Used Audi S7 2012-2018 review

For those looking for a more sporty look, then the S7 Black Edition may tick the box with its black styling details, 21in alloy wheels and a Bose sound system.

Official figures put its kerb weight at 1945kg despite the inclusion of selected aluminium body panels and other weight saving measures. But such is the inherent strength and overall responsiveness of its engine even at low revs, it always feels eager.

Step off acceleration is strong, with no lag as its pair of twin-scroll turbochargers spool up. At 1500rpm, 800rpm above idle, the engine delivers its maximum 406lb ft of torque, endowing the new Audi with a highly flexible nature.

Equally as impressive is the gearbox – a standard seven speed S-tronic dual clutch unit mated to the rear of the engine. The S7 receives an updated electronics package brings fuel saving features such as automatic stop/start but crisp and rapid shifts, both in manual and automatic modes. It’s a pity it has been programmed to shift up at the engine’s 6200rpm red line even when manual mode is selected. The S7 also gets cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency and active noise cancellation to keep engine vibrations to a minimum.

Drive is permanently apportioned to all four wheels via the latest version of Audi’s Torsen torque sensing four-wheel drive system. An optional sport differential provides torque vectoring function between individual rear wheels. The S7 boasts tremendous off-the-line traction – Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec, just 0.2sec slower to the long standing benchmark than the BMW 650i GranCoupe, and 0.5sec faster than the Mercedes-Benz CLS 500.

With 444bhp, the S7 whips up to high speeds in a nonchalant manner without any hint of strain. But it most at home at a steady. With long gearing, solid longitudinal stability and an active noise control system that cancels out mechanical din and projects a seemingly distant exhaust warble through the speakers, it proves a consummate long distant tourer at motorway speeds.

This is all achieved partly on four cylinders. The S7 receives Audi’s cylinder-on-demand system. It operates between 960 and 1350rpm in third gear and higher, closing the inlet and outlet valves and halts the injection of fuel into half the engine. The new Audi claims combined cycle consumption of 29.4mpg – 8.3mpg better than the old S6 - and 225g/km of CO2 emissions.