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.

The 2011 Audi A7 will be based on the redesigned midrange A6 series that's due in 2009 or 2010. Mercedes conjured the CLS from its midrange E-Class in the same way. Both A7 and the next A6 will employ Audi's new "MHB" modular architecture that moves the transmission ahead of the front wheels and the engine further back for better front/rear weight balance and thus sportier handling. The MHB platform gets its first outing with the 2008 A5/S5 coupes. It also underpins Audi's next-generation A4 compact cars and a new Q5 compact crossover SUV, all due in 2009.

Sources say the 2011 Audi A7 will slot between the A6 and the flagship A8/S8 sedans in both size and price. Headline features will include standard Audi Quattro all-wheel drive, multilink rear suspension, an alphabet soup of electronic driving aids, the usual gorgeous Audi interior-with seating for four only-and unique styling with a sweeping fastback roofline and a hunkered-down wheels-at-the-corners stance.

Powertrain choices are less certain at this point. Audi has a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines it could use in the A7. Which of these will be offered depends on what happens in the next few years to gas prices, world politics, the global-warming debate and other factors. Assuming no major game-changing events, a 4.2-liter V-8 with Audi's FSI direct fuel injection will likely be standard for the U.S. Horsepower will be around 400, and probably more. V-6 or V-8 diesel engines should also be available, and there's talk of a 5.0-liter V-10 in normal and supercharged form for high-performance S7 and RS7 models, respectively. The transmission? A seven- or even eight-speed automatic seems a safe bet, but don't rule out an updated edition of the Audi R-Tronic automated manual used in the new mid-engine Audi R8 supercar.

Being near the top of the lineup-and with the dollar likely to remain weak against the Euro-the 2011 Audi A7 will not be inexpensive. But it will come with all the functional and luxury goodies expected of premium European cars, and you can count on a raft of options including jumbo wheels and the inevitable Sports Package handling and appearance upgrades.

A Notable Feature of the 2011 Audi A7

The 2011 Audi A7 may spring an innovation or two, though no one-probably not even Audi-can be sure just now. Nevertheless, A7 options are likely to include several high-tech gadgets already familiar in the premium ranks, such as lane-departure and/or blind-spot warning systems, "active" sports seats that knead various parts of the anatomy, a home-quality infotaintment system with digital hard-drive, and high-efficiency LED lighting front and rear.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Audi A7

The Mercedes CLS trades practicality for style versus the parent E-Class, and the 2011 Audi A7 will be no different compared with the parent A6. Still, the CLS has earned some new business for Mercedes-and with practically no deal-sweetening. No wonder BMW is expected to weigh in with its own supermodel sedan, perhaps before the A7 arrives. And CLS itself is said to be in for a redesign at about that time. With competition heating up like this, it makes sense to wait and look at all three-plus possible entries from other brands.

2011 Audi A7 Release Date: As noted, the 2011 Audi A7 is likely to start sale in the U.S. early in calendar 2010, probably in the first quarter.

First Test Drive: Media previews are a long way from being scheduled, but the first should be an auto show reveal in September 2009, with driving programs following several months later.

2011 Audi A7 Prices: One British magazine with strong insider links to Audi suggests the 2011 Audi A7 will be priced in the $70,000-$100,000 bracket, depending on model and equipment. Incentives? Not likely.

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.