The Audi A7->ke1687 is one of the latest models added to Audi->ke14's lineup. It was previewed by the Sportback concept in 2009, with the production version that arrived in 2010. The top version - S7 - was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show and put on sale in early 2012.

Audi decided to add a four-door coupe to its lineup after seeing the success of the Mercedes CLS-Class->ke539. Shortly after, Porsche added the Panamera and then just recently, BMW served up the all-new 6 Series->ke320 Gran Coupe for more discerning buyers.

As it is still too soon to talk about any possible updates, the S7->ke3481 continues to remain unchanged for the 2014 model year, with the only new addition being an available Black Optic and bicolor package that features a black optic grille with high-gloss Single-frame surround and gloss-black window surround.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Audi S7.

2014 Audi S7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi S7
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 420 @ 5500
  • Torque: 406 @ 1400
  • Transmission: seven-speed S tronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Audi S7 is in a segment that requires its models to be both sporty and elegant, so it combines design elements we have seen in the standard A7 with the usual S elements. These elements include: a new bespoke front grille; a redesigned front bumper; new side sills; a new rear bumper that can fit both a diffuser; and quad tail pipes. There is also a rear spoiler that extends at high speeds to improve stability.

Just like with the A7, its sporty counterpart is being defined by three lines: a dynamic line that runs from the grille along the air inlets and side sills to the rear; a tornado shoulder line for an athletic appearance; and the roofline that accentuates the low, sweeping profile of the S7.

Customers can choose between 11 exterior colors: Ibis White, Brilliant Black, Ice Silver, Oolong Gray, Moonlight Blue, Phantom Black, Glacier White, Havanna Black, Quartz Gray, Dakota Gray, Estoril Blue and Garnet Red.

Dimensions:

Wheelbase (in)

114.7 (2914 mm)

Length (in)

195.6 (4969 mm)

Height (in)

55.9 (1420 mm)

Width (in) w/ mirrors

84.2 (2139 mm)

Track front / rear (in)

64.7/64.4 (1644/1635 mm)

Curb weight (lb)

4,508 (2045 kg)

Weight distribution (lb)

2,480/2,028 (1125/920 kg) 55% front/45% rear

Ground clearance (loaded) (in)

4.4 (111.8 mm)

Drag coefficient

0.30


Standard features

-Audi Singleframe grille

-Adaptive xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running light technology

-Automatic headlights

-LED taillight technology and rear fog lights

-Power-adjustable, auto-dimming, heated exterior side mirrors with memory

-Quad exhaust outlets

-Power tailgate open/close

-Adaptive rear spoiler

-LED indicator light technology integrated into the exterior side mirrors

-Heated windshield washer nozzles

-Audi S exterior appearance (Platinum Gray Matte Audi Singleframe grille, unique front/rear fascia and side sills, Aluminum-optic front/rear blade fins and exterior side mirror housings)

Interior

Just like with any other S model, the 2014 S7 combines luxury with elegance and a sporty feeling. To differentiate it from a base A7, the new S7 is equipped with new sport seats dressed in Valcona leather in a cross-stitch pattern, a new three-spoke steering wheel and aluminum shift paddles, as well as an S7 specific instrument cluster. There are also numerous “S7” badges placed on the seats, steering wheel and the illuminated door sills.

Everything else remains pretty much identical to the A7 and includes a sophisticated design of the dashboard and controls, genuine wood inlays, brushed aluminum trims and Alcantara.

For the S7, customers can choose between two different colors for the sports seats: Black and Lunar Silver, while the standard inlays are offered in Fine Grain Natural Ash Wood.

Dimensions:

Headroom sunshade (front/rear) (in)

36.9/36.6 (937/929 mm)

Legroom (front/rear) (in)

41.3/37.0 (1049/939 mm)

Shoulder room (front/rear) (in)

57.2/55.9 (1452/1419 mm)

Luggage capacity (cu ft)

24.5

Seating capacity

4


Standard features

-Four-zone automatic climate control

-Three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles

-Decorative interior inlays

-Sunroof

- Valcona leather seats with sport stitched-diamond look

-Heated twelve-way power sport front seats, including fourway power lumbar adjustment

-Audi MMI Navigation plus with voice control system3

-Audi MMI touch with handwriting-recognition technology

-BOSE sound system with 14 speakers, AudioPilot® noise compensation and 630 watts

-Audi music interface with iPod® integration

-BLUETOOTH wireless technology preparation for mobile phone

-Audi advanced key—keyless start, stop and entry

Engine

Under the hood, the 2014 S7 keeps the usual 4.0-liter TFSI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The S7 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

The engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels via Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine type

V-8 Engine

Arrangement

Front mounted- longitudinal

Bore (in)

3.33 (84.5 mm)

Stroke (in)

3.50 (89 mm)

Displacement (cu in)

243.7 (3993 cc)

Compression ratio

10.1:1

Horsepower @ rpm

420 @ 5500-6400 (309 kw)

Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)

406 @ 1400-5200 (550 nm)

Induction / Fuel injection

Turbocharged / TFSI

Acceleration (0-60 mph)

4.5 seconds

Top track speed (electronically limited)

155 (250 km/h)


Suspensions and brakes

The S7 comes equipped with a standard sport air suspension with variable damping that lowers the car's ride by 10 mm (0.39 inches) for improved handling at increased speeds. Audi is also offering a high-performance braking system that features internally ventilated front and rear disc brakes with matte-black calipers and S7 logos.

As standard feature, the S7 will come with 19-inch cast aluminum wheels in a five parallel-spoke design, while 20-inch parallel-spoke "Star" design wheels are offered as an option.

The S7 comes with a drive select system with four driving settings: Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual. Depending on these settings, the driver can adjust several key systems to accommodate various driving conditions and preferences.

Prices

The 2014 Audi S7 carries a base price of $80,200.

Competitors

2013 Mercedes CLS-Class

The new-generation CLS-Class was unveiled in the 2012 model year and displayed a new exterior design language, an updated interior and a choice of four petrol and diesel engines. For the U.S. market, Mercedes only offers the CLS550, which is powered by a 4.6-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 engine that delivers a total of 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a 4MATIC model is available as an option. The CLS550 hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and starts out at $72,100.

2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

For the U.S. market, the 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered in two versions: a 640i powered by a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. There is also a 650i model equipped with a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 445 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. Both models feature BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system as an option.

The 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i and 650i xDrive hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, 5.2 seconds, 4.5 seconds and 4.3 seconds, respectively. The models start at $77,100, $80,100, $88,400 and $91,400, respectively.

Conclusion

The S7 is the perfect car for customers interested in buying a luxury sports sedan. It combines a great look with the right amount of power, making it just perfect for that wild part of you.