacity figures are European measurements, so they're a bit lower than typical U.S.-spec SAE figures: 18.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.1 cubic feet when they're folded.

Furnishings are high in quality, as you would expect in a car that will start around $60,000 in the U.S. As always, there are several wood options; our favorite is the layered oak, which has a genuine weathered look to it. It's a delayed option in Europe but should be available in the U.S. at launch.

A Small Niche
Audi is trying to carve out yet another niche in the luxury car segment — the luxury five-door hatchback. It doesn't need to be a big niche, as the automaker only plans to sell us 7,000 A7s in a full year.

If the 2012 Audi A7 was just a utility play, though, we'd be highly doubtful about its prospects in the United States. We Americans do not like hatchbacks unless they're pretending to be something else. The A7 is pretending to be a coupe, and a particularly graceful one at that. It looks better than most luxury sedans, and it drives like a big A5. It may not be elite enough for the millionaires sunning themselves on Costa Smeralda, but it's the classiest car in the Audi lineup.

- 2012 Audi A7 First Drive

 

[Audi69]

First Drive: 2011 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI S-line

 

[Merc1]

Starting to warm up to this car. Maybe Audi is right in not bringing the A/S5 Sportback here since it would be cheaper than this car and this car might be more attractive too. The interior is stunning. Hmmmmm....CLS has some real competition here. Still not sure if I like the hatchback configuration, but I'll wait until I actually see one.

M

 

[bmer]

They're not bringing the A5/S5 Sportback to US? Didn't know that... At least they are bringing the RS5 after all.

 

[Centurion]

First Drive: 2011 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI S-line

Impressive first drive with photos to match! It's finally out then, the car is based on Audi's MLB platform and not the Panamera. The spaciousness of the engine bay is astounding. Given that the car's dimension's are not far away from the A7 I wonder how Audi are planning on differentiating the S versions of both cars given that. Does anyone dear to guestimate the number of cylinders and displacement for the S7 and S8? What I think would sell greatly is a hybrid version of the A7 -- it would be like a more sensibly priced Panny.

 

[footie]

Impressive first drive with photos to match! It's finally out then, the car is based on Audi's MLB platform and not the Panamera. The spaciousness of the engine bay is astounding. Given that the car's dimension's are not far away from the A7 I wonder how Audi are planning on differentiating the S versions of both cars given that. Does anyone dear to guestimate the number of cylinders and displacement for the S7 and S8? What I think would sell greatly is a hybrid version of the A7 -- it would be like a more sensibly priced Panny.

The S7 will run the new 4.0TFSI v8. Output figures haven't been set as for as I know but I believe it will be slightly less that the old S6 but with more torque across the entire rev range.

So think of it like comparing old S4v8 with new S4v6, the latter one is much much quicker.

Starting to warm up to this car. Maybe Audi is right in not bringing the A/S5 Sportback here since it would be cheaper than this car and this car might be more attractive too. The interior is stunning. Hmmmmm....CLS has some real competition here. Still not sure if I like the hatchback configuration, but I'll wait until I actually see one.

M

You have hit the nail on the head here, US consumers are very new to the concept of a luxury hatchback, as is most of the world but as all as quietness isn't compromised it's added practicality will prove to be a sales winner I believe.

 

[Centurion]

Hatchback and hatchback. A 5 door Ford Focus and a A7 are like Apple and Oranges -- both are round and that's where there similarities end. The hatchback on the A7 is not a problem and neither is it on the Panamera because when you look at them in real life, what you see is a sedan not a boy racer 5 door. Audi don't need to educate people about the hatchback because it's not a problem.

Porsche has sold 4,941 Panameras in the US since September last year and that's quite an achievements for such an an expensive car. It has given them a 13% share of the large sedan market. For comparison, 2,530 Pannies have been sold in Germany so far. Given that the Panamera has already paved the road for VAG's future hatch-sedans, the A7 will sell with ease. Porsche has shipped 22,518 units in one year and I'd say the A7 will comfortably sell similar units, if not more given that's it commands a lower price and is quite possible a better looker.

 

[footie]

You are obviously more in tune with your own market than I am. I assumed that the luxury hatch would have been received in the same way as an estate car was. But you are right the Panamera have paved the way for the others to follow.

Personally I believe sales will be slow at the beginning but in time will prove to be successful because of it's practicality and distinctive looks.

 

[Mr Robert]

I like this better than I like the A8. Except for the rear, oh, unholly mother of lard...

 

[klier]

A shame it's so damned ugly from certain angles. Like, very, VERY ugly.
A8 is not ugly, it's just boring and like an A4. But this thing? No thanks, CLS without doubt.

You have hit the nail on the head here, US consumers are very new to the concept of a luxury hatchback...

LOL, and Europeans aren't????
The A7 is not even true luxury. It's a glorified A6 basicly..


BTW, this line is what I dislike most about the whole car:

 

[Audi69]

 

[Audi69]

I Like it. looks even better here

 

[SKY]

It´s a sahme that form the angle klier has posted the car looks that weird. The S-Line car in white looks fantastic from the the front end, and the interior is nice too.

 

[footie]

A shame it's so damned ugly from certain angles. Like, very, VERY ugly.
A8 is not ugly, it's just boring and like an A4. But this thing? No thanks, CLS without doubt.



LOL, and Europeans aren't????
The A7 is not even true luxury. It's a glorified A6 basicly..


BTW, this line is what I dislike most about the whole car:

Of course it will look a bit unusual from some angles, any new design takes time to become familiar with. After all how long did it take for people to like either the 7er, 5er and the 1er in all it's variations.

Oh and if you consider the A7 as an A6 you are underselling it, it's much more than that and shares a lot with the A8.

And people view me as negative towards other brands.

 

[Human]

By now I am familiar with the shape and being me...I have looked at EVERY photo + video available on the A7. The rear screams VW Passat'ish hatchback.
The current Audi face (Single frame grill and alienated headlights) is just not to my taste and has never been.
I lam a fan of the BMW - as I see it - nostrils (not kidney's) and the angel-eye headlamps that looks like predator eyes THUS Male Lion's black nose and yellow eyes i.e. predator vs alien

Interior - Very nice! Looks VERY BMW'is and the top line of the dash'es curve and layout reminds me of my wife's X1 interior

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I'd hate to be in a positiong of choosing between this and the CLS. Both stunning pieces of work.

 

[klier]

^^^ I can't wait to see the CLS and A7 side by side in comparison pics!
Won't be long now! Couple of weeks perhaps....

Of course it will look a bit unusual from some angles, any new design takes time to become familiar with. After all how long did it take for people to like either the 7er, 5er and the 1er in all it's variations.

Oh and if you consider the A7 as an A6 you are underselling it, it's much more than that and shares a lot with the A8.

6er shares a lot with the 7er, but I still see it as a 5er coupé.

And I don't know what you're talking about with the 5er/7er/1er in all their variations. Those cars have always been traditional models (sedan/stationwagon/hatchback), so there is no getting used to, other than the design. The only non-traditional models in the BMW line-up are the X6, 5er GT and maybe X1.

 

[PanterroR]

^^^ I can't wait to see the CLS and A7 side by side in comparison pics!
Won't be long now! Couple of weeks perhaps....

While you're waiting, here's CLS vs. 6er and IMO 6er look MILLION times better...:

Sorry for going Off Topic fellas...