2019 Audi A7 essentials: Good mechanics, frustrating tech

What is it: The Audi A7 straddles the mid- to full-size sedan/sportback segment and rides on the same MLB Volkswagen platform that underpins the smaller A6 and larger A8. Only one engine is offered unless you step up to the S7, and that is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It has a wider torque range than the outgoing A7, which featured a supercharger instead of this twin-scroll turbo.

Key Competitors: BMW 6-Series GT, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera

Base Price: $68,995 As-Tested Price: $85,240

Full review: 2019 Audi A6/A7 first drive

Highlights: The A7 is new for 2019 and now offers Audi’s Matrix-design LED headlights with lasers and a huge selection of active safety features easily adjusted through one button on the center console. The sheetmetal is sharper than the outgoing model and both wider and heavier. We also get a longer wheelbase. A panoramic sunroof, leather, heated seats, three-zone automatic climate control and a multifunction steering wheel are standard.











Our Opinion: I was probably the only one who still liked the A6 and A8 over the sportback A7, but now, I’m hedging. They all look good; I was just a fan of the three box design, but the updated A7, with a few more angles and creases might have turned the tide for me. It didn’t hurt that toting two kids and a huge double stroller was easy peazy. Side note, I took them to the hands-on museum and when I left I threw them both in a car and took off without putting the stroller in the massive hatchback trunk. When I whipped up 10 minutes later and jumped out, a passing man gave me the “I’ve done that before” look.

Most of the stuff I wrote about the A6 I recently drove applies here. The A7 feels more luxurious than the last version with the woodgrain dash and huge double infotainment screens. And the power delivery is the same: Super, super smooth, almost bordering on lazy in normal mode. If you turn the wick up to dynamic and S mode, things get better. As for the amount of power, no problems there, 335 is a very good number for a normal commuter car.

The A7's brakes are much better than the last few Audi’s I’ve been in, though I don’t exactly remember the A6s. A few years ago the pedal was really easy to press and sensitive too, which made smooth stops take practice. Now it’s a short stroke and maybe Audi worked a bit of sensitivity out, which makes it easier to modulate.

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