Introduction
The Audi S7, a new model for 2013, is the high-performance version of the Audi A7, which was introduced for the 2012 model year as a luxury sedan with a steeply raked hatchback design known as a "sportback." The S7 shares its interior, platform, and powertrain with the Audi S6, but has a noticeably different profile. It's based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, and competes mainly with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, BMW 5 Series, and the Porsche Panamera. It's offered in a single trim level, similar to the Prestige trim level of the A7.
Exterior Features
Black and white are the 2013 S7's base colors; nine other colors are offered at an extra charge. The exterior features Audi Ultra lightweight aluminum body panels and steel frame, a 5-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension, automatic adaptive Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, power-adjustable heated side mirrors with memory, and built-in turn indicator lights. Standard wheels are a 19-inch 5-parallel-spoke S design, with 255/40 summer performance tires; 20-inch wheels are optional.
Interior Features
The 2013 Audi S7 features standard keyless entry and ignition, ambient LED lighting, 4-zone automatic climate control, heated 12-way power sport seats with lumbar adjustment, leather upholstery (in black or grey, with sport stitching), tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel in a 3-spoke sport design, Bluetooth connectivity, 10-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package, which features an 8-inch display, voice control, and a user-friendly touchpad that can recognize ordinary handwriting. The buyer may choose between decorative interior inlays of natural fine-grain ash brown wood or layered oak wood. Inlays of carbon atlas and brushed aluminum decorate the leather-covered gear shift lever and the lower trim, respectively. The sportback design provides 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats.
Optional Features
A power rear-window sunshade and manual rear door shades are optional. The Innovation package includes a head-up display that shows a digital readout of the car's speed on the windshield, a Night Vision Assistant that uses infrared technology to detect pedestrians as far as 1,000 feet away, Top and Corner View cameras that assist in parking and monitor the vehicle's blind spots, and adaptive cruise control. The Cold Weather package heats the steering wheel and rear seats. The Driver Assistance package adds safety features; the Comfort Seating package trades the front sport seats for multi-contour seats (with more conservative styling) that come fully equipped with heat, ventilation, massage, and memory functions. Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are available; so is a 1,300-watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with Dolby Digital 5.1 technology and a noise compensation feature. The S7 does not offer the A7's optional rear bench seat.
Under the Hood
The 2013 S7 features an all-new, 420-horsepower V-8 engine that produces 406 lb.-ft. of torque. Audi's proprietary Cylinder on Demand engine efficiency technology can shut down half the cylinders while cruising. Audi FSI direct injection permits a higher compression ratio for more thorough combustion. A dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission (with manual shifters) and Quattro AWD drive are standard.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Audi S7 are 17/27/20 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2013 Audi S7 include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, front-seat and rear-seat side air bags, front knee air bags, and side curtain air bags. Other safety features are optional, including rear thorax side air bags. (Many safety features are included in the Innovation and the Driver Assistance option packages.)
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not yet rated the 2013 S7 for crashworthiness.
Technology
Audi's technology site allows users to sit in their vehicles and view tutorials about exclusive Audi technologies such as MMI and HomeLink. Audi MMI Navigation Plus features an 8-inch screen, voice control, CD and DVD compatibility, and dual SD memory card slots. New features for 2013 include Bluetooth streaming audio and Audi Connect, which adds Google search and Google Earth map overlays. Audi's proprietary Quattro AWD system combines with electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering to improve handling.
