First Drive: Audi A7 L

The new Audi A7 L, produced in China by the SAIC Volkswagen JV, is purportedly a saloon version of the Audi A7 Sportback.

Some of the sportiness of the five-door A7 is carried over into this model, but it is otherwise very different and was influenced by the 2014 Prologue concept vehicle.

It’s the largest Audi made in China, and it sits between the Audi A6 long-wheelbase and the Audi A8.

The model we drove for this review was one of the first 1,000 produced to celebrate the car’s debut.

The A7 L is a handsome sedan, and the special Edition One trim, which includes teal paint and 21-inch RS wheels, only improves its good looks.

Large Audi saloon drivers will recognize the dashboard and interior layout immediately.

The main touchscreen, which features haptic feedback, is located in the middle of the dashboard, and the climate control touchscreen is located below it.

The Edition One’s seats are heated solely and lack ventilation or a massaging feature. However, they do receive Valcona leather, however it comes in a special coffee color. Surprisingly, there is no wireless phone charging and just Type C USB connections are accessible.

The grey inside trim makes the backseat look drab. Unsurprisingly, there is plenty of space for your legs, but your head may have to squeeze in close because of the steep angle of the roof. The odds of having a good time decrease significantly after the age of six feet.

While there’s enough room for three people to sit on the backseat bench, the middle passenger will have to squish their legs through the very deep tunnel in the tunnel’s center.

However, there is a lot of room in the trunk, and the ever-rarer spare tire is stored there.

This vehicle is a moderate hybrid because of its 48V system, but its incorporation of this technology raises several concerns. Many times when you stop, the moment you let up on the brake pedal the engine will start up again.
However, the car’s length of 5076mm makes it difficult to maneuver in confined spaces, even with the aid of the rear wheels’ ability to steer by up to 5 degrees.

The low seating position gives the impression of dynamic handling, and the A7 L’s acceleration is respectable, especially in Dynamic driving mode (helped further by the paddle shifters). However, it is no RS.

It’s more suited to the role of a cruiser because to the cushy ride provided by its air suspension.

It appears that the Edition One’s primary focus is on aesthetics. When you open the doors, the words “Edition One” are projected onto the floor. However, the A7 L is missing a number of features that would make it more convenient to use in everyday life.

The head-up display and the Bang & Olufsen sound system are two of the most noteworthy upgrades from the base model. In comparison to Chinese premium EV competitors, which come standard with features like adaptive cruise control, this vehicle falls severely short.

The fact that the A7 L is not a plug-in hybrid but rather a mild-hybrid does not bode well either.

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