Fans of the sedan need not despair. While domestic carmakers may have thrown in the towel, import brands, like Audi, remain loyal to them, even reconfiguring sedans to increase their appeal. Latino Traffic Report recently test drove the all-new 2019 Audi A7 quattro. It may be pricey but for those who can afford it, the A7 delivers the luxury and elegance expected of a premium sedan, with a twist.
The A7 is not the average midsize sedan. It reflects a more modern design concept, the sportback or five-door coupe, which is basically a sedan with a hatch rather than a traditional trunk. This gives the A7 a sleeker profile, with a sloping roofline, as well as enhanced versatility with 24.9 cubic feet of cargo room and a button for shutting the lid automatically, kinda like a tailgate.
Audi added a turbocharger to its 3.0-liter V6 engine that powers the 2019 A7, increasing performance to 335 horsepower and 369 lb.–ft. of torque. Matched to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, the A7 can accelerate from zero–60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds.
This much power, plus the standard quattro all-wheel-drive, will detract from fuel economy but the stop-start technology (less jarring than on other vehicles) at traffic stops helps the A7 achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It achieved 22.7 on the test drive.
Standard features on the A7 include Audi advanced key, Sirius/XM Satellite Radio with a 90-day free trial, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, regular cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and Audi’s MMI navigation plus system.
Inside, the test model got an upgrade from the Prestige Package that added more than $8,000 in exclusive features, including the Bang and Olufsen premium sound system, a full-color head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a rear sunshade, and wireless charging.
Additional safety features like Audi side assist, rear cross traffic alert, a top view camera, Audi pre-sense rear collision alert, and adaptive cruise control, were also included with the test model.
Every new A7 also features Audi’s all-new MMI touch response system9 that replaces the rotary dial and the conventional buttons and controls of the previous model with two large, high-resolution touch displays. While haptic and acoustic feedbacks help users hear and feel a click as confirmation when their finger triggers a function, the lack of knobs makes the system less intuitive and a little distracting.
Starting price for the 2019 A7 is $68,975 and $69,975 in 2020. The as-tested pricing came to $85,240.
Sí: The A7’s distinctive sportback design adds luxury and versatility.
No: The MMI touch response system9 was clunky to operate and there was very little storage capacity in the center console.
Like most premium SUVs, the Q7 adheres to expectations, with plush leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a singular infotainment system, MMI—Audi’s is less intuitive than others, but I did like that it allowed for 48 different radio presets.
Redesigned for 2017, the second-generation Q7 has a starting price of $55,750.The as-tested price came to $72,875.
