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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Audi A7

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Overview

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2012 Audi A7 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.3

The oxymoronic "4-door coupe" concept was founded by the Mercedes-Benz CLS, brought to the middle-class by the Volkswagen CC and applied unexpectedly to a crossover SUV by the BMW X6. Now Audi is further expanding the four-door coupe category with the A7, a sleek 4-seater that sports a roofline reminiscent of a coupe and, in an M. Night Shyamalan-style twist, a super-useful hatchback. In a sense the 2012 A7 embodies the best that Audi currently has to offer, combining sizzling emotive design with substantive attributes like all-wheel drive (AWD), advanced in-car technology and compelling driving dynamics.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a car that makes a strong visual statement we're guessing you'll appreciate the modern yet tasteful shape of the 2012 Audi A7. Also, fashion-conscious folks who live in wintery parts of the country might appreciate the A7's standard quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need room for five feel free to cross the 2012 Audi A7 off your list. It might seem, from the outside, that the rear quarters should accommodate a third occupant but Audi disagrees, opting instead to give the A7 back seats that are spacious for two instead of cramped for three.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.3
Driving Dynamics

8.2
Comfort & Convenience

7.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

9.4
Value

7.3
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#8

out of 16

MPG

#14

out of 16

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

10 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Starting at around $60,000, the 2012 Audi A7's price falls somewhere between the expensive Mercedes-Benz CLS and the comparatively cheap VW CC; bringing premium 4-door-coupe ownership to those who are merely well-to-do.

Driving the A7

Driving Impressions Utilizing a supercharged V6, a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive, the 2012 Audi A7 dishes up rapid acceleration for passing, merging or just increasing one's heart...

rate. Once up to speed we found the A7 to be a very stable, quiet and comfortable long distance cruiser. Audi's four-door coupe also excels when traversing serpentine roads, rewarding the driver with precise steering and high cornering limits. Drivers can tailor the vehicle's character using Audi Drive Select, choosing between "comfort" and sportier "dynamic" settings to adjust the immediacy of the throttle's response, heft of the steering and aggressiveness of gear shifts. An automatic mode is also available for those who would rather let the car sort out those parameters for itself. All told, the A7 provides an impressive mix of driving engagement and refined comfort.

Favorite Features

MMI Touch
Buyers who step up to the Premium Plus trim enjoy MMI Touch, a neat touch-sensitive pad that lets the driver input letters and numbers by drawing them with his or her finger. MMI Touch might seem like a novelty but it quickly proves useful when searching for street names or points of interest.

Navigation with Google Earth
Google Earth is impressive on a home computer but becomes doubly impressive when incorporated into a vehicle navigation system. Improved awareness of one's surrounding area and the shear coolness of a helicopter-like map view make navigation with Google Earth easily one of our favorite features.

2012 Audi A7 Details

2012 Audi A7 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Audi has a knack for interior design, a skill brought to bear in the A7's luxurious cabin. All A7's utilize Audi's MMI interface, a metal rotary selection knob surrounded by four buttons, to control most vehicle functions, which contributes to an attractively uncluttered dash adorned with few controls. The engine start button's location to the right of the gear selector seems odd to us but overall we think the interior layout works well. In terms of occupant comfort all seating positions feature cozy, supportive seats while passenger space is generally good, though taller passengers may find rear-seat head room a bit tight.

Exterior

The nose of the 2012 Audi A7 is dominated by an oversized hexagonal grille and LED running lights, a look shared with much of Audi's current lineup. Gaze rearward and the A7's design begins to distinguish itself with a roofline that cuts low over the rear windows, which looks great but requires occupants to duck low when entering the vehicle. On the positive side, with the rear seats folded and the large standard power-operated rear hatch lifted, the A7 happily swallows copious amounts of cargo, verified by an editor who used the space and wide opening to haul a bass guitar and bulky amplifier.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Audi A7's standard equipment list includes leather seats, power heated front seats, keyless engine start (though, oddly, not keyless entry), 3-zone automatic climate control, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth, 18-inch wheels and a power sunroof. The Premium Plus trim adds Navigation with Google Earth, MMI touch and an 8-inch screen, 19-inch wheels and front and rear parking sensors. The highest Prestige trim bundles equipment found in the Premium Plus trim with keyless entry, a Bose audio system, ventilated front seats and 4-zone climate control. Standard safety features include stability control, traction control and six airbags.

Optional Equipment

Buyers looking to further outfit their vehicle can choose from four different option packages. The Driver Assistance Package features adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a system that warns the driver of an impending collision. The Innovation Package includes the components of the Driver Assistance Package and adds to it LED headlights, a Head Up display and a night vision system than automatically recognizes and highlights pedestrians. Included in the Sport Package are 19- or 20-inch wheels, a sport suspension and a 3-spoke steering wheel. Lastly, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system is offered for a hefty $5,900.

Under the Hood

These days, 310-horsepower in a luxury sedan might seem barely adequate but, thanks to an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, the A7 makes the most of its engine's output, delivering zero-to-60-mph acceleration in a swift 5.4 seconds. Power is sent from the transmission to a standard quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system, greatly improving the Audi A7's capabilities on slippery roads. We should also mention that the A7's supercharged engine requires premium fuel.

3.0-liter Supercharged V6
310 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28

Pricing Notes

In least-expensive form the A7 checks in around $60,000, with the Premium Plus and Prestige trims adding around $3,600 and $6,300 to the bill respectively. Fully outfit an Audi A7 Prestige trim and the price swells to in excess of $80,000. While less expensive than the Mercedes-Benz CLS, prices for the Audi A7 remain much higher than those of the Volkswagen CC. For up-to-date pricing on the A7 be sure to check out the KBB Fair Purchase Price. When it comes to resale values the A7 is expected to perform reasonably well, with residual numbers that match those of the Volkswagen CC but trail the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

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2012 Audi A7 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

10.0

Out of 10

Based on 8 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.8/10

Quality

10.0/10
Reliability

10.0/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

10.0/10

Smitten

By AudiLove (TX) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Style, fuel. economy, practicality and technology."

Cons: "Work and sleep robs one of driving time."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The clean, elegant lines, art gallery worthy engine, and star ship tech interior makes this car a joy to own. After a year, I still pinch myself to ensure I'm not dreaming when approaching this beauty. It's quick, comfortable, smooth, and responsive. It cares about my safety and has learned how I drive with the driver assist features. Don't think about the price of this car, think about the cost of ownership over a long time because you won't want anything else once you bond with your new partner! Pop the sportback and it magically turns into a 30 mpg SUV with almost as much carg space as a mid size SUV. I still double take when I walk away from this car. I feel lucky to have the privilege to own my A7."

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Sports car in Luxury outfit - Best of both worlds

By Naveen (WI) on Wednesday, January 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sporty,luxurious,good looking,convinient"

Cons: "Cant think of any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I leased a white 2013 Premium plus A7 little over a month ago. I am in love with my car since the first day. And I do not have any complaints so far. I was shopping for BMW Z4 but decided on this car when I test drove it the first time. It may not be as sexy as a convertible but it is gorgeous in its own way. The slopping roof line is to kill for. The interior is no less luxurious and good looking. It makes me feel special. Like a pilot. Whenever I hold the gear lever, I feel like am piloting a fighter jet. Driving dynamics may not be as perfect as a Porsche or BMW but for a car of this size it sure can handle. The car plants itself nicely and sticks to the tarmac like a dragon around corners. Quattro is surely a big plus for handling. And the supercharged V6 is an engine to die for. It has the power and torque you crave for in a sports sedan, and it can be quiet as library in comfort mode. I have tried to start the car when its already on, lot of times, thinking the engine is off. And Audi trumps the technology category in all its models. The list is a mile long. Overall, this is the best sport-luxury-sedan out there. And it comes with hatchback door and flat-folding rear seats which means you can carry truck load of luggage with ease."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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My video

Fantastic car great engine 20 inch summer wheels

By 1st time Audi (NY) on Sunday, January 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Engine, handling and led headlights"

Cons: "Small gas tank hard ride with the 20" summer tiers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I had BMW 740, Mercedes E 300 & 320,and a 911 and this was my first Audi and I just love this engine as much or even more than the 911. This car handles fantastic I did get the summer tires 20 inch with it and the only issue is that it rides a bit stiff on those but what a car. Gas mileage is less then advertised but I do average 85 mph so..."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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forget bmw or mercedes

By a7review (FL) on Saturday, November 24, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "too numerous to mention"

Cons: "hmmmmmmmmmmm...tough...maybe priced a bit too high"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"absolute joy to drive! sporty yet economical. "luxury" car yet very practical. unique, and even better in person + and then some when seen in motion. bmw is out-dated and dry. mercedes is for persons concerned more about image (the reason i'm comparing the above is not to be snobby, but one of the most common questions i get). not a week goes by without someone stopping me to ask about the car (but of course not my reason for bying it in the first place). i genuniely miss driving this car when i'm away from it even a few hours. even compared with other audi's (driven as loaner cars), this car stands-out!"

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Changed my veiw of german luxury cars

By the Rock (RI) on Friday, November 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "pricey but worth it, Drives like a sport car, feel"

Cons: "Almost too much technology"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Always owned japanese luxury cars, but the A7 has brought driving to a new standard. Realy fun to drive and is a real head turner. Performance and style in one package. Great performance. Comfort similar to a touring sedan, but in a sports car. As far as I'm concerned the perfect car for people who want more than just comfort"

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Best Sporty Family Car

By LRM (CA) on Monday, August 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Combo of Sport, Luxury, Practicality, and Style"

Cons: "Hatchback while roomy is a little shallow"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I leased this car after the lease on my Audi S5 ran out. I was concerned about going from a 8 cylinder to an 6 cylinder and even considered waiting for the S7. I'm glad I didn't. The supercharged V-6 has great take off with its low end torque. The car feels lighter than it is. The cabin tech is great and while the Bang & Olufsen Stereo isn't worth what they charge, I'm glad I got it. If you're looking for a stylish family car that provides style, practicality and performance this is a great vehicle. I considered the BMW 535, MB E550. There isn't a wrong decision in the bunch but I like the style and tech in the A7 and it is much less common than the other vehicles. My kids love the in car WiFi and can stream videos or go online with iPads. I've had Porsche 911's, BMW M3s and I don't miss them."

21 people out of 21 found this review helpful

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