The 2013 Audi A7 Sedanexperiences a nice increase in horsepower this year thanks to the new AWE Tuning exhaust system that is finished off nicely with polished silver tips. All models are motivated by a supercharged 3.0-liter v6 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Last year's debut model generated 296 horsepower, but performance on new models sits at 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. From a standstill, it only takes 5.4 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. Fuel economy may not seem exciting at 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, but for this much power, these numbers are certainly admirable. You cannot fully appreciate this sporty luxury sedan until you get it on the open road. It sounds fantastic and the transmission offers a responsive throttle. The ride is smooth, except on models equipped with the 20-inch wheels. Audi Drive Select lets you choose between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual options for a tailored driving experience.
• Audio - It is rare to hear of a car using Bose® as a base audio system, but this is what you get in the 2013 A7. It includes a CD player, iPod interface, and satellite radio. A 14-speaker upgraded Bose® system is included in the Prestige trim. A 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen® surround sound is available.
• Audi Connect™ - This feature gives you access to Google Earth™, Google Local Search™, local fuel prices, and more. It also provides Wi-Fi connectivity for as many as eight devices.
• Navigation - Get to where you need to go with the navigation system, which is included in the Premium Plus package. You can also use Google Earth™, but this feature does tend to make directions more difficult than they need to be.
Crash test results are not available for the 2013 A7, but there is no reason why it wouldn't ace every test, as Audi sedans tend to excel at them. Braking was put to the test though, and the A7 Prestige with 20-inch wheels stopped in an impressive 106 feet. Optional features include infrared night vision display and blind-spot and front and rear collision warning systems. A few standard features include:
• Electronic stability control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Child seat anchors
• Electromechanical parking brake
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Traction control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Engine immobilizer
• Emergency braking assist
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
The first thing you notice is the sedan's muscular coupe-like curves. Its sweeping tornado line and bold roofline blend together at the rear to guide your eyes to the chrome exhaust tips and optional adaptive rear spoiler. Here you realize this is more a five-door hatchback than a sedan. If you do not mind a firmer ride, the available 20-inch five-arm parabolic wheels are a must.
Nearly everyone knows Audi manufacturers some of the industry's most luxurious interiors. The A7 is no exception. Rich materials, exquisite detail, and a center stack full of electronic devices are what you see when you get in this cabin. A medley of controls is thoughtfully placed across the steering wheel, so you do not have to take your eyes off the road to operate most technology features. The front seats are plush yet supportive, and rather than a bench in the rear, A7gets two bucket seats back there. Although there is ample leg room, tall passengers will be short on headroom, due to the aggressively sloped roofline.
The trunk is one of the selling points, as it offers 24.5 cubic feet of space. The hatch-like lift gate allows large items to be easily loaded.