But the A7 is also a treat to drive when you’re in a rush. Opened up, it’s got a restrained but delightful howl, with a touch of exotic reediness that calls a Porsche flat-six to mind. The supercharger operates in silence, but helps crank out liquid smooth, linear, and strong power output at any RPM. And, since the supercharger is directly driven by the engine (rather than expanding exhaust gasses like a turbocharger), it does its job with absolutely no lag. Simply, it makes the A7 accelerate, right now, as if it had a much larger engine.
 2013 Audi A7. Click image to enlarge |
And seriously, you should see this thing get off the line. Massive low-end torque, aggressive gearing and Quattro AWD mean the A7 simply squats down and rockets away with no fuss when drivers jam on it. The nearly startling levels of off-the-line thrust, combined with the lusty sound effects, will become addictive for many drivers.
Handling is typical Audi – planted, stable and composed even ripping corners at high speed. In its ‘dynamic’ mode, steering is heavy and quick, encouraging dialed-in exploration of the A7’s limits when desired. Driven as such, the A7 feels eager to please, but also confidently locked on to the road’s surface.
Shoppers in locales with poorly maintained roads are advised to opt away from the large wheels and low-profile tires that come as part of the optional ‘S-Line’ package, as these will result in a rough or jarring ride on some surfaces.
After a week and nearly 3,000 kilometres, I didn’t find any one part of the A7 to be the single most overwhelming reason to check it out. It’s a machine that’s equal parts luxury, high-tech, year-round supercharged sportiness, and utility. A sophisticated ‘Jack of All Trades’, if you will.
There’s a laundry list of tasks the A7 is ready to tackle – and it’ll tackle them all with looks that’ll make the neighbours jealous, and pleasing performance and mileage that’ll make owners smile.
 2013 Audi A7. Click image to enlarge |
Pricing: 2013 Audi A7 3.0T Premium
Base price (3.0T Premium): $74,800
Options: S-Line Sport Package ($2,100), Vision Package ($4,000), LED Headlights ($1,700), Backup Camera ($400)
Freight & PDI: $1,995
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $85,095
Competitors
Lexus GS 350 AWD
BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe
Infiniti M37x
Mercedes-Benz CLS 550
Audi A7 3.0T Features
Engine: 3.0L V6, direct injected, supercharged, aftercooled, 310 hp
Drivetrain: Quattro AWD
Observed Average Mileage: 10.9 L/100 km
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Features: Navigation, night-vision, Bluetooth, heated and chilled seats, Drive Select controller
