2019 Audi A7 - Toybox
Audi's A7 is the 2019 world luxury car
Audi A7
What we have here is the Audi A7, the 2019 World Luxury car as voted by 86 journalists from 24 countries.
It is the tenth world car gong for Audi and the second in a row following the A8 limousine’s triumph in the same category last year.
Locally, Unique Cars sister publication WhichCar gave the A7 its inaugural Style Award and it is not hard to see why.
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Sleek and ever so slightly sinister
Inspired by the legendary Audi Quattro of the 1980s the elegant A7 shares the same long wheelbase platform as the A8. This equates to a spacious interior in which to enjoy the pampering ride. ‘Audi Drive Select’ offers modes of ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’ ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Individual’. On all road surfaces the Audi A7 is remarkably quiet despite rolling on optional 21-inch alloys and low profile tyres.
As you would expect from Audi, there is a deep well of substance to back up the svelte form of the A7 that adds up to an engaging drive, especially when Dynamic or Individual modes are selected. With 250 kilowatts and 500 newton metres on tap from the 3-litre turbo powerplant, standstill to 100km/h is dispatched in 5.3 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
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Audi A7 Designer Andreas Koglin with his creation
When it comes to a long-distance run, the fuel efficiency of the turbo V6 engine is such that a range of 800km from a tank is easily achievable.
With the A7 esentially a luxurious Grand Turismo, if a fast fang is more your go it is a willing accomplice. The Quattro all-wheel drive affords excellent grip, the quick steering delivers pin sharp accuracy and the chassis has plenty of poise. Add in the punchy V6 turbo engine, with its abundant torque from 1370 rpm and a sophisticated exhaust growl, plus the swift shifting seven-speed auto and you have one highly impressive driving package.
’Quattro’, with us for almost 40 years and still meaningful
Key to the A7 is its substantial driver assist, entertainment and safety technology. For your $131,900 you get the damper control suspension, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist and LED headlights with dynamic strobing turn indicators, plus 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside there is Audi’s brilliant, customisable virtual cockpit, head-up display, heated seats and a 17 speaker B&O sound system.
The dash is a sea of black that lights up when you hit the start button to reveal two large instrument and infotainment screens. I reckon Audi does interiors better than anyone and this new look with minimal buttons and everything controlled through the screens takes it to a higher plane. Naturally you get a full cluster of instruments in the binnacle that includes the previously mentioned virtual cockpit.
The Audi A7’s high-tech and sumptuous interior
The two large central screens contain the HVAC controls and Multi-media infotainment that includes Apple Carplay, Android auto, sat nav and a bunch of other apps, plus settings for a plethora of menus to adjust everything from the treble in the audio, to the damping of the suspension. The only downside to this wonderful creation is that after a couple of days the screens are covered in fingerprints as though the kids have been in there playing. Matte finish would be better. I also found the buttons need a good prod to activate them and I was surprised the large rear window wasn’t equipped with a wiper. Minor qubbles though.
As tested the Audi A7 leapt from a $131,900 starting price to $146,300 as it was decked out with a couple of option packs. The $4200 Dynamic Steering Pack added low-speed all-wheel steering to reduce the turning circle, while the variable ratio steering gives it amazing turning ability with very few turns lock to lock.
Also optional was the $8000 Premium pack inclusive of adaptive air suspension, that constantly alters the dampers for a magic carpet ride, privacy glass and a sunroof, four-zone aircon, LED ambient interior lighting and huge 21-inch alloy wheels that really add to the A7’s visual appeal.
With the convenience of four doors, the style of a coupe, GT performance thanks to its silky-smooth V6 turbo engine hooked up to Quattro all-wheel drive via a seven-speed auto, plus the versatility of a hatchback, the A7 ticks all the boxes.
Elevated options - Audi Q8
If you want an elevated driving position, but still want five doors and plenty of oomph, the similarly priced $128,900 Audi Q8 might be your go. Like many brands Audi has created a coupe version to add to its SUV range.
The roof isn’t as angled as the BMW X6, making it more practical. Inside it gets the same minimalist dash treatment as the A7 with large screens that illuminate at engine start. It is spacious and extremely comfortable with plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom plus a decent size cargo area. Performance-wise the Q8 almost matches the A7 with the SUV getting to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. While both have the same engine, power and torque outputs the Q8 runs an eight-speed auto and it’s only due to its heft that it runs a slower but still impressive zero to 100km/h time of 5.9 seconds. Horses for courses then.
2019 AUDI A7
Engine: 2995cc turbo V6.
Power: 250kW @ 5000rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1375rpm
Gearbox: 7-speed auto
Brakes: Discs (front & rear)
Suspension: Independent, adaptive (f&r)
Weight: 1695Kg
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