2016 Audi S7 - Review

Edited : Shahen Tharammal

► PRICE : For Audi S7 - $67,500

The Audi S7 is the German automaker's high-performance, mid-size hatchback. It's sold as both the S7, and an even higher-output RS 7.

Nearly identical to the Audi S6 sedan underneath its skin, it’s the skin of the A7 that makes all the difference. That A6/S6 basis gives the A7 impeccable road manners, brilliant luxury finishing, and abundant technology. But the fastback profile and under-hatch cargo area of the A7 make it not only more beautiful, but more useful, than its sedan counterpart. It’s a win-win.

Style, sophistication, and speed—the 2016 S7 has all three in abundance. Heavily revamped for the 2016 model year, the new S7 looks a lot like the old one, despite a fresh appearance treatment, and that’s a very good thing, as it’s one of the most beautiful cars on the road today. Under the skin, there are a host of technological upgrades, as well as more power on tap. All in all, it’s a thorough upgrade of an already thoroughly impressive car.

Speaking of that beauty, it’s worth noting the changes for the 2016 model year. While the gracefully arched roofline, fastback rear, and muscularly flared fenders all remain the same, the front and rear ends get comprehensive updates for a fresher look. At the nose, a new bumper, “singleframe” grille with chromed treatment (which can be traded for gloss black), redesigned headlights, and a reshaped front splitter. At the rear end, a reshaped bumper, brand-new tail lights, and new trapezoidal exhaust outlets, plus a new honeycomb mesh insert in the rear bumper complete the updates.

Inside, the formal elegance of the A7’s cabin remains, with sportier touches to the trim, lush leather, quality plastic and metal contact points, and an overall fit and finish that continues to lead the industry. New for 2016 are a redesigned head-up display housing (on equipped models), upgraded buttons, and aluminum-look window and seat controls.

There are important updates under the hood, too. The same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 does the power generation, but it’s been upgraded by 30 horsepower to a total of 450 hp output, as well as 406 pound-feet of torque. RS 7 models range from 560 to 605 hp.

A 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission handles the gear shifting duties, also slightly upgraded for the new model year. It shifts quickly and with authority when driven hard, but manages smooth take-offs from a stop and slick shifts when driving more languidly. Quattro all-wheel drive is also standard.

Performance in the S7 is impressive: 0-60 mph takes just 4.3 seconds, and when driving in the real world, it feels like a wall of thrust is available at almost any speed, in any gear. Passing is a joy.

Handling, on the other hand, is about what you’d expect of a large, comfortable, luxurious sedan: in other words, it’s very good, but not sports-car sharp. The steering, likewise, can be a bit vague and numb in its feedback. Nonetheless, the Audi S7 provides great grip, manages its body movement very well through available adaptive dampers, and can be driven very, very quickly yet very smoothly with ease.

Whether tangling with a twisting stretch of road or cruising down the autobahn (or interstate, or freeway) the Audi S7 is a comfortable place to be, in both the front seats and rear seats. Thanks to the sloping coupe-like roof, headroom can be a bit snug for taller rear-seat passengers, but there is a handy scallop in the roof to make the most of the available space.

It’s not all about performance, even with this, the sportier version of the A7, however. It’s an Audi, so it’s also about the latest technology. Among the technology is an all-new Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system based around a new Nvidia Tegra 30 processor that’s about twice as powerful as the already impressive previous MMI unit. It can now display full Google Earth data in the navigation display, as well as relaying that information to a secondary display in the instrument panel, along with driving directions, vehicle information, and more. In addition to the extra processing power and brilliant displays, the MMI system also comes with 4G LTE connectivity and wi-fi hotspot functionality. The new MMI system puts Audi back at the forefront of the in-car infotainment field.

Other technological extras available with the 2016 Audi S7 include driver assist systems like: enhanced night vision, adaptive cruise control with stop & go traffic assist; blind spot monitors and lane-keeping assist; and pre-sense braking. A head-up display is also available.

Gas mileage for the 2016 Audi S7, according to the EPA, is 17 mpg city, 27 highway, 21 combined—nearly identical to the 2016 Audi S6, though the S7 loses 1 mpg in city driving. Either way, the S7 isn’t exactly winning any Earth Day awards, but for a 450-hp luxury sport sedan, it’s actually rather efficient.

When it comes to crash testing, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA have tested the S7, nor its structurally identical A7 doppelgänger, but the very similar A6 has been crash-tested, and earned top marks from both agencies. With a very similar structure and the high-tech safety aids already mentioned, the 2016 Audi S7 should inspire a high degree of confidence in any owner when it comes to accident protection and avoidance.

EXTERIOR

The A7's fastback shape has been one of its most striking elements since the model debuted in 2012. And while its beauty is subjective, our eyes find a lot to like. Though Audi may dub it a "sedan," the A7 is not one in the traditional sense due to its rear, power-operated hatch door. This offers easy access to a flat load floor with 24.5 cubic feet of space. The higher-performing S7 has its own front and rear bumper design, while the top-dog RS 7 offers a carbon-fiber splitter and diffusor. All models include a sunroof and electric rear spoiler.

INTERIOR

In standard Audi fashion, the interior of the S7 is characterized by sleek, handsome design and excellent materials quality, with some S-specific flourishes thrown in for good measure. The standard MMI infotainment system features a dash-mounted pop-up screen and a control dial surrounded by buttons on the center console. The system boasts logical menus, crisp graphics and a touchpad to enhance functionality. Certain rival systems may be easier to acclimate to, but MMI should become intuitive in short order for most shoppers.

The S7 is also equipped with the Audi Connect telematics suite, which includes 4G LTE connectivity, mobile WiFi capability, Google Earth data for the navigation system and simplified Google search functionality for points of interest. The WiFi is a boon for passengers on a long road trip, or if you'd simply like to turn the S7 into a 450-hp mobile workstation. On the other hand, the Google Earth navigation maps can be difficult to understand at a glance from behind the wheel.

Whether you stick with the standard sport seats or opt for the massaging contour seats, you'll enjoy excellent support during long trips and spirited back-road runs alike. But due to the S7's aggressively raked roof line, backseat headroom is tight for average-to-tall folks. Legroom is adequate, however, and there's something to be said for the snug comfort of the twin rear bucket seats versus a traditional three-across bench seat.

The S7's handy hatchback design permits easier loading of larger items that just won't fit in the trunk of a conventional sedan. Official luggage capacity is 24.5 cubic feet, while lowering the rear seatbacks opens up considerably more room.

FEATURES

The S7 is fitted as standard with diamond-stitched leather upholstery, a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic, a sunroof, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a 14-speaker, 630-watt AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM/HD Radio Bose sound system, keyless start, adaptive xenon headlights with LED running lights, LED taillights, Bluetooth connectivity, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Driver Assistance Package Audi side assist, a corner view camera system, Audi pre sense plus with pre sense rear, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go.

The Innovation Package builds on the Driver Assistance Package's features with a head-up display and night vision assistant with pedestrian detection.

The Cold Weather Package brings a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

The Comfort Seating Package adds front seat ventilation and massage functions, sport comfort design front seats with 22-way power adjustability, and Valcona leather upholstery.

Stand-alone options include a 15-speaker, 1,300-watt Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, rear side airbags, 20-inch wheels and full-LED headlights

BODY STYLE

The 2016 Audi S7 comes in a single well-equipped trim level. Unlike the A7, which comes in a five-passenger configuration, the S7 has two individual rear seats, meaning a strict four-passenger capacity.

Standard features include 19-inch wheels, full LED exterior lighting (headlights, running lights and taillights), an adaptive air suspension, a sunroof, a power liftgate, heated and auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system and keyless entry and ignition. Inside, you'll find a head-up display, a driver information center with a 7-inch display between the gauges, Audi Drive Select (providing adjustable settings for steering, suspension and transmission calibrations), diamond-stitched leather upholstery, eight-way power heated front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, four-zone automatic climate control, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with console-mounted controls and a central 8-inch display, a rearview camera, a navigation system with voice controls, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, Audi Connect (including enhanced Web-based navigation and information services plus 4G LTE connectivity with mobile WiFi) and a 14-speaker Bose audio system with a CD/DVD player, HD radio and a USB port.

Options for the S7 include a number of packages. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel that lacks the standard flat-bottom design, while the Driver Assistance package adds automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go functionality), lane-keeping assist, a corner-view (front and rear) parking camera system and the Audi Pre-Sense Plus collision mitigation system. The Comfort Seating package features "contour" front seats with ventilation and massaging functions, passenger memory settings, comfort rear seats and leather upholstery without diamond stitching.

The Sport package adds variable-ratio steering ("Audi dynamic steering" in Audi-speak), a sport rear differential and a sport exhaust with black tailpipes. The Black Optic package tacks on special 20-inch wheels (or optional 21-inchers), body-color exterior mirrors (instead of the standard silver ones), a blacked-out grille and gloss-black window surrounds.

Individual option highlights include 20-inch wheels, power-closing doors, a faux-suede headliner, night vision assist, rear side airbags and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Also available by special order through the Audi Exclusive program is a large array of custom exterior colors and finishes as well as interior colors and materials. Note that these special orders can add two months or more to the normal post-ordering delivery time.

ENGINE

Four engines are available across the A7 line, each suited for a different taste. The 333-horsepower supercharged V6 that's standard in the A7 will be more than suitable for most drivers, and at up to 30 mpg it is quite efficient, too. The V6 turbodiesel A7 TDI boasts fuel economy up to 38 mpg, yet it hardly sacrifices where performance is concerned. For buyers mostly concerned with performance, there are the S7 and RS 7. Both use a twin-turbo V8, with the S7 making 450 horsepower and the RS 7 putting out a sports-car-humiliating 560. The A7 and RS 7 use an 8-speed automatic transmission that is among the best out there, while the S7 utilizes a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. All models are all-wheel drive. 

► 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (A7) 

333 horsepower @ 5,300-6,500 rpm 

325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm 

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg 

► 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 (A7 TDI) 

240 horsepower @ 3,500-3,750 rpm 

428 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,250 rpm 

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/38 mpg 

► 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (S7) 

450 horsepower @ 5,500-6,400 rpm 

406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-5,700 rpm 

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/27 mpg 

► 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (RS 7) 

560 horsepower @ 5,700-6,600 rpm 

516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,500 rpm 

EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

SAFETY

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Audi S7 includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, lane-keeping assist and a blind-spot warning system are also standard. Rear side airbags and a corner-view camera system are optional.

The standard Audi Pre-Sense Basic system warns the driver, pre-tensions the seatbelts and closes the windows if a potential collision is detected, while Pre-Sense Rear (also standard) uses the brake light to warn traffic behind the vehicle in the event of a potential rear collision. The optional Audi Pre-Sense Plus system (via the Driver Assistance package) can do all that, plus fully tighten the seatbelts and automatically apply the brakes full force to mitigate the severity of an imminent crash.

VIDEO

BY : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

Posted by : Shahen Tharammal