[drewb7787]

what do you think guys? I really like the look of it..was thinking about a test drive. Might give the wife my F10 since I have enjoyed breaking it in...Never owned an Audi but this one looks exciting.

[montanaman]

I did get to drive an A7 before I bought my F10 535. I had an 2008 A8 and now have the 535... I liked it. Think it looks great and I like Audis a lot. But.. I just put my 500th mile on my 535 M sport and I have to say.. its tough to beat.

[EvolutionTheory]

Researching it online it seems like a beautiful car, but too small for me. I'm going to check one out before placing my F10 order in July/August.

[mlai]

Test drove the A7 3.0T a week ago. I think A7 is the analogue to the new Benz CLS 350. I also test drove the CLS350. Believe it or not, if I am in the market for a Coupe/Sedan hybrid, I may opt for the A7 3.0T over the CLS350........

You need to test drive the A7 and form your own opinion. But for me, at the end of the day, I am keeping my 550i

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by EvolutionTheory

Researching it online it seems like a beautiful car, but too small for me. I'm going to check one out before placing my F10 order in July/August.

I looked at and sat in the car. It seemed slightly larger than the F10 and much larger inside than the current CLS. I didn't drive it yet as I'm waiting for the S7 next year. It is a very, very beautiful car.

[bobblehead]

Saw a bunch of A7 in the Audi showroom this past weekend, one is fully optioned (w/ 20" tires & LED headlights). Interior is nice so is the exterior, but did not get a test drive as the Audi sales were not very friendly.

Until the S7 & RS7 arrives in couple of years time, the F10 is nicer for now!

[Needsdecaf]

Drove it for a good bit. Thoughts vs. 535i

1. Much more direct. Throttle response and steering response is much more alert.
2. Engine with supercharger comes on RIGHT NOW as opposed to the blower on the 535.
3. S Line suspension stiffer than DHP suspension in Sport, but not overly harsh. Enthusiasts will enjoy, punters will not.
4. Rear seat seriously lacking headroom (duh) and legroom (less duh).
5. Pop up nav WAY less goofy looking in person. And better looking map than F10.
6. MMI not as intuitive as iDrive (did I just say that?).
7. Gauges better than partial black panel F10. May not be as good as full black panel.
8. HUD totally invisible with polarized glasses (moreso than F10).
9. 8 speed auto just as nice if not nicer.

In the end....535 owners beware of the A6 / A7. I predict in comparos, the Audi will be the favorite. It feels more alive and the glossy mags are all about that BS. Having said that, the F10 with DHP would probably match the Audi's numbers, but not it's feel.

On the flip side, the Audi's suspension would probably have your back a shambles after a day long trip (S Line suspension). So the F10 with DHP can hang there, but doesn't feel like it's as willing.

A toss up.

[F11-Diesel]

No, it is not a toss up.
The A7 is a good looking car, lacking headrom in the back, but otherwise quite comparable (with some extra weight) to the F10.
But you need an AWD Audi and with that you have a heavy and understeering vehicle in you hands.
As most F10 drivers with RWD F10 experience it is not what you need on your BMW. Just the SAT with RWD gives you a very good handling car.
When comparing in price the A7 with same specs + AWD was quoted to me more than 20% over the F11. Serious money; hence apples and oranges; no toss up.
I bought the BMW and am very content with it.

[EdM5]

This dude in my neighborhood has one, a dark graphite A7 3.0 TDI.
Although I consider myself openminded when it comes to appreciating good design, I can't get used to the rear of the A7.
Btw: the real competitor for the A7 and CLS will be the forthcoming BMW gran coupe or 4 door 6-series or whatever they will call it. Not the F10.
I agree with Needsdecaf though that Audi will pose BMW's biggest threat (not Benz).

[newowner35i]

I test drove one and my opinions compared to my 7
The steering a little better, but still its a bit numb compared to non electric
The response is worse than my 2010 740
Handling is better (light compared to the 7)
Engine had worse response and sounded dull compared to the 7
Led headlights aren't as bright as xenons
Nav is not as intuitive and worse resolution
Suspension was firm but not backbreaking
All in all the 535i I drove was quicker in a straight line but the Audi might get away in the corners and the BMW has better throttle response and seating position, steering wheel, and seat while the Audi is a bit more confident in the turns. I like the BMW a tiny bit more, but the Audi is a nice car. Spend some Money on suspension upgrades on the5 like coilovers and the 5 is a different animal. Though let's wait for m5 vs rs6/7

[pharding]

In the opinion of this architect, the Audi A7 is the most beautiful car made today at any price point. It is uber spectacular.

[mlai]

Originally Posted by pharding

In the opinion of this architect, the Audi A7 is the most beautiful car made today at any price point. It is uber spectacular.

I hope you don't really mean "at any price point". I agree that A7 is very beautiful in itself, ignoring price. But at the same price as the new CLS, well, wonder how many people will prefer the styling of A7 vs the new CLS.

But I bet not a lot of people looking at 535i will cross-shop the A7 3.0T as the A7 only sit total of 4, and cost around 10% more than 535i. Here in Hong Kong, A7 3.0T costs almost 15% more than a better equipped 535i........

[F11-Diesel]

Originally Posted by pharding

In the opinion of this architect, the Audi A7 is the most beautiful car made today at any price point. It is uber spectacular.

Sure, but just a tiny little bit vulgar as well.