2019 Audi A7 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
2019 marks the inaugural year for the second generation of the Audi A7. This hatchback is luxurious, cozy, and designed with utility in mind. The 2019 Audi A7 has shed some of its former bulk, and its slimmed-down physique makes the vehicle more aerodynamic. Of course, this means that the new A7 is built for speed. This vehicle shows a ton of promise, but it does have a few limitations. For example, the new technological features are next-generation and present in abundance, but the gadgetry you find up front leaves the vehicle's cockpit looking a bit dull. Still, the Audi A7 will surely be turning heads again this year.
What's New for 2019?
For its entrance into the second generation, the 2019 Audi A7 was given some pretty significant updates. On the outside, the hood has been re-sculpted with lines cascading down it for the very first time. The grille is positioned lower than before and has been widened. The 3.0-L V6 engine is now turbocharged instead of supercharged, which boosts the torque from 325 to 369 lb-ft. The 8-speed automatic has been swapped out in favor of a 7-speed dual clutch. As far as the body goes, a mixture of aluminum and steel is now being used in order to optimize functionality. There have also been some major changes to the MMI Touch Control interface as well as the list of driver aids.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Audi A7 – The Pros
1. More Driver Aids Than Ever Before
There are plenty of reasons to check out the 2019 Audi A7, and one of them is that there are more standard and optional driver aids than ever before. Front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring all come standard on the Audi A7. You can also choose to equip a front camera, adaptive cruise control with a stop-start function, a rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. In other words, you can customize the vehicle to your desired degree of safety.
2. The MMI Touch Response System
This year, Audi has gone out of their way to improve the MMI Touch Response infotainment system. Gone is the physical knob; now, functions are activated via voice and touch-based controls. There are two different screens that control different features. The 8.6-inch display allows the driver to access climate control functions, switch between drive modes, and even takes handwritten information for addresses and phone numbers. The 10.1-inch screen (which sits on top of the smaller one) takes care of music, navigational, and phone functions. Overall, the features seem to respond well to directions and provides immediate feedback to the driver.
3. High-end Style
Audi is basically synonymous with luxury, so expect to see a lot of high-end stylistic elements on the 2019 Audi A7. This model year, Audi has added more distinct lines that create a sharper visual dynamic. This might make the vehicle look slightly more athletic than luxurious, but the combination seems to be effective. The sloping roof line keeps this hatchback looking as elegant as can be expected. The interior looks just as refined and is loaded with plenty of high-quality materials.
4. The Powerful V6 Engine
Audi actually kept the outgoing model's 3.0-L V6 engine but swapped the supercharge for a turbo. The V6 still garners a cool 340 hp, but torque has been vastly improved. Where it once got 325 lb-ft of torque, the Audi A7 now gets 369. When paired with the new 7-speed dual clutch transmission, there is a seamless flow of power provided to the vehicle. When you need that extra burst of power to pass a slower driver, the powertrain will smoothly deliver it to you. Getting from 0 to 60 mph only takes about 5.3 seconds, which is a superb time for vehicles in this segment.
5. A Superior Ride Quality
The ride quality on the 2019 Audi A7 exceeds expectations, even for a luxury hatchback. The vehicle's adaptive dampers and air suspension make it easy for the A7 to absorb all kinds of shocks from the road. Even with the large 21-inch wheels slapped onto the A7, you still get a smooth ride quality. Things also stay pretty quiet inside of the cabin, which is well-insulated from road, wind, and engine noise.
6. Excellent Handling and Steering Capabilities
A luxury vehicle should ideally provide a balance of secure steering and exciting handling, and the new generation of the Audi A7 does just that. Handling on the vehicle feels extremely well-controlled, and there is a strong sense of sharpness when tracking through turns. Steering should inspire driver confidence with its ample amount of feedback and consistency. Also, there is no noticeable body roll on the A7.
7. Interior Space is Abundant
Although the sloping roof line cuts down a little bit on rear seat head space, the rest of the cabin offers plenty of room. While Audi boosted the wheelbase's size by half an inch, the 2019 Audi A7 gets an extra 0.8 inches of rear seat leg room. Up front, there is plenty of space for heads, knees, shoulders, and legs, and the well-bolstered seats provide plenty of support and comfort.
8. Hatchback Utility
As a hatchback vehicle, it only makes sense that the Audi A7 would up the ante on utility for this new generation. There are 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space available when the rear seats are left in place. Fold these seats down, and you will get a grand total of 49.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This certainly outperforms smaller hatchback models and outdoes quite a few of the hatchbacks in this segment as well. Storing bulky items and toting several weeks' worth of groceries around is easy.
9. A Mild-hybrid System
The 2019 Audi A7 comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that is designed to make the stop-start function perform more rapidly. Also, when the vehicle is sitting at a stop, this system keeps the climate control system running. The idea behind this system is that it helps to save on fuel and reduce the vehicle's carbon footprint.
10. A High-quality Interior Design
The Audi A7 would not be a luxury vehicle without its impressive interior design. You can take your choice of several different types of leather, each of which looks lovely and feels smooth to the touch. The metal trim looks pristine, and the open pore wood evokes a sense of luxury without coming off as gaudy. The leather is stitched well, and there are no noticeable gaps between panels or rattling from interior parts.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Audi A7 – The Cons
1. Limited Head Space In the Rear Seats
The biggest and most obvious drawback to owning a 2019 Audi A7 is that the sloping roof line in the rear cuts off a lot of head room. Taller passengers in the back will have to duck their heads down while riding, and it can certainly make the rear feel more claustrophobic than it otherwise would. Unfortunately, this is par for the course with hatchbacks, so you will find that this is a common issue.
2. The Price Tag
Of course, most consumers who buy the Audi A7 are probably planning on spending a good amount of money. However, buyers should take heed and formulate their budget well enough in advance since the A7 can get very expensive. It is not the cheapest vehicle in its segment, and the optional stand-alone features and packages will quickly make the A7's price skyrocket. Equipping only the essentials is something the buyer will have to do in order to stick to a budget.
3. A Tech-dense Cockpit
The 2019 Audi A7 is loaded with technology, and the cockpit reflects this. For some people, this is perfectly fine, but for others who are not as tech-savvy, this could make the cockpit feel a bit too clustered with confusing components. A lot of the old physical knobs and buttons are now extinct, so drivers who are used to having those will have to work extra hard to initiate themselves into the world of touchscreen infotainment.
4. The Cockpit Looks Somewhat Bare
Since many of the physical controls have been made digital, the cockpit actually looks kind of barren and dull. The two touchscreen displays that make up the MMI Touch Response system take up a lot of space and do not really stand out. Instead, they create the impression that Audi is trying a little too hard to be the most technologically advanced auto manufacturer.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
2019 Audi A7 vs. 2019 BMW 6-Series
The 2019 Audi A7 faces stiff competition this model year from the 2019 BMW 6-Series. Always a popular choice, the 6-Series offers a massive list of optional features and has a line-up of amazing powertrain options to choose from. While this vehicle is stylish and packed with features, it lacks the refined handling and precision steering of the A7. And, for the $80,000-plus price of the 6-Series, that might not make it the most worthy of being bought.
2019 Audi A7 vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Another chief rival for the A7 this year is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. On the outside, the CLS looks stunning, and its cabin echoes this with its high-quality materials and design concepts. The CLS is a V8-only line-up, which hearkens back to the classic CLS. Unfortunately, the CLS offers minimal cargo space and has a clunky infotainment system that is in serious need of an upgrade.
Conclusion
The 2019 Audi A7 looks and feels every bit as luxurious as Audi makes it out to be. The V6 engine provides more than enough power, and the handling and steering capabilities round out for an excellent driving performance. Of course, buyers will have to limit how much they spend and keep in mind that the A7 suffers from the hatchback lack of rear head space.
