It’s one thing to build a sports sedan. It’s another thing entirely to redefine beauty in the category. That’s what Audi has done with the all-new 2012 Audi A7, a world-class four-door with the beauty of a coupe and the practicality of a hatchback.
A new design benchmark
Other automakers have tried to gracefully merge the look of a coupe with the basic specifications of a sedan, but perhaps no one has executed the theme better than Audi with the A7. The five-door coupe’s sophisticated profile instantly communicates the on-road athleticism that’s at the driver’s disposal.
Proven powertrains deliver performance and efficiency
Under the long hood of the A7 lies a familiar power source: The supercharged, 3.0-liter DOHC TFSI® V6 engine. A Ward’s 10 Best Engines winner, the V6 churns out a muscular 310 hp and 325 lb/ft of torque. Legendary, Audi-signature quattro® all-wheel-drive is standard, as is an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission.
Performance is superb with a zero-to-60 mph time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Equally impressive is the fuel efficiency of the A7. According to official EPA estimates, drivers can expect 18 mpg in the city, 28 mpg during highway driving and 22 mpg in overall combined use.
The character of the A7 can be further refined using the standard Audi Drive Select feature, which offers “Individual” mode – allowing for customization of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering settings – and pre-programmed “Comfort,” “Auto” and “Dynamic” modes.
Unparalleled interior style
The A7 lives up to the Audi reputation for class-leading interior design, and its passenger compartment is as richly appointed as it is logically arranged. High-grade materials merge with state-of-the-art technology to produce a unique sort of elegance across the three available trim levels. Owners can look for standard or available features like heated, 12-way-adjustable front seats, keyless entry and start with the Audi Advanced Key, ambient interior illumination and ventilated front seats. An available Cold Weather Package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Great infotainment features
The list of available technology features is also extensive. Audi MMI® (Multi Media Interface) Navigation combines intuitive MMI touch control, which supports handwritten inputs with a 40GB hard drive navigation system, complete with hideaway eight-inch high-resolution display. Audi Connect puts Wi-Fi Internet connectivity in the car, and lets drivers search the Internet for useful information like specific street addresses or points of interest, then send them to the car’s navigation system for route guidance. An available 630-watt Bose® audio system with AudioPilot noise compensation delivers rich, thrilling sound via 14 speakers. For the true audiophile, an available Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System ups the ante to 1,200 watts of power through 15 speakers with digital signal processing and digital amplification.
Intelligent driver aids
Audi also uses technology to help drivers be safer and more aware. Audi Parking System Plus uses ultrasonic sensors at both ends of the car to warn the driver when the car comes in close proximity with other cars or obstacles while parking. Audi Side Assist monitors the car’s blind spots and warns, with an LED light in the mirrors, when cars slide into the driver’s blind spot. Audi “pre sense” monitors for potential collision scenarios and warns the driver if a collision is imminent. Adaptive cruise control employs radar to help the car maintain safe speed and distance from other traffic. A Head-Up display puts pertinent information like speed and navigation instructions up in the driver’s line of sight while an available Night Vision Assistant can peer through the darkness and actually identify pedestrians up to 1,000 feet in front of the car. Comprehensive occupant protection and accident avoidance features are standard: Anti-lock brakes, extensive airbag protection, including rear-passenger thorax side airbags, Sideguard® head-curtain airbags for both rows of seats and driver and front passenger head, thorax side and knee airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control can be found on every A7.
Setting new benchmarks
With the 2012 Audi A7, Audi shows that pushing the envelope pays off. It’s beautiful, it’s powerful, it’s exquisitely appointed and it’s unlike any other sports sedan available. It’s better.
