Performance Oriented Motoring: 2017 Audi S7 Sportback
The Audi S7 is stylish and sophisticated with advanced technology that is sculpted in the form of a two-door coupe. This Audi seems to do it all – room for four adults, storage space for a decent road trip and the powertrain goodies to cover all that real estate quickly in luxurious comfort. The performance-oriented Audi S7 delivers a striking visual statement with bold features, dramatic design, and an athletic, sculpted silhouette.
The S7 model line is now available in both Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. New design and wheel options include a 20” 5-parallel-spoke-S design wheel, a 21” 5-arm-Rotor titanium wheel with the available Black optic package and red front and rear brake calipers with the available S7 Sport package.
Power is generated by a 4.0L TFSI® twin-turbo V8 engine. Torque is delivered to the street via a seamless seven-speed S tronic® transmission and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring. The grip of the quattro system is enhanced dynamically through an optional sport differential, which actively distributes the power between the rear wheels and enables superior cornering and acceleration as the driver exits a turn. Zero-to-sixty time for the S7 is 4.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The cultivated atmosphere of the S7 is due in part to the excellent vibrational comfort. This is the result of painstakingly tuning all components, systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings, and the extremely stiff body. Comprised primarily of aluminum and high-tech steels, it is exceptionally lightweight and very safe.
Control hardware for the S7 consists of a trapezoidal-link set-up in the front with a five-link configuration and an anti-roll bar at the rear. Twin-tube shock absorbers hold the S7 down at the four corners.
Inside the passenger cabin, even the tiniest details document the care with which Audi builds its cars. The quality of the workmanship is on a craftsman’s level. High-grade materials such as layered wood veneers are a treat for the senses, and an optional ambient lighting system adds highlights to the interior. With a sophisticated design of the dashboard and controls, twelve-way adjustable front seats including four-way lumbar support, available three-stage ventilation and heating, and beautiful trim and inlays, the S7 makes a modern design statement inside and out.
The S7 features some of Audi’s most advanced technology and driver assistance features. The groundbreaking Audi MMI® touch with handwriting recognition features hard and soft keys, dedicated buttons for commonly-used controls and a revolutionary touchpad that interprets hand-written inputs. You can perform a number of functions, like write the digits of telephone number and the letters of the navigation destination with a finger, or scroll over maps, all without taking your eyes off the road.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 114.8; overall length: 196.3; width: 84.2; height: 55.0
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 – 450 hp at 5,800 – 6,400 rpm and 406 lbs-ft of torque at 1,400 -5,700 rpm.
Transmission: seven-speed S tronic automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/27 highway
Cargo capacity: 24.5 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, anti-slip regulation, electronic stability control, electronic differential lock, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HomeLink garage door opener, keyless ignition, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, central locking system, alarm system, navigation system, rearview camera, front/rear parking sensors, Audi side assist, Audi Connect, and automatic adaptive Xenon high intensity headlamps.
Optional safety features include Audi pre-sense, adaptive cruise control, night vision assistant, corner view camera and rear outboard side-impact airbags.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Audi S7 starts from $79,900. Destination charges add $950.
