Audi S7

Specifications

1. The S7 is equipped with a 4.0L turbocharged V8 that produces 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. 2. Sending power to the quattro all-wheel drive system is a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 3. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. 4. Priced from $78,800, our loaded up test car came in at $94,570.

Preview

But like Porsche did with the Panamera, Audi went ahead and created a high price, high class five-door anyway; the A7. And you know what? They may have been onto something. Last year with only a single engine option, the A7 outsold the pricier Mercedes-Benz CLS. This year, however, there is a new contender to challenge the Audi and Mercedes. BMW has entered the four-door coupe market with its 6 Series Gran Coupe. So, to remain on top, Audi is adding not one, but two new models to the A7 lineup. First, there is the S7 featured here, and later in the year there will be an AMG-fighting, 560 hp RS7.

Like the recently introduced Audi S6 and S8, the S7 utilizes Audi’s new 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine that produces 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Like any good Audi, power is sent to the all-wheel drive quattro system via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The turbo V8 uses cylinder on demand technology that will shut off part of the engine under light loads to save fuel. This gives the S7 an official consumption rating of 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. After a week driving the vehicle we achieved an average of 18.6 mpg.

INTERIOR

Inside, it’s easy to agree that Audi has detailed the S7 properly for a vehicle costing close to $100,000. Our tester came with quilted white leather seats. Beautiful, yes; and they’re comfortable too, though we suspect keeping them clean might be less enjoyable than sitting in them.

The dashboard and center console have real carbon fiber trim, which seems to be a theme these days for any vehicle featuring a sporty demeanor. Like any Audi, the thick rimmed steering wheel itself is a great design, and feedback through it lets you know what the car is doing at all times. Still, it is not as responsive or communicative as the S4’s steering, but again, this car is more of a cruiser.

All of the other buttons and dials are premium feeling and you get the sense this car is special. But if that is not enough, Audi takes things one step further. Opt for the nearly $6,000 Bang & Olufsen sound system and the front tweeters become motorized, popping out of the dashboard every time the stereo is turned on. If that is still not enough over-the-top engineering wizardry, the infotainment screen also does a motorized dance on vehicle start-up. Sure both are unnecessarily complex items just waiting to malfunction, but touches like these remind you that you are in something high class and distinguished.

But wait, Audi is not done yet. To impress upon fellow country club members that the S7 is not some cheap hatchback, high-tech features like night vision and factory-installed wireless Internet are even available.

And finally, there’s the rear liftgate. It adds a dose of practicality not found on its competitors and allows the Audi to hold 24.5 cu-ft of cargo. As well, there are convenient tie-down loops within the cargo hold to ensure larger items do not smash the sidewall trim to pieces. With 37-inches of legroom, the rear seats can accommodate two adults (the car is only a four-seater), but it’s not exactly spacious. There is a surprising amount of headroom back here though considering the sloping roof line.

Under The Hood

With 420 prancing ponies waiting to be unleashed, the S7 is a rocket. Even though it weighs 4,508 lbs., the S7 can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. But the power is not linear in its progression. The throttle is heavily delayed in response off the line, and once the engine does wake up, it feels like its producing all 420 hp right now as it launches you into the stratosphere. This forward thrust feels incredible when on boost as the car riffles through the gears quickly and quietly; too quietly in fact. Unfortunately the S7 lacks enough engine sound to back its performance. True, this isn’t a sports car, but a bit more V8 rumble wouldn’t hurt.

Audi does offer a setting to make the engine louder, but the difference is barely audible. With all this speed, corners approach quickly. The S7 just laughs them off though thanks to wide, 265/35R20 summer tires and, of course, Audi’s trick torque-vectoring ‘Sport’ rear differential. Point this car at a corner, hit the gas and the sport differentiate will sort its way out of the bend. That said, even with the active rear differential, the S7 lacks the sports car reflexes of the smaller S4. Chalk it up to a heavier curb weight or a more mature target audience, but the vehicle is more GT cruiser than back-road terror.