Audi is known for making cars that fit every single market segment, starting with the small and relatively affordable Audi A1 to the behemoth moving wall known as the Audi A8L. Every other car in between falls into a specific market segment, and fortunately for us gearheads, Audi makes performance versions of all of their models. This time I was excited to test the new Audi S7, which is the performance version of Audi A7 Sportback. This car is meant to fill the gap that lies between premium sedans such as the Audi A6 and full-sized luxury sedans like the A8. Let’s take a look at how it fared:

Style

Audi S7 Exterior

There are very subtle changes Audi has made to the S7’s exterior to differentiate it from the A7. The main ones include:

Dual exhaust tips on either side of the S7’s rear end.
“S7” badges found in the front grille, tailgate, and steering wheel.

The S7 has an expressively angry looking front end with a silver line going through the air intakes and an extra lip under the grille, providing an additional 30 kilos of downforce. This, along with the perfect curve in the headlights, makes it one of the most gorgeous front ends in the sportback segment. The S7’s side view gives off a different vibe than the front, where the roof swoops down to the tail, providing a somewhat bloated look that is still amazing! The S7’s rear end is the most impressive, thanks to the automatically rising spoiler. You can imagine this car driving past you on the highway, with the rear spoiler rising up, signaling it means business.

Interior

Audi S7 Interior

The interior of the 2014 Audi S7 is identical to the Audi A6 interior, featuring:

An automatically rising screen in the dashboard.
Controls located in the central console behind the gear.

The Audi S7 differentiates itself with sportier seats that are racing seat-inspired, complemented by fabulous off-white leather seats with red cross-stitching. When it comes to comfort, the S7 excels in several areas:

Good legroom for the driver and passenger, though backseat space is limited.
Excellent headroom in the front, but inadequate for rear passengers.

Despite the added headroom bubble by Audi, rear space remains tight, especially for taller individuals, which is expected given the car's sloped roof design.

Audi S7 Interior Features

Technology

My favorite feature in the Audi S7 is the head-up display, which can be height adjusted and brightness modified. This feature displays not only the speed but also navigation information in full color, making it much easier than constantly looking at the main screen. The S7 also includes:

Elegant blind spot indicators.
A flawless navigation system that recognizes destinations quickly.
A user-friendly MMI touchpad input system for easy destination entry.

For driving dynamics, the S7 offers multiple modes: economy, comfort, dynamic, and individual. The individual setup can be modified to suit the driver's preferences, allowing adjustments to performance, air suspension, car sound, and steering softness. Audi’s steering in general is very soft on their newer models, and the same can be said about the S7.

Drive Performance

And now to the best part! The Audi S7 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 440 horsepower and a torque figure of 550 Nm. This engine is connected to a seven-speed automatic S-Tronic (DSG) dual-clutch gearbox, allowing the S7 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, despite its weight of over 1.9 tons. When flooring it, the S7 can leave you wondering, “What just happened?” In a friendly competition with a Porsche Cayman S, which weighs 600 kg less, the S7 outran the Cayman on both runs, highlighting its incredible capabilities.

Handling and Fuel Consumption

In the handling department, the S7 excels, thanks to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Taking the A7 into a corner at seemingly insane speeds, the S7 hugs the road and sticks firmly to the ground. While some oversteering is present, it is considerably less than other cars. The S7’s engine produces a deep-throated gurgle that is heard inside the cabin during acceleration, although it is less audible outside. Fuel efficiency may not be the S7's strong suit, as expected from a V8. My experience yielded:

Highway consumption: 9.7 L/100KM
City consumption: 17.5 L/100KM

This was while driving with a bit of enthusiasm.

Suspension

As the performance model of the A7, the S7 features a sport-tuned suspension that is relatively firm, making small bumps noticeable. However, it comes equipped with adjustable air suspension, allowing the driver to raise or lower the car as needed. This feature enhances comfort, as the suspension softens when raised. The adjustment is smooth, making it nearly imperceptible from the inside, though externally the ride height change is clear. With its phenomenal torque, the S7 allows for smooth acceleration from a standstill without any jerking, making it enjoyable for relaxed drives.

Verdict

The S7 that we tested had a price tag of 370,000 AED, which I consider a fair price for the car you get. It offers all the gadgets you need and enough power to dominate the streets! However, I must warn that the S7 is incredibly seductive and tempting to speed in; you’ll constantly feel the urge to floor the pedal and fly past every car on the street, which is easily achievable in the A7. Therefore, if you have a heavy right foot, it might be best to avoid the S7 to avoid accumulating multiple speeding fines!

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