Audi A7 melds sedan prestige, coupe form

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Updated: December 14, 2011 1:21PM

The all-new 2012 Audi A7 is a seductive and luxurious sedan that looks more coupelike thanks to its low, sweeping roofline, integrated rear doors, frameless windows and rear hatchback design.

So it should be no surprise that the new A7 sedan actually pays homage to a coupe, the 1969 Audi 100 Coupe S. And there’s no mistaking the A7 for anything but an Audi.

Up front, the A7 sports an Audi signature grille and LED daytime running lights. And for those who like the LED look, an optional full LED lighting system complements the standard 18 LEDs used for the daytime running lamps and 11 LEDs used for the turn signals.

The optional full LED lighting adds two powerful LED units for the low- and high-beam headlamps as well as LED taillamps.

Around back, the A7 features two large, round tailpipes that speak to its power level, and an integrated spoiler that automatically extends at 80 mph and then retracts at 50 mph. The spoiler also can be raised and lowered via a push of a button.

The A7 is dressed with standard 18-inch seven-spoke wheels; 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are available.

The 2012 Audi A7 is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium ($59,250) includes loads of amenities to pamper and protect its occupants.

The Premium Plus ($63,140) adds 19-inch 10-spoke wheels, front and rear parking sensors, HD radio, a 7-inch color driver information system, an 8-inch multimedia interface screen, MMI navigation with MMI touch and Google Earth, Audi Connect with a six-month complimentary data trial period and a glove-box-mounted CD changer.

The Prestige ($65,580) includes everything in the Premium Plus trim and adds adaptive headlights and cornering lights, S-line exterior trim, upgraded Bose audio system, four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and power adjustable steering column.

Regardless of which trim level you choose, slip inside the 2012 Audi A7 and you’ll be greeted by a sporty and luxurious environment, richened with the pleasing aroma of fine leather, great-looking materials and wood inlays.

The wraparound design theme provides the driver with a sporty feel. There’s plenty of head and legroom up front, but that’s not the case in the rear. The A7 is a four-seater, and taller adults will find the rear seats confining. When not needed, though, the rear seats can be folded down, adding versatility and improved cargo capacity.

The Audi A7 is available with either Milano or Valcona leather. Fine grain ash wood veneers are standard while dark brown walnut and brushed aluminum trims are optional.

Standard in the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, the latest version of Audi MMI Plus features an 8-inch screen that rises from the dashboard when the ignition is turned on. It consolidates audio, navigation and telephone functions into a single interface.

Audi Connect, which is also standard in the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, incorporates Google Earth navigation with voice recognition, Google Local search and Wi-Fi connectivity for up to eight devices, enabling passengers to surf the Internet, download videos or check e-mail.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 14-speaker Bose audio system or the optional Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system with 15 speakers and 1,300 watts of power.

Speaking of power, all A7s feature a supercharged, direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine producing 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an ultra-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive system. Depending on grip, speed and axial forces, the standard AWD system will alter the normal 40:60 front-to-rear torque split.

The A7 provides phenomenal traction and agility thanks to its advanced technologies and lightweight components.

An interesting Audi drive select system (standard in all trim levels) lets the driver choose from four modes (comfort, auto, dynamic and individual) to adjust the transmission shift points and power steering feel.

The A7 rewards the driver with plenty of power, a truly refined ride and athleticism for spirited excursions when desired. Those who choose the A7 will be delighted with their decision.