2012 Audi A7

The 2012 Audi A7 is an all-new model. It’s being touted by Audi as the next step in the evolution of the automobile, being a sedan that looks like a coupe with the functionality of a wagon thanks to its fastback fifth door. But it’s more like the evolution of the 2007 Audi A5 Sportback. Actually, Mercedes first presented the style with the 2004 CLS, which for 2012 will enter its second generation already.

The 2012 Audi A7 is a new competitor of the Jaguar XF or Porsche Panamera, as those three cars are the same wheelbase and overall length, within one inch. The Mercedes CLS, making it four strong luxury performance coupe sedans, is a couple inches smaller.

Other fastback four-doors are the bulkier Acura ZDX, although it’s considered more of a crossover sedan; and the reviled new BMW 5 Series GT. Neither 2012 Audi A7 have been very successful for reasons having to do with looks and function.

With its cargo area and access, the 2012 Audi A7 stretches between the Jaguar, Porsche and Mercedes, and the ZDX. Audi apparently believes it’s not the big cargo concept that doesn’t work, it’s the execution, and that they can do it better. Success is a matter of styling and choice of compromises among sleekness, power, price, and functionality.

Based on the A6, the gorgeous 2012 Audi A7 is a rolling technology showcase, featuring, among many other items, a direct-injected, supercharged V-6; Google Maps integration; and a touch pad on which you can write infotainment and nav inputs with your fingertip. Oh, and it drives sweetly, too.

2012 Audi A7 Interior

The 2012 Audi A7 interior of our test car came in Velvet Beige, a medium tan. An eye-catching wood trim resembling the wooden floor of an NBA court is available, but alas, not on our test car. The MMI-operated LCD screen that slides out above the air vents on the center console is crisp, as is the display mounted between the tachometer and speedometer. The rear passenger area is roomy but seats only two; a hard plastic piece with two built-in storage bins prevents the 2012 Audi A7 from seating a fifth person—an odd choice considering the 2012 Audi A7 likely demographic. The LED lighting accents on the door panels, sills and center console (courtesy of the Prestige Package) are a nice touch, and the materials, fit and finish meet or exceed the levels of other luxury makes. Besides the 4-passenger limitation, my only complaint lies in the hatch.

On lumpy two-lane roads, the 2012 Audi A7 delivered a ride of near-glassy smoothness, rather remarkable given its high-fashion twenty-inch wheels with their low-sidewall 35-series tires. Pushing fast through the curves as I hustled to make the first race post time, the 2012 Audi A7 was an eager and adept companion. The supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 is the only engine offered. (It also powers the A6, although the base 2012 A6 will get Audi’s 2.0T turbo four.) If the New York State Thruway were an unlimited-speed autobahn — Governor Cuomo, are you listening? — the supercharged six might have come into its own, as it can power the 2012 Audi A7 to 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds.