muski

I, too, traded an A5 3.2 S-line w/19" wheels (2008) for an A7 w/20" sports package. I find the A7 to be a far superior ride than the A5. Not only is it more comfortable it's much faster. I drove a twisty rode yesterday in my A7 at 10mph faster than my A5 -- it was effortless.

The only thing I'd love to try is an A7 with adaptive air suspension. We have it on my wife's Q7 and it's incredible. As one reviewer put it, the Q7 with AAS on a twisty road is like an elephant dancing in ballet shoes.

cbb09

I am not sure if my tires are any different than others that have commented on this post, but the tire noise of the 20" with the Yokohamas on not perfectly even and smooth roads is definitely noticeable and, at least for my ears, quite annoying. I come from a 2008 TT with the 18" and while the suspension was harder, there was no tire noise at all. I drive about 50 miles daily on NJ highways, which admittedly have some stretches that would be considered bad in Pakistan (I have been there and now what I am talking about).

Not only is the tire noise annoying, but even little bumps cause the interior to crackle here and there as well. It just doesn't feel like a $75k car. I am coming up on my first service and will tell them about the crackling - not sure what they can do though.

Right now, I am trying to find someone who would switch his 19" for my 20". I can only recommend to test drive both, the 19" and 20" over various types of road, especially concrete.

JerryS4

I have had my A7 now for three days and had also taken two new A7s for 24 hour test demos, so I have a pretty good feel for the ride now. I have the 20" wheels with the normal USA spring suspension.

If you want maximum comfort and pillowy ride, do not get the 20" wheels. They are a bit noisy, bumpy and skittish over uneven roads. I do like them, however, and it was the ride I wanted...something like the S6 and other sporty 4 door sedans. It is more closely connected to the road and the 20" wheels (265/35R20) are gorgeous! As Fernando said: "I'd rather look good than feel good." Compared to the A5 w/19" that I just had, the A7 rides better and is way more fun to drive. (The A8's 20" wheels use 40 series rubber so it is a softer ride.)

The A7 is just a magical car that is beautiful, fun, practical and fast. I am amazed how well it accelerates anytime from a stop, or from 50 MPH or from 75 MPH...it just moves fast and acts like a V8 sports car. The eight speed tranny is fabulous and reminds me why I know that the Germans are the machinery kings of the world. The engine's torque is there from green lights, to turning or flying on the highways! The car is just plain fun. It is not an exotic and it will not take corners at insane speeds but it comes pretty close for a two ton business beauty.

aquarian

What do you have on your Audi Drive Select everyday?

JerryS4

I have dynamic engine/throttle & automatic steering on my Drive Select. I also always drive in the "S" mode (from Drive, flick down) as it is way more responsive and the revs are a bit higher for more power. With my wife in the car, "D"rive is just fine.

voyageur

I want to say thanks for this analysis. It is very helpful and good of you to share.
Gord

aris4n

Did I read this correctly? are we able to order the A7 with a manual transmission in the United States?

Ohji

I wish!! No manual transmission for the US (or any market, I believe). I was referring to the fact that I ordered my previous car (Acura TL) with a 6-speed manual.