Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2011 Audi A7

Audi antes up a "four-door coupe" against the Mercedes-Benz CLS and a likely BMW player. The A7 is still a long way off, but count on high style, high performance-and a high price.

What We Know About the 2011 Audi A7

Bavaria's "other" car company is in the midst of a product offensive that will double Audi's model count by 2012. Audi wants to be the automotive world's most popular and profitable brand, and it's already closing sales and profit gaps with the storied trio of BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. But to reach the top, Audi must keep rolling out new models, which means filling in a few missing numbers on its model chart.

Which explains the 2011 Audi A7, a stylish new low-roof sedan designed to answer the Mercedes CLS and a similar "four-door coupe" expected from BMW. Though 2011 is still a long way off, the A7 will be here before you know it. Word is that Audi will show a lightly disguised concept version at the 2008 New York Auto Show next April. European sales reportedly start in September 2009, which means a likely U.S. debut early in calendar 2010, just in time for model-year 2011. More proof that the auto industry operates on permanent fast-forward these days.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

  • Consumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
  • Audis: Read Consumer Guide's full reports, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
  • Premium midsize cars: The 2011 Audi A7 will compete in the premium midsize car class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the premium midsize cars on sale today.
  • Fuel-economy leaders: The EPA admits its fuel economy numbers are estimates. Ours are real. Here are the fuel-economy leaders as determined in Consumer Guide tests.
  • Future Cars: Check out what's just on the horizon.