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The 2017 Audi A7
Even after years of its launch, the 2017 Audi A7 remains a stylish car today. It is a sure head-turner thanks to its unique design. In addition to the looks, the luxury sedan is also an excellent performer on the road and a real pleasure to drive.
Fundamentally based on the Audi A6, the A7 stands out as a sedan aimed towards higher-end customers who do not want to compromise on luxury or performance.
The A7's Style
The A7 was Audi's response to the Mercedes Benz CLS class sedan. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cars for those who love the coupe-style, four-door design. The car seems more like a hatchback, and the curvaceous rear is combined with the elegant and professional front.
Many people find it hard to distinguish the A7 from the A6 if they look at it from the front-door forwards. But the steep slope of the roof towards the rear exhibits a fastback and sleek shape. This design is not only aesthetically appealing but also adds interior and cargo space.
There is a broad range of trims available, and Audi gave many customization options for the 2017 A7. The business-class interior seems to be borrowed from the flagship A8 sedan. There is no compromise in the layout, surfaces, and quality of the materials used. They are all utilized nicely with a pinch of aggression to match the exterior.
The infotainment system comprises a high-resolution LCD screen, which rises out of the dashboard, and a touchpad. The screen in the gauge cluster area can display different features like Google Maps, car settings, and other entertainment settings.
The A7's Performance
There is a reason why most car enthusiasts love the A7; the car is fun to drive. Thanks to its confident and strong engine mounted on a balanced chassis, the A7 is responsive and agile.
All trims come with only one engine, a 3.0-liter, supercharged V6. The powerful engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car produces an impressive 333 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque, which means flooring will give you a sports car-like feeling. The transmission is also smooth and responsive; it matches the shifting of gear smoothly with the engine's power.
Hitting sixty miles per hour from a stop takes the Audi A7 just 5.2 seconds. The vehicle is a hot attraction for those who want lively performance within street legal limits.
The A7's Comfort
The A7 is plenty spacious on the inside. Four people can comfortably enjoy interstate cruises without any issues. But if a third person is added to the back seat, it can get a little tight due to the back seat's low headroom.
The car houses a multiway adjustable driver seat, and the instrument panels are tilted slightly towards the driver. It is evident that this car is oriented to provide more driving experience than just sitting and riding in the back with a chauffeur at the wheel. But overall, the cabin is very soothing and spacious.
The front seats come with multiple adjustments, are well-bolstered, and offer ventilation and heating. The back seat is also well-cushioned and supportive. However, there is a slight compromise in the rear seat passengers' leg and headroom. The scalloping headliner makes some space for tall passengers.
The cargo area of the 2017 Audi A7 is also quite spacious. It offers ample space for luggage for long road trips. If you need to carry something extra-large, the rear seats can be folded down to accommodate larger cargo.
The A7's Safety
There is a bundle of safety features on the 2017 Audi A7. The standard features include multiple airbags:
- Front-impact airbags, which protect the driver and passenger during a frontal collision
- Side impact airbags on both sides keep the occupants safe if the vehicle is impacted from either side
- There are even overhead airbags that keep the passengers and driver protected in case of a side collision or a rollover
- Knee airbags, which protect the lower end of the body from serious injuries
- Many other features come standard on the A7, which include:
- Seatbelt pretensioners tighten the seat belts if they detect an incoming impact or collision.
- Stability Control
- Rear and front parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Anti Lock Brakes with Electronic Force Distribution
- Blindspot monitors
If you find a 2017 Audi A7 with a Driver Assistance Package, you will have access to many other features like:
- Cornering cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic high beams
- Lane-assist with departure warning
- Front collision warning with braking control
There were four recalls for the Audi A7 for the year 2017. The reason for the recall was weak fuel lines, which Audi replaced free of charge.
Due to the high list price and limited production, the A7 has not been crash-tested or rated by NHTSA or IIHS.
The A7's Features
The Audi A7 comes in two trim levels; Premium Plus and Prestige, with Prestige being the more expensive variant. Both trim levels offer an arsenal of features and the option to add even more features.
On the Premium Plus variant, the following features come as standard
- Leather Upholstery
- Four-zone climate control
- Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating. Both seats also offer four-way lumbar support
- Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Keyless entry and ignition
- HD and satellite radio
- 180W, ten-speaker audio system with iPod Connectivity
- Rear and front parking sensors
- Rearview Camera
- Blindspot monitoring system
- Sunroof
- Power tailgate
- LED Headlights
- 19-inch Alloys
The Prestige gets all the features on the Premium Plus, but the seats are replaced with perforated leather, ventilated ones. It also has a 14-speaker, 630W audio system from BOSE, and a Heads-Up Display.
Audi's signature Multimedia Interface (MMI) system also comes standard across all variants of the A7. MMI has become a reliable infotainment interface across many Audi vehicles over the years. It houses several features like Google maps, Bluetooth connectivity, and powerful internet connectivity. The system also has 4G LTE connectivity, connecting up to eight devices.
Among other features of the MMI are nearby gas stations price updates, real-time weather, Local Google Search, real-time traffic updates, and voice input. The system works well with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to improve smartphone integration. The myAudi Destination system allows you to save up to fifty destinations online and access them via Google Maps.
Audi can install a Driver Assistance Package on the Audi A7, which adds features like automatic high beams, corner cameras, adaptive cruise control, which can follow the car in front, collision warning with braking, and lane assist.
Other options include a wireless charging pad, LED ambient lighting, and a rear seat entertainment system that uses two tablet PCs.
The A7's Fuel Economy
The aerodynamics of this car plays a vital role in fuel economy. Even with a large body, and a big 3.0-liter V6, the A7 does reasonably well when it comes to fuel economy.
The car receives EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg for combined driving.
The technology incorporated in the engine and eight-speed transmission is also responsible for Audi A7's fuel economy. The engine runs at low rpm, even at highway speeds. The transmission allows smooth shifting between a wide range of gears, making the car fuel-efficient.
Reliability of 2017 Audi A7
2017 is one of the advanced models of the first generation of the A7, which was launched in 2012. Audi had ironed out many wrinkles by 2017, and therefore the year is considered to be the best choice for those looking to buy the Audi A7.
The vehicle has received an overall rating of 82/100 from J.D Power, verified by car owners. The car received 85/100 for reliability and quality. This score is measured by identifying the potential flaws, malfunctions, and defects. It covers everything on the entire vehicle ranging from the infotainment system to the engine.
As for the driving experience, the 2017 Audi A7 received a score of 88/100. This score measured the vehicle's performance, functionality, comfort, and safety.
The car, however, did not fare well with resale value. For pre-owned vehicle buyers, this is good news because it means that the vehicle can be found at a much lower than factory price.
Price Range of 2017 Audi A7
The prices of a pre-owned 2017 Audi A7 range between $49,000 and $64,000 depending on the vehicle's optional features, mileage, and condition. The average price of the car is around $58,000.
Running Costs of 2017 Audi A7
The estimated cost of owning and running a 2017 Audi A7 is around $7,0000 per year. This includes estimated costs of gas, repairs, maintenance, and insurance. It is definitely more expensive than regular midsize cars, but the amount is justified given the features and luxuries it provides.
If you compare it with any competitor vehicles, you will find that the running costs of the A7 are somewhat similar to what the competition offers for cars of the same class.
Dimensions of the 2017 Audi A7
Thanks to its unique aerodynamic shape, the A7 has a lot of cargo space; in fact, it is the biggest in its class. The hatchback raises to open a space of around 24.5 cubic feet. This space can be expanded by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats.
The 2017 Audi A7 is 16.3 feet long and has a curb weight ranging between 4,245 and 4,500 pounds, depending on the optional features installed.
Audi's Pre-Owned Warranty
Audi offers a certified program for any Audi car less than five years old and has fewer than sixty thousand miles on the odometer. Audi buys qualifying vehicles and sells them under a five-year warranty from the original in-service date with this program. Once the four-year warranty has expired, Audi's used cars can be bought under a one-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
For any car to qualify Audi's pre-owned warranty program, it must pass a detailed inspection test, comprising over 300 points. Therefore, if you can find a 2017 Audi A7 that is still covered by the Pre-Owned program, you can be sure that the car will give you peace of mind and reliability, just like a new car. It is always a good idea to search for vehicles that come with a manufacturer's warranty to ensure you get the best value for your hard-earned money.
About The Author
Matt Meurer
Matt is a VW Master Technician since 2009 after proceeding through the ranks as a Team Leader and Shop Foreman. He has developed software to increase car dealership efficiency, managed 10+ techs, and instructed students at multiple high-performance driving events since 2011. He is also the lead mechanic, engineer, and driver for Blue Goose Racing.
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