Looking at the USA page it seems that we get most of the options available elsewhere except the air suspension. I wonder why.

Looking at the USA page it seems that we get most of the options available elsewhere except the air suspension. I wonder why.

That is interesting considering that in reading the detailed spec on 2012 A6 on AoA the Air Suspension will be an option at launch

Looking at the USA page it seems that we get most of the options available elsewhere except the air suspension. I wonder why.

Take look at the Audi UK website and see what's REALLY missing from the US website. Not only is the air suspension missing but the "comfort seats" (adjusted via the MMI---same as in the A8/A8L) and the dual-pane security glazing for side windows is not available amongst other items.

I was seriously considering ordering an A7 but will likely stay in my 2008 A8L until more options are available, probably in a year or two. Not sure why Audi feels the U.S. doesn't "deserve" to pick from the full option list. It makes no sense since we have access to what's available via the web.

Take look at the Audi UK website and see what's REALLY missing from the US website. Not only is the air suspension missing but the "comfort seats" (adjusted via the MMI---same as in the A8/A8L) and the dual-pane security glazing for side windows is not available amongst other items.

I was seriously considering ordering an A7 but will likely stay in my 2008 A8L until more options are available, probably in a year or two. Not sure why Audi feels the U.S. doesn't "deserve" to pick from the full option list. It makes no sense since we have access to what's available via the web.

Is it a case that AoA try to group multiple options together to make it more affordable which in turn limits the list of individual options?

Is it a case that AoA try to group multiple options together to make it more affordable which in turn limits the list of individual options?

If you think about it, why would AoA or Audi in general limit the U.S. market (not the smallest car market around) to option availability if, in fact, they want to grow in this market at the accelerated rate they keep talking about? Seems they'd want to really go out of their way to cater to this market rather than limit it.

Also, at this price level, how does "more affordable" really fit in the argument? From Audi's side, they probably want to produce groups of vehicles with similar packages on them and yet, if it were completely about efficiency, there wouldn't be any other stand-alone options, just 3 packages with some wheel choices. How is it that the U.K "deserves" to have access to all options and one can order their new A7 with exactly what they want on it?

It's one thing to not make entire models available here in the U.S. for various, sometimes justifiable reasons but why choke the market potential of this vehicle by coming out with such limitations at introduction? Knowing about the other desirable options means waiting another year to two to order the exact car (assuming the options eventually become available) OR simply leaving the brand.

I'd really like someone from Audi to explain their thinking here.

Take look at the Audi UK website and see what's REALLY missing from the US website. Not only is the air suspension missing but the "comfort seats" (adjusted via the MMI---same as in the A8/A8L) and the dual-pane security glazing for side windows is not available amongst other items.


It also looks like the US version will not have the automatic parallel parking feature. I know many think that it’s just a gimmick, but I recently used it in a new Lincoln MKT and it worked amazingly well.

Based on the options and where the 2012 A6 is coming in with all its tech/safety goodies I really think AoA is positioning the A7 at something slightly above the A6 rather then being close to the A8.

Yesterday the Wife and I went to the Chicago Autoshow and when looking at the A7 next to the 2012 A6 the interiors are very similar. The A8 is on a whole other level from an interior POV.

I think AoA is being cautious about the US market with the new entry. Traditionally luxury hatchbacks haven't be well received by the US and same goes for luxury station wagons (ie: Estates). If the A7 is well received they will probably move up market closer to the A8, but for now its a bit of testing the waters.

Pricing will tell all once we see it. The Audi rep at the show said deliveries will start in April, but no pricing details.

BTW... If you haven't seen the A7 in person you should. Although I've read a lot about the car and watched all the videos, seeing the car in person changed my mind. I was on the fence with the A7, but in person the car is really low to the ground and has quite a presence. All the talk about the Merc CLS being the comparable was lost on me. To me the car looks more like the Jaguar XJ with the long sloping C-pillar.

It also looks like the US version will not have the automatic parallel parking feature. I know many think that it’s just a gimmick, but I recently used it in a new Lincoln MKT and it worked amazingly well.

The other things I noticed that havent been mentioned is the Euro 7 speed S-tronic Transmission (DSG), vs the US 8 speed Tiptronic, power doors (where they close the last couple of millimeters on their own) and once again, it appears that we get manually folding mirrors where the rest of the world has power folding mirrors.

List so far:

S-Tronic Tranny
Air Suspension
3.0 TDI
2.8 FSI
Various Insulated glass options
Power folding mirrors
Power doors

I'm having trouble seeing a difference in the seats from what I can tell.

None a real deal breaker -

Wonder what the S7 will add - The engine at 450 bhp, (vs 410 - which is what ABT, and I'm sure Stasis eventually will be delivering via software mod..) I'd be happy with 410, but I guess a lot comes down to the package.

There are 3 different seats available in Europe:

1. Standard seat with normal power adjustments and lumbar support bladder.
2. Sport seat for the S-Line upgrade which adds ventilation (via perforated leather).
3. Comfort seat which includes the standard seat adjustments plus a number of other features such as adjustable thigh support (extends the front section of the seat area) and several massage functions controlled via the MMI.

Still can't really figure out why Audi would limit the U.S. market to specific trim levels with so little available stand-alone options.

If you go to the Audi UK website and "build your own" A7, you'll really see all of the options Audi offers.

It all comes down to cost, in the UK the A7 will cost 40-50% more than in the US so they can afford to order cars a la carte. Here it's prepackaged for wholesale pricing.