2017 Audi S7 Review

2017 Audi S7 - Sophisticated S7 delivers performance, technology and safety.

By: Mark Bilek

The S7 is the sport-minded edition of Audi's hatchback-bodied A7 luxury sedan. Both "7" models are mechanically similar to the Audi A6, however, they bring unique styling and swap in a swoopy rear roofline for the A6's rather conservative trunked back. A7 competitors are few and include BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Porsche Panamera.

For 2016, Audi freshens front and rear styling incorporating standard LED headlights, adds additional comfort and convenience features and upgrades the infotainment system with 4G mobile WiFi. The S7 is available only as a four-door hatchback and comes standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Unlike its utilitarian twin, the S7 seats four passengers on individual bucket seats.

The S7 comes in two trim levels. Premium Plus starts at $79,900 and Prestige starts at $82,900. Both are powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that generates 450 horsepower. Sole transmission offering is a seven-speed automatic that offers steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual operation.

Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front- and rear-parking sensors, rear-view camera, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning system and dual-front, front-side, front-knee and curtain-side airbags. Rear-side airbags, corner-view camera system and forward-collision warning and avoidance system are optional.

Key options include a cold-weather package, driver-assistance package, comfort-seating package and a sport package that adds variable-ratio steering, sport rear differential, and sport exhaust. The S7 has a $925 destination charge and is assembled in Germany.

From its sport-tuned suspension to its low-profile rubber, the Audi S7 is all about performance and nowhere is that more evident than in the throaty turbocharged V8 at its heart. The 4.0-liter engine throbs at idle and growls in hard acceleration. There's plenty of go along with that show as well. From a stop the V8 will accelerate the 4500-pound S7 from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 4.3 seconds. That time is considerably quicker than similar-priced competitors.

The seven-speed automatic is generally well mannered but has noticeable shift points that sometimes grow balky at slower speeds. Downshifts are prompt and precise. The steering-wheel-mounted paddles crack off even quicker downshifts and can be used to hold gears in longer corners.

EPA ratings are 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. While dismal for a midsize sedan, those numbers are similar to competitors and not all that shocking given the S7's mission as an ultimate all-wheel-drive sport sedan. Routine driving backs up those numbers. Given a gentle suburban commute with some highway driving thrown in, most will see about 22 mpg overall. It's hard to top 25 mpg - even in straight highway driving.

The S7 comes standard with an adaptive air suspension that's aimed at delivering a smooth ride and crisp handling. That's no small feat considering the S7's hefty curb weight and longish 115-inch wheelbase. Thankfully, the suspension mostly delivers on its promise. The ride is firmer than typical luxury-sedan buyers will expect, but it's never hard or harsh. There's enough impact absorption and compliance to take the edge off sharp bumps while offering enough control to limit bounding on rutted and pockmarked roads.

On the flip side, the S7 holds the road with the tenacity of a sports car. There's ample dry-road grip from the sticky 20-inch tires. Steering is firm and precise. Brakes have great stopping power and a sensitive pedal. The only handling demerit comes from the fact that the S7 is large and heavy and doesn't feel as nimble as compact sport sedans in tight situations.

Road and wind noise are nicely muted and the engine only offends when you plant your right foot. Still, it emits a sophisticated if purposeful growl that lets you know you've paid a lot of money for this speed.

Inside the S7 is awash with some of the finest fabrics, plastics and metals this side of a Rolls-Royce. Assembly quality is top notch and the chassis never squeaks or rattles - despite the firm suspension.

The cabin design is business-like and driver focused. A large speedometer and tachometer are split by a driver information screen that can be programmed for various vehicle displays. The center stack boasts a pop-up screen that works through a jog dial and buttons on the console. Additionally, there are a few dedicated buttons for climate and audio control. Many may be off-put by the myriad of buttons and knobs, but technophiles will appreciate the sophisticated control layout that let's owners dive deep and program a customized driving experience.

With a multitude of adjustments, the front seats are sporty and firm. Front head and leg room are generous. Rear buckets are firm as well. Unfortunately, the S7's low roofline intrudes on head room and knee room is tight unless the front seats are pushed well forward. The low roofline also limits outward visibility and can make ingress/egress a trifle more difficult.

The hatchback design is a boon for those looking to load larger items and cargo space, officially listed at a roomy 24.5 cubic feet, expands with folding rear seatbacks. Interior storage is meager with just a few open and covered bins throughout.

Audi's sophisticated and stylish S7 is a performance and technology tour de force. The turbocharged V8 propels this large sedan forward with authority and the brakes and suspension make it feel like a sports car. The interior oozes elegance, while comfort and safety features abound. Though the hatchback design yields some cargo-carrying benefits, there's little additional substance the S7 offers over the more-affordably priced S6. But really, the S7 is about style and performance. It matches direct competitors in both accounts and, in most cases, comes away as the most affordably priced offering.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2017 Audi S7 Review

2017 Audi S7 - Sophisticated S7 delivers performance, technology and safety.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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