2016 Audi S7: Luxury Fastback Sets the Pace for Styling and Performance [Review]

2016 Audi S7

Updated for 2016 with more power, technical improvements, and subtle exterior and interior design tweaks, the Audi S7 was one of the best sedans that made Car and Driver’s 10Best list in 2013 when it cost less than $80,000. Now the price tag for this sleek performer starts at $82,900 but it is still worth the price of admission.

The 2016 S7 model gains 30 horsepower for a sum total of 450 from its 4.0-liter turbocharged V8. Power is sent through a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission to Audi’s indomitable quattro all-wheel drive system. The available sport differential gets revised software algorithms that make for sharper levels of responsiveness and better handling.

2016 Audi S7 instrument pod

Technical improvements cover updates to Audi’s MMI infotainment and telematics system. New additions include 4G LTE connectivity, Apple Siri Eyes-Free integration, INRIX online traffic info, and Internet radio streaming.

LED headlights integrated with into a Singleframe® grille lead off the styling upgrades to the front fascia. At the back is a new design that features LED taillights, a new rear bumper, and sport exhaust system with black trapezoidal tailpipes.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this ferocious beauty is $82,900. Price as tested, which includes optional S7 sport package, 21-inch black optic wheels and high-performance tires, Audi design selection, driver assistance package, Daytona Grey paint with pearl effect, and destination charges total for a grand price of $95,525.

Driving the S7 is a pure joy and erases all thought of the extravagant price tag. When the road opens up, the driver is taken aback by the near-instant on-demand torque and the seemingly endless rise of power. Encased comfortably in a hushed interior, passengers are barely aware of the actual rate of speed.

2016 Audi S7 interior

There is an underlying firmness that one should expect of a high-performance sedan, but with the suspension set to “comfort” mode there is a luxurious compliance. Switch the suspension to “dynamic” mode and the S7 can be hustled at speed down a twisting ribbon of road with confidence. Traction is excellent with help from the 275/30-21 summer tires, quattro sport rear differential, and quattro AWD system all working harmoniously.

Similar four-door luxury coupes with reputations for athleticism, refinement, and technological prowess include the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 4MATIC, Porsche Panamera Turbo/Turbo S, Tesla Model S P85D, and Cadillac XTS V-Sport.

  Audi S7 quattro BMW M6 Gran Coupe Cadillac XTS V-Sport Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 4MATIC Panamera Turbo/Turbo S
MSRP $82,900 $117,200 $73,320 $108,725 $180,300
Engine 4.0L turbo V8 4.4L TwinPower turbo V8 3.6L twin-turbo V6

5.5L V8 biturbo

4.8L twin turbo V8
Power 450 hp @ 5800 rpm 560 hp @ 6000 rpm 410 hp @ 6000 rpm 557 hp @ 5500 rpm 570 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 406 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm 502 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm 369 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm 531 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm 553 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
Transmission 7-speed S tronic 7-speed auto 6-speed auto 7-speed auto 7-speed PDK
Drivetrain layout AWD RWD AWD AWD AWD
Curb weight 4,564 lbs 4,430 lbs 4,437 lbs 4,287 lbs 4,398 lbs

 
2016 Audi S7 4.0T quattro S tronic Specs:

MSRP $82,900
Price as tested $95,200
Engine 4.0L TFSI V8
Power (hp) 450 @ 5800-6400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 406 @ 1400-5700 rpm
Transmission 7-speed S tronic®
Drivetrain layout front engine/permanent all-wheel drive
Curb weight 4,564 lbs
EPA-estimated fuel economy (mpg) 157/27/21 (city/highway/combined)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 4.5 seconds
Top track speed (electronically limited) 155 mph

 
The 2016 Audi S6 and Audi S7 are both fast and ultra-luxurious 4-door sports sedans. But which of these two German cars is the one to buy. In this TFLcar ‘mega mashup’ review we find out.