6:03 am, June 21, 2011
Audi has decided to take on the Mercedes CLS with its stunning A7. JAMES BATCHELOR investigates
WHAT IT IS?
Numerically it might sit between A6 and A8 saloons, but the A7 is a four-door coupe. Like the A5, the A7 is called a Sportback and mixes four- seats with coupe lines.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Two petrol V6s – a 201bhp 2.8-litre FSI and a 296bhp 3.0-litre TFSI – and a V6 diesel available with a choice of 201bhp or the quattro-only 242bhp.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Prices start at £43,760 but can rise to more than £94k! The ‘base’ SE car comes with climate control, leather, heated and electric memory seats, and 18-inch alloys.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
We drove the 3.0-litre TDI quattro and, with rapid kick-down and 500Nm of torque, the A7 is a fast traveller. But it’s a big car and feels like it too.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
The Daily Telepgraph said the A7 is ‘charming, sophisticated and damn good looking.’ While Auto Express described it as ‘very impressive’.
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
We’re struggling to believe that, apart from the R8, this is the first properly good-looking Audi for years. It’s fast too, but rear passengers will be a little cramped.
