Apr 282016
 

2015-10-13 audi.A7

Luxury sedan buyers seek status, style, and performance. A recent test drive by Latino Traffic Report revealed that the 2016 Audi A7 fits the bill.

The A7’s appeal begins with a distinctive exterior, accentuated by design cues that several brands have emulated, i.e. how many trapezoidal grilles can you count on the road?

2015-10-13 audi.A72For the current model year, the A7 received a new front fascia with LED headlights that emit the Audi light signature (also widely copied), a widened grille, LED taillights, and new trapezoidal tailpipes at the rear. Its long and sleek silhouette belies its midsize classification.

A 3.0-liter V6 supercharged turbo engine powers the A7 (diesel engines have been removed from the lineup for the time being). Matched to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the engine achieves 333 horsepower and 325 lb.–ft. of torque. This powertrain accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. I averaged 32.2 mpg.

2015-10-13 A7.stackA beautiful exterior demands an exceptionally plush interior, and that’s what the A7 delivers. While I would expect to find heated leather seats and real wood accents, the test model pushed the envelope a bit further with the optional ($700) layered Walnut inlays.

Inside, the A7 offers plenty of cabin space, including 37 inches of rear legroom and 24.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the trunk. The 60/40-split rear seat expands cargo room further. As an added premium touch, the test model included a power button on the trunk, akin to one on a power liftgate.

Infotainment technology begins with an eight-inch center screen that displays the Audi MMI system featuring Audi connect that allows access to the internet via a 4G LTE connection, as well as an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for passenger devices. Plus, there’s a CD player.

The A7 also comes with a power sunroof, power adjust steering column, four-zone climate control, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and navigation.2015-10-13 A7.camera

Available safety technology for 2016 includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, enhanced night vision assist, and the Audi pre-sense system. The test model also included Audi active lane assist that helps keep the vehicle in its lane, so much so, however, that it can feel aggressive, like a ghost in the machine.

Available in two trim levels, Premium Plus or Prestige, Audi A7 2016 pricing starts at $69,225. I drove the Prestige that added $2,650 to the price including the Bose surround sound stereo, ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, and the head-up display.

2015-10-13 A7rearWith three additional packages, the as-tested price came to $77,725.

: The A7 will not disappoint buyers looking for a status symbol with a distinctive design and plush interior.

No: Too many safety and tech features come as part of packages rather than standard features, escalating the price substantially.

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