With the A7, Audi has proven that a car with a hatchbacks can be cool -- as long as it doesn't look like hatchbacks and isn't called one.
An extension of the A6 mid-size sedan line, the A7 does indeed incorporate a hatchback tailgate in its elegant rear end, along with the extra cargo space such a body style usually brings with it. This isn't the only upscale mid-size car like this, but it's better-looking than the Porsche Panamera and BMW's 3- and 5 Series Gran Turismo models. The Panamera sells well because it's a Porsche, but the A7's popularity is all down to its styling.
With wagons having fallen out of favour in North America (Audi's only wagon is the Allroad version of its A4), pseudo-sedans like the A7 have become the most common crossover alternative for upscale car buyers. Sure, we miss true wagons, but if this is what we get instead, you won't hear us complaining too loudly.
New stuff for 2016 includes updated styling, standard LED headlights and a revised range of engines that offers improved performance and fuel efficiency. The standard 3.0L supercharged V6 engine gains 23 hp, for 333 total, along with 325 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.0L TDI diesel makes 240 hp and 428 lb-ft. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Fuel consumption for the 3.0L gasoline engine is improved significantly, with Natural Resources Canada estimates of 11.6/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway); the diesel remains the thriftier choice, with ratings of 9.6/6.2 L/100 km.
The A7 Progressiv's starting price of $74,500 includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights with washers, LED taillights, rear spoiler, sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with driver memory and lumbar, heated front and rear seats, ash wood dash inlays, floor mats, leather upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel with power adjustments, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, intelligent keyless entry, garage door opener, split-folding rear seat with load-through, navigation, multimedia input, colour driver information display, Bluetooth, Audi pre-sense basic, cruise control, parking system plus and engine auto start/stop.
A $1,600 S Line sport package adds different bumpers, sport suspension, S line badging and a black interior headliner.
Technik trim ($79,900) adds unique 19-inch wheels, high-beam assist, rear window manual sunshades, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, four-zone automatic climate control, four-way power front seat lumbar, ventilated front seats, 14-speaker Bose stereo, rear and corner-view cameras, Audi pres-sense rear and Audi side assist.
The same S line package is available here, along with a Black Optics package (20-inch wheels and black styling elements; $800), 14-way "multicontour" front seats with massage function and Valcona leather upholstery ($2,750) and a $2,950 Driver Assistance package that includes Audi pre-sense plus, active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
