Treacherous Test Conditions Bring out the Best in Audi’s Slick and Sophisticated new A7 55 TFSI quattro
Plenty Chassis for A7 55 TFSI V6’s 335 hp and 369 lb-ft
The A7’s driver-selectable ride profiles also deliver a more pronounced difference between comfort and sportiness versus the previous model. Still, I like to switch it all off and go bareback. Quattro drive really is enough. Especially so in this turbo 3-liter V6 with just 335 hp and 369 lb-ft on tap. ‘Just’ compared to its S and RS kin, that is.
That’s no slur on the V6 — it gets on better than well enough, sounds great and performs most impressively too. Especially considering the A7’s relative bulk. Beyond the pass and back in the dry, I pushed on through the orchard spring blossoms so brilliant in the first light.
Talking about light, this A7’s HD Matrix-design LED headlamps are an absolute treat. Simply leave then on bright and the car will blotch out any oncoming cars. Or those you come up to from behind. Truly fascinating to observe in motion too.
I reveled in the 55 TFSI’s impressive turbo V6 grunt and a pleasant, if distant, gruff soundtrack as I progressed. There’s also the faintest evidence of a mechanical rote from the driveline, which I really enjoyed. Had to turn the splendid 705 watt 16-speaker 15-channel amp Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System off to appreciate that though.
Audi proposes that the turbocharged direct petrol injection variable lift and timed 24-valve DOHC all-aluminum V6 is good for 5.2 seconds to 60 mph, 130 mph flat out and that it will return a pretty reasonable 24 mpg too.
Test-Proven A7 TFSI 55 Data
My fuel use won’t be relevant, but our road test the following day revealed a true 5.16 second 0-60 mph time. The A7 also got to 40 mph in 2.72 seconds, 75 mph in 7.17, 100 mph in 11.80 and to 120 mph in 18.42 seconds on our run. It did the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 172 mph, pulled from 50 to 75 mph in 3.32 and from 75 to 100 mph in 4.82 seconds.
The flowing roads out there and, later, onto the N2 also allowed time to experiment with the A7’s new coasting mode. That thanks to the 3-liter turbo V6 now benefiting the boost of a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It’s slotted in between the engine and the seamless seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. One of its tricks is the ability to shut down the combustion engine when cruising at elevated speeds.
The e-motor can sustain the car’s momentum while freewheeling. It’s a most impressive feature and highly useful as a range extender too. The primary electrical system mild hybrid uses a belt alternator starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery. it recuperates brake energy and can also harvest electrical energy at 12 kW, at speeds between 35 and 100 mph.
The A7 rides beautifully, although the super low-profile rubber on our car did telegraph some jarring on some tortured and broken road surfaces. Besides that, and the subtle but delightful mechanical whisper I refer to above, it’s whisper quiet and solid on the road.
