2019 Audi A7 Redesign: Elevating Luxury Performance to New Heights0202
The 2019 Audi A7 represents a masterclass in evolutionary design, building upon its predecessor's strengths while addressing key areas for improvement. This comprehensive review examines how Audi's flagship four-door coupe delivers enhanced comfort, cutting-edge technology, and refined performance while maintaining its iconic silhouette.
The 2019 Audi A7: A Study in Sophisticated Evolution
Rather than reinventing the wheel, Audi took a measured approach to updating the A7 for 2019. The result is a vehicle that preserves everything enthusiasts loved about previous generations while incorporating meaningful upgrades where they mattered most:
- Design Philosophy: Maintained the iconic fastback roofline while refreshing front and rear styling
- Performance Enhancements: New mild-hybrid powertrain with improved efficiency
- Technology Leap: Completely redesigned infotainment system with dual touchscreens
- Practical Improvements: Increased rear headroom and easier child seat installation
Positioned against formidable rivals like the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the 2019 A7 distinguishes itself with standard all-wheel drive and a more accessible price point in the premium coupe-sedan segment.
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6 Standout Features of the 2019 Audi A7
1. Timeless Exterior Design
Audi wisely preserved the A7's most distinctive design elements while making subtle refinements. The sloping roofline, muscular haunches, and tapered rear end remain intact, creating what many consider the segment's most balanced proportions. New details include:
- Revised Singleframe grille with wider, flatter design
- Standard HD Matrix-design LED headlights
- Full-width OLED taillight array (first in class)
- 19-inch alloy wheels standard (20-inch optional)
2. Standard Quattro All-Wheel Drive
Unlike some competitors that offer rear-wheel-drive base models, every 2019 A7 comes equipped with Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. This provides:
- Superior traction in all weather conditions
- 40:60 rear-biased torque distribution for sportier handling
- Optional sport differential for enhanced cornering performance
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3. Revolutionary MMI Touch Response System
Audi eliminated the controversial rotary controller in favor of a modern dual-touchscreen setup:
- 10.1-inch upper display for primary infotainment
- 8.6-inch lower screen for climate controls and handwriting recognition
- Haptic feedback for better user confirmation
- Customizable home screens and favorites
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The system also integrates Audi's advanced 360-degree camera system, offering seven different viewing angles for parking and low-speed maneuvering.
4. Family-Friendly Practicality
Despite its coupe-like profile, the A7 offers surprising family utility:
- Easily accessible LATCH anchors for child seats
- 24.9 cubic feet of trunk space (larger than many SUVs)
- 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats for cargo flexibility
- 0.5-inch increase in rear headroom versus previous generation
5. Benchmark Interior Craftsmanship
The A7's cabin sets new standards for luxury and technology integration:
- Premium Valcona leather upholstery standard
- Authentic aluminum and wood trim options
- 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- Available Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
- Massaging front seats with ventilation option
6. Refined Driving Dynamics
The 2019 A7 strikes an ideal balance between comfort and performance:
- 3.0L turbocharged V6 with 48V mild hybrid system (335 hp/369 lb-ft)
- 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission
- Standard adaptive damping suspension
- Optional predictive active air suspension
- Improved noise insulation for quieter cabin
During testing, the A7 demonstrated remarkable composure over rough urban roads while maintaining responsive handling characteristics.
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Competitive Analysis: How the A7 Stacks Up
When compared to its German rivals, the 2019 Audi A7 presents a compelling value proposition:
Feature | 2019 Audi A7 | BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe | Mercedes CLS-Class |
---|---|---|---|
Base Price | $68,000 | $85,000 | $75,000 |
Standard Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | RWD |
Horsepower | 335 hp | 335 hp | 362 hp |
Cargo Space | 24.9 cu ft | 15.5 cu ft | 19.2 cu ft |
Rear Seat Room | 35.2" headroom | 36.3" headroom | 35.1" headroom |
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Ownership Experience and Real-World Impressions
After extensive testing in various conditions, several key observations emerged about the 2019 A7's daily usability:
Pros:
- Effortless Long-Distance Cruising: The A7's comfortable seats and quiet cabin make it ideal for road trips
- Intuitive Technology: While complex, the MMI system becomes second nature after a brief learning period
- Confident All-Weather Performance: Quattro AWD provides security in rain and light snow
- Strong Resale Value: Audi's certified pre-owned program enhances long-term ownership value
Cons:
- Rear Visibility: The fastback design creates significant blind spots
- Touchscreen Smudges: The glossy displays require frequent cleaning
- Firm Ride on Large Wheels: 20-inch and 21-inch wheel options compromise comfort
- Premium Fuel Requirement: The turbocharged V6 demands 91 octane or higher
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2019 A7 earned top marks in crash testing while offering an impressive array of standard and available safety tech:
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Standard Safety Equipment:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Rearview camera
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automatic high beams
Available Driver Assistance Packages:
- Tour Package: Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
- Innovation Package: Night vision assistant, head-up display
- Parking Package: 360-degree cameras, remote parking assist
The A7 received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS when equipped with specific headlights.
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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the 2019 Audi A7?
The redesigned A7 successfully builds upon its predecessor's strengths while addressing previous shortcomings. It's particularly well-suited for:
- Design-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize style without sacrificing practicality
- Tech Enthusiasts: Early adopters who want cutting-edge interfaces
- All-Season Drivers: Buyers in northern climates who need confident winter performance
- Luxury Seekers: Drivers who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials
While the BMW 8 Series offers slightly sharper handling and the Mercedes CLS provides more powerful engine options, the Audi A7 strikes the best overall balance between performance, technology, and everyday usability in the segment.
For those considering a used luxury coupe-sedan, the 2019 A7 represents one of the most compelling values in its class, offering nearly new technology and styling that still feels contemporary years after its introduction.
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