2019 Audi A7 Review: Faster, Smarter and Sharper

Even with all the tech, Audi didn't forget about the drive

2019 Audi A7
2019 Audi A7. [Photo: Audi]

OVERVIEW

The latest iteration 2019 Audi A7 continues to blend the emotional appeal of a coupe with the luxury and prestige of a sedan. On top of that, it also mixes in some practicality with a hatchback design. The A7 presents itself as a sleekly profiled car with a sporty, lightweight chassis. For 2019, it’s powered by a newly-developed, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

The A7’s wheelbase measures 115.2 inches, and the overall length measures 195.6 inches. Apart from being 1.2 inches longer than the new A6, its 55.9 inch height produces a low, svelte and elegant GT package.

2019 Audi A7

The roofline is low, with a gracefully arched greenhouse and integrated rear doors. The frameless door windows and side mirrors further enhance the coupe-like form. Its “C”-pillar stretches rearward, flowing into the shoulder line. Audi’s signature Singleframe grille is contoured at the hood’s leading edge, featuring a chrome surround framing the high-gloss black lattices with chrome accents. The wide, low air inlets and horizontal struts, along with the fascia’s horizontal posture, emphasize the car’s width.

An integrated rear spoiler automatically deploys at 80 mph and retracts at 50 mph. For those of you who want it up all the time, you can also deploy it manually. Dual chrome exhaust outlets blend into the rear fascia and hint at the car’s performance capability.

2019 Audi A7

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Moving to the inside, the 2019 Audi A7 displays a “wraparound” design that encircles the driver and front passenger. The center console is canted toward the driver. Front seats feature 10-way adjustability, with available four-way lumbar support, as well as three-stage ventilation and heating. Audi enhances the interior ambience with rich chrome air vent bezels and aluminum trim accents and optional layered wood veneers. The rear hatch provides a height adjustable power-lift system. The cargo area is 24.5 cubic feet in its base form, but by folding the 60/40 split rear seat backs flat, an even greater expanse is realized.

The A7 offers technology in droves with Audi’s dual-screen MMI infotainment system and AudiConnect. The system delivers real-time driver relevant information into the vehicle, including Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight devices.

2019 Audi A6
The 2019 Audi A7 shares its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with the new A6. [Photo: Audi]

PERFORMANCE

Power figures in the 2019 Audi A7 with its 3.0-liter turbocharged engine is rated at 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Energy is transmitted from the longitudinally-mounted front engine to the Quattro AWD all-wheel drive system through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The dual-clutch unit interfaces with Audi Drive Select. The selectable drive modes modify shift points, steering feel, and throttle characteristics via four modes: Comfort, Dynamic, Individual and Auto. Audi’s all-wheel drive system adds to the A7’s stability and instills its driver with much more confidence in the corners.

In terms of acceleration, the 2019 Audi A7 rips about as if it were powered by a V8. It manages smooth gear changes, and its handling is crisp and sporty. The ride is firm, but comfortable without being even slightly harsh.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

If you haven’t piloted an Audi recently, you owe it to yourself to give this new model a go. The 2019 Audi A7 in particular is a delight with its unique and attractive coupe-like look, along with its added versatility and functionality.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Audi A7 Prestige

On Sale: Now
Base MSRP: $68,000
Price as Tested:
$83,240
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 w/ 48-volt mild hybrid system
Drivetrain (Layout): Longitudinally-mounted front engine, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 335 hp @ 5,000-6,400 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic
Suspension:

Front: Adaptive Damping Suspension Five-link independent

Rear: Five-link independent

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs
Tires: Pirelli P-Zero 255/ 35 R21 98Y summer tires
Fuel capacity: 19.3 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): 22 City / 29 Highway / 25 Combined mpg

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 115.2 inches
Length: 188.5 inches
Width: 75.1 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height: 56.0 inches
Turning Circle: 36.4 feet
Curb Weight: 4,332 pounds