Audi says the A7 combines the functionality of a sedan with the look of a coupe and the space of a wagon. Before driving the car, we thought Audi was making a mistake by not offering a V-8. However, we found the supercharged V-6 to offer ample power and peppy performance. The 3.0-liter engine offers a maximum of 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and is connected to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Like other Audis we have tested, performance is better than the engine stats imply. Audi quotes a zero-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds, which confirms our in-seat impressions. Despite Audi’s trademark (literally) Quattro all-wheel-drive system being standard, the A7 keeps its weight low thanks to aluminum and other lightweight materials. Audi says a number of mechanical components and more than 20 percent of the A7’s body panels are made of aluminum.



Speaking of body panels, the A7 is eye-catching. It features short overhangs, a long wheelbase, and a sloping rear roofline. Audi added other design elements to better accentuate the coupe-like roof taper, including frameless door windows and side mirrors mounted on the front doors. Out back is an integrated spoiler that can be adjusted manually at the touch of a button; otherwise, it automatically extends at 80 mph and retracts at 50 mph. The Audi A7 boasts of a 0.30 coefficient of drag, which aids fuel economy and reduces wind noise.

Follow the jump for the entire 2012 Audi A7 review.

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