2017 Audi S7 Review

Standard features on the base Premium Plus trim level include 19-inch wheels, full LED exterior lighting (headlights, running lights and taillights), an adaptive air suspension, a sunroof, a power liftgate, heated and auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system and keyless entry and ignition.

Inside, you'll find a driver information center with a 7-inch display between the gauges, Audi Drive Select (providing adjustable settings for steering, suspension and transmission calibrations), diamond-stitched leather upholstery, eight-way power heated front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters, driver memory settings, four-zone automatic climate control, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with console-mounted controls and a central 8-inch display, a rearview camera, a navigation system with voice controls, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, Audi Connect (including enhanced Web-based navigation and information services plus 4G LTE connectivity with mobile Wi-Fi) and a 14-speaker Bose audio system with a CD/DVD player, HD radio and a USB port.

The Prestige trim level adds 20-inch wheels with high- performance summer tires, a head-up display, LED cabin lighting and soft-closing doors.

There are several options packages available for the S7. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel that omits the standard flat-bottom design. The Driver Assistance package adds automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go functionality), lane keeping assist, a corner-view (front and rear) parking camera system and the Audi Pre Sense Plus collision mitigation system. The Comfort Seating package features "contour" front seats with ventilation and massaging functions, passenger memory settings, comfort rear seats and leather upholstery without diamond stitching.

A Sport package is available on the base trim level that adds variable-ratio steering ("Audi dynamic steering" in Audi-speak), a sport rear differential, red brake calipers and a sport exhaust with black tailpipes. The Black Optic package tacks on special 20-inch wheels (or optional 21-inchers for Prestige), body-color exterior mirrors (instead of the standard silver ones), a blacked-out grille and gloss-black window surrounds.

Individual option highlights include 21-inch wheels for Prestige trim level (20-inch for Premium Plus), a synthetic suede headliner, night vision assist, rear side airbags and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Also available by special order through the Audi Exclusive program is a large array of custom exterior colors and finishes as well as interior colors and materials. Note that these special orders can add two months or more to the normal post-ordering delivery time.

Under the hood of the 2017 S7 is a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that sends 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Shifting duties are handled by a seven-speed automated manual transmission (S tronic).

In Edmunds testing, an identically powered 2016 Audi S7 made the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, considerably quicker than most competitors in the segment.

The EPA hasn't released fuel economy numbers for the 2017 Audi S7, but since it is identical to last year's model, we expect it will return the same 21 mpg combined (17 mpg city/27 mpg highway). This is remarkably frugal for such a rapid car.