2016 Audi S7 Quick Spin Review

The S7 is a sportier version of Audi’s A7 mid-size luxury car. As one of the new breed of “four-door coupes,” the S7 is more practical than most thanks to its hatchback design. While it's too large (and heavy) to be a pure sports car, it is ideal as a GT car, allowing you to quickly burn through the miles in comfort. Like other high-performance Audi models, the quattro all-wheel drive system provides confidence-inspiring traction in inclement weather, even with 450 horsepower on tap.

Styling

Updated for 2016, the S7 has a clean and understated design, with a few changes from the regular A7, but without flashy body kits or spoilers; the quad exhaust outlets are probably the easiest way for the layman to tell this car apart from the standard version. The LED headlights and taillights are shared with the A7, though the Matrix LED automatic high-beam technology is not currently available in North America.

Audi’s interiors are usually quite impressive, and the S7 is no different. You get a stylish dash with Fine Grain Ash Natural Brown Wood inlays (with other inlays available), a four zone automatic climate control system, heated Valcona leather seats, MMI touch with handwriting recognition, MMI navigation plus with voice control, and a BOSE Surround Sound System. There is an LCD display between the analog speedometer and tachometer, as well as one on top of the dash. Unique S7 features include the badged three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom sport steering wheel with shift paddles, and stainless steel door sill inlays.

Performance

For this year, power from the twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 has been bumped up from 420 horsepower to 450 horsepower, while torque remains unchanged at 406 lb-ft (if that’s not enough for you, the RS7 is available with even more horsepower). Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Thanks to the combination of power and traction, the run from 0 to 60 miles per hour is dispatched within 4.5 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155 miles per hour. Slowing down the S7’s 4,564 lbs of bulk are large 15.7 inch rotors in the front and 14.0 inch rotors in the rear. Despite the weight and power, fuel economy is rated at a surprisingly decent 17 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

Safety

The Audi S7 is loaded with both passive and active safety systems. The car features an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR), and the full suite of airbags, including front thorax side airbags, knee airbags, sideguard head curtain airbags, and optional rear side airbags.

Also available is the corner view camera system that provides additional vantage points from the car’s front or rear corners, a night vision assistant that uses an infrared camera and thermal-imaging technology to aid visibility in low-light situations, a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, side assist blind spot alert, and active lane assist to help you stay in your lane.

The S7 and its A7 and RS7 siblings have yet to be tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA.

Pricing & Features

The Audi S7 has a starting MSRP of $82,900, which includes such features as heated auto dimming side mirrors, an auto dimming rearview mirror, a power tailgate, an adaptive rear spoiler, and heated windshield washer nozzles.

Performance options include a couple sets of wheels and the S7 sport package, while safety options include the night vision assistant, rear side airbags, and the Driver Assistance plus package. Interior upgrades include the Individual Contour Seating package, a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, a black Alcantara headliner, and a cold weather package. Other options include Black Optic packages and power closing doors.