2012 Audi A7 is Ingolstadt’s new masterpiece

2012 Audi A7 is Ingolstadt’s new masterpiece

Do you think it’s possible to have too many options? Well, Audi clearly doesn’t. In the United States alone, the German brand offers 14 different body styles (not counting S models as a separate body style) and 21 models in its lineup. Next year, that number will continue to grow by at least another handful. However, the big news for the brand this year comes in the form of its first attempt at creating a Mercedes-Benz CLS competitor, the new 2012 Audi A7.

Now, granted that the Mercedes-Benz CLS really started the sloping roofline four-door-coupe luxury segment, others like Porsche have stepped in to grab a piece of the pie. While I’m not a big fan of the Porsche Panamera’s appearance, the Audi A7 definitely wins my approval. Before I even get into a full review of the new Audi, I’m going to go ahead and say that compared to the Benz CLS, the Audi is, without question, an overall superior machine. Why? Let’s have a look.

2012 Audi A7 is Ingolstadt’s new masterpiece

2012 Audi A7 Specifications:

• Style: Sedan.
• Drive Type: All-wheel-drive.
• Seating Capacity: 4.
• Base Price: $59,250.
• Price As Tested: $81,980.
• Engine: 3.0 liter TFSI Supercharged V6 – 310-hp at 5,500 rpm / 325 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 -4,500 rpm.
• Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 5.4.
• Top Speed: 130 mph.
• Curb Weight: 4,210 lbs.
• Fuel-economy (city/highway/combined): 18/28/22 mpg.

• Exterior:

  The new 2012 Audi A7 fits into the brand’s lineup between the A6 and the massive A8, but is by no means a medium sized car. The new large Ingolstadt sedan is 16.31 ft long, and has a wheelbase of 9.55 ft and stands 6.27 ft wide. Nonetheless, the A7 maintains a very sporty stance and stands just 4.66 ft tall.
  I have to say that after the R8, the Audi A7 is the most beautiful car in the company’s lineup that bears the four-ringed badge. From the signature, sleek-design of the LED headlamps to its sloping roofline, Audi’s exterior designers paid close attention to making the A7 a drop-dead gorgeous car.
   

2012 Audi A7 is Ingolstadt’s new masterpiece

I have to say that after the R8, the Audi A7 is the most beautiful car in the company’s lineup that bears the four-ringed badge.

When viewed directly from the front, the sedan has a wonderfully designed front fascia, reminiscent of the R8. However, when viewed from the side, the A7 has the looks of an exceptional luxury sedan from the B-pillar and forward. From the B-pillar and back, the A7 has the appeal of high-end sports coupe. Not to mention, when you bring up the spoiler with the touch of a button, you may just mistake the A7 for a coupe and not the luxury sedan it is. According to Stefan Sielaff, Head of Design at Audi AG: “Audi design is the harmony of form and function. It is the perfect interaction with technology and an expression of beauty; the aesthetic staging of highly developed technology.”
Sielaff is on point with his statement as function in the A7 hasn’t been sacrificed in the interest of form.

2012 Audi A7 is Ingolstadt’s new masterpiece