2017 Audi A7 3.0 T Competition Quattro Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Audi A7 3.0 T Competition Quattro. The bad news first is that these high performance luxury cars come with ‘sticker shock’ for the average consumer. But if it is within your budget constraints it is a thrill a minute. It is luxurious but a great performer.
The bad news is not just the initial cost but maintaining it, as it should be maintained, will not be for the faint hearted. If you have unlimited cash reserves, however, it won’t matter. The Good news is that it is NOT a Ferrari. Now that would even make the really rich wince at the repair and maintenance costs where a simple tune up can run several thousand.
General Information:
It is assembled in Neckarsulm, Germany; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Hungary 17%, Germany 63%; Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Audi: A3 Cabriolet, A3 Sedan, A3 Sportback e-tron, A4, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS 5, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 7, S3, S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, and TTS Coupe.
Handling & Performance:
Very special. The road hugging ability of this car is ‘as good as it gets’. On the Crest mountain course I always find it to be unbelievably capable. Turbo – fast, roadability – all wheel drive control and race car disc braking.
Styling:
Uniquely Audi that can’t be mistaken.
Fit and Finish:
The very best.
Cost:
Expensive, relative to your threshold for wallet pain. BUT, if this is within your budget parameters you will enjoy the ride.
Conveniences and comfort:
If you opt for the Driver assistance package, there are many high tech safety features. The pre sense plus attempts to prepare for and avoid accidents. Adaptive Cruise (Smart Cruise) with stop and go capability reduces driving stress, active lane assist can keep you more aware as it reminds you if you don’t use your turn signal to change lanes, and if you do stray errantly it will warn of impending danger. Finally, when parking the camera system will add to safe driving.
Consumer Recommendations:
If you can afford it, ‘just do it’. At least test drive it. . . you may be convinced it is worth the price of admission and ‘intermission’. . . not to mention the cost of dinner after. You’ll fall in love.
Recognized Competition:
Audi A7 $78,000, BMW 6 Series $81,000, Genesis G 90 $73,000, BMW 7 Series $82,000, Audi A8 $83,000, Cadillac CT 6 $55,000, Lincoln Continental $66,000.
Good News:
Fast and furious excitement, luxurious, fabulous elegant ride.
Bad News:
Expensive.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter340 hp V-6 engine, quattro all wheel drive, 6-speed auto transmission, sport suppension tuning, Audi parking system with rearview camera, brushed aluminum inlays, red brake calipers, power sunroof, power adjust steering column with memory, auto dimming power folding heated exterior mirrors, split folding rear seat with pass-through 60/40 seat, heated 12-way powerfront sport seats in valcona leather, four zone auto climate control, remote key system with push button start, side assist, power tailgate, navigation with touch screen, Audi connect, two USB ports with AMI functionality, , Sirius XM all access service, 3-spoke flat bottom leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, smartphone interface, BOSE surround sounf system, front and front side seat mounted airbags, sideguard inflatable curtain airbags, Anti-theft vechile alarm system and ignition immobilizer, LATCH system child safety.
Options:
Driver Assistance package $2,450 includes Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Pre-sense, Active lane assist, corner view camera system, high-beam assistant.
Gas Stats:
$2.85/ Gal avg. March 5, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
*An interesting note is that two years ago gas price average was a $buck a gallon more.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $76,550.