Audi NA held a special viewing with a test drive of the new 2012 A6 and A7's today here in Dallas. The event was to the 9's. Inside they had plenty of helpful staff and assistants to answer your questions, serve you refreshments, and hors d'oeuvres. They had 1 A8, 3 A6's and A7's inside the W Loft, as well as about 4 A6's and 7 A7's outside to test drive.

I began by going on the test drive. In total, it lasted about 10 minutes which incorporated both highway and street driving. The car drove very sturdy and very smooth. The handling is responsive as well as the acceleration and braking. In essence, it's a hybrid between the A6 and A8 with regards to ride and performance. The visibility inside looking out was good, however the new outside "convex" style mirrors were a bit unfamiliar and would take some getting use to.

The A7 I drove is actually a European delivery car, so it had the operable SIM function operating through the MMI. It will be included on the new A7 and A8 models, as well as all models for 2013. There was a 15 minute presentation regarding the new MMI and SIM card functions and abilities. Audi will be giving new buyers a 6 month free subscription through T-Mobile (perhaps soon to be AT&T). It allows up to 8 users to access the internet through its hot spot (password protected). Google maps, news, online services and weather were operating functions that were amazing.

The trunk room is "minimal" but acceptable. The head room in the back seats is tight. I am 6'2" and my head was rubbing. The leg room was about the same as the A6. I set the drivers seat to where I would drive the car and I got in the back seat. My knees were rubbing on the seat back in front of me. I did the same in the A8 they had there and I had more room in the back and of course my head didn't rub on the roof. The A8L I have demo'd before had none of these issues of course.


All in all, it's a smooth vehicle. I like the lines and the car definitely grows on you. Attached are some pics. I realize that some are blurry. Blame it on my gayPhone.
In addition to the cars they had at this event, they are anticipating the S7 and S8 for 2013, as well as the TDI available for all models (using the current Q7 TDI engine). The word is the S7 and S8 will have the TT engines producing some serious HP.

BTW, dealers should be receiving the A7's any day now to be demo'd.

More pics...

I am looking at both for my next ride. Interesting point about the trunk being small. I will need to transport 3-4 adults on occasion with luggage so the A6 might be better?
I am surprised how nice the lines on the A7 are in person and look forward to my test ride next week when I get some time. I looks sleek like a larger A5.
Comments by some that the 2012 A6 is like a bigger S4 have me salivating as well. Choices, choices ......

I am looking at both for my next ride. Interesting point about the trunk being small. I will need to transport 3-4 adults on occasion with luggage so the A6 might be better?
I am surprised how nice the lines on the A7 are in person and look forward to my test ride next week when I get some time. I looks sleek like a larger A5.
Comments by some that the 2012 A6 is like a bigger S4 have me salivating as well. Choices, choices ......

I saw both the A6 and the A7 at an auto show. The trunk sizes are similar, however, the A7 trunk is more convenient as it is higher up and due to the way the hatchback door opens. It will definitely be less strain on your lower back pulling out the suitcases.

As for the drive, I think the 2 cars will be more similar than different. The A7 feels very sporty, with "bmw like" road feel, and the steering is very precise. I have not driven the new A6, but I have driven the current A6, BMW 5 series, BMW X6, Mercedes cls, and Infiniti M37x. The A7 fits right into this class of cars - not into a bigger, more luxurious class, and IMO only those who frequently drive both the A6 and the A7 will notice the difference. (I also drove the S4 and BMW 3 series, but they are smaller and more nimble, IMO, and the differences are more noticeable between the entry and mid-luxury classes.)


Of course, the looks of the A7 are unbeatable. If you are into design, it is one of the best looking cars on the street.

I saw the A7 at an auto show as well, and must say it looks damn good in person. In pictures the back looked strange, but in person everything works.

I saw the A7 at an auto show as well, and must say it looks damn good in person. In pictures the back looked strange, but in person everything works.

Yes, the metallic paint in person definitely helps show off the sculpted beauty. The car will definitely turn heads, if that is what potential owners are after. And that uniqueness is probably why there is a price premium.

A few comments:

1. The convex mirrors were the Euro spec version where only the outer edge (about 1/2 an inch) is convex - I wish they would bring those to the US.

2. I went to the same event - very nice - one thing I played with was the night vision on the A7 inside - it worked well.

3. I actually prefer the headlight design of the A6 over the A7 - I think the fluid LED looks much better than the dotted design of the current LED DRL.

4. I love how the rear end of the A7 is cantered inwards like a Lamborghini.

5. Since I'm more "practical" I would probably get the A6 over the A7.

A few comments:

1. The convex mirrors were the Euro spec version where only the outer edge (about 1/2 an inch) is convex - I wish they would bring those to the US.

2. I went to the same event - very nice - one thing I played with was the night vision on the A7 inside - it worked well.

3. I actually prefer the headlight design of the A6 over the A7 - I think the fluid LED looks much better than the dotted design of the current LED DRL.

4. I love how the rear end of the A7 is cantered inwards like a Lamborghini.

5. Since I'm more "practical" I would probably get the A6 over the A7.


Agree 100%

In addition to the cars they had at this event, they are anticipating the S7 and S8 for 2013, as well as the TDI available for all models (using the current Q7 TDI engine). The word is the S7 and S8 will have the TT engines producing some serious HP.

I know some will tell you that officially it states the S6/7 will only get 415ps (408hp) according to the ETKA leak from of Russian friends but I'm hearding that they will have much more than that, closer to 440-450ps in fact and when you consider that every engine fitted in the new C7 is producing more power than the model it replaces it's logical to believe the same to be true for the S6 as well.