2013 Audi A7 specs

    Specification image modification exterior interior price review 2013 Audi A7  

         If it seems as though every German luxury carmaker has decided to build a sedan with a coupe-style roof, it's because, well, they have. The basic idea here is to combine the practicality of a sedan with the sleek styling of a coupe. It works, though obviously a few compromises come along for the ride.
Audi's contribution to this fledgling segment is the 2013 Audi A7. It's built upon the A6 sedan (a traditional sedan), and that's certainly a good thing, as we rate it as one of our top picks. The big difference is the A7's sloping roof line -- unique even in this high-style segment. It makes the A7 look a bit like a hatchback, as the roof line continues to taper all the way to the tail, making the hindquarters look a bit weak from a design point of view. For most people, however, this distinctive look soon wins them over.

As with other coupe-styled four-doors, the 2013 Audi A7's roof line comes with both benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, the big hatchback-style opening provides a large and versatile cargo area. Unfortunately, that sloping glass also cuts into rear-seat headroom. But if you're not in the business of transporting several tall adults at the same time, you'll likely overlook this fault and revel in the A7's potent performance, classy interior and the abundance of high-tech features that have become a hallmark of the Audi brand.

The A7 is offered in one comprehensive Premium trim level. It is powered by a 310-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual mode. Standard equipment includes a power sunroof, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an Audi Music Interface. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control systems, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist and active anti-whiplash front head restraints, along with dual front, front side-impact, knee and overhead curtain airbags; rear side-impact airbags are optional. Additionally, an Innovation Package is available, including advanced technologies such as a blind spot monitor, pre-sense collision mitigation, head up display, night vision assistant and LED headlights.

All 2013 Audi A7 models are powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and sends power to all four wheels. The resulting EPA-estimated rating comes in at an admirable 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

The 2013 Audi A7 is another showcase for Audi's excellent supercharged 3.0-liter engine. Low-end power is abundant and readily available thanks to the responsive throttle and quick-acting eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine also sounds fantastic -- smooth with just a hint of snarl -- and returns respectable fuel economy as well.

Every A7 comes with Audi's Drive Select, which alters throttle response, shift characteristics and steering effort based on four different modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. Steering communication is rather numb in Comfort mode and the steering effort is a little too light for us at cruising speed. The engine and transmission might also seem a little relaxed in Comfort mode. Dynamic mode better suited our preferences for this coupe-style car, although it made the car's personality too intense -- an issue we've had with the previous calibration of Drive Select in other Audi models.source:edmund.com,auto.oal.com