Just about to order new A7, advice and thoughts welcome!

[Damian]

I have been reading the many threads on this forum with interest, they have helped guide my decisions regarding the new vehicle that I am looking to order within the next week or so (finding the time to head to the dealer is the issue!)

So an overview of the spec I am currently settled upon -

2015 MY A7 3.0BiTDi 320PS Quatro Black Edition
Mythos Black Metallic
21" Rotor Alloys
Black Leather Interior
Piano Black Inlays
Parking Pack Advanced
Technology Pack Advanced
Ambient Lighting

I am looking for a care that is comfortable and relaxing for my regular 100 mile commutes to the airport (95% motorway) but is also capable when I want to enjoy an A-Road sprint. I am not a driving purist and so m not looking for track performance as such, but a vehicle that is well equipped for every day life but is capable of planting a smile on my face on occasion!

So, I guess my question's to the forum would be, what are your thoughts on the spec? Have you had personal experience with any of the options and would ike to share thoughts? Is there anything else I should be adding, or indeed subtracting to this spec?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

[M1tchy]

Great spec! Personally I don't like the piano black inlays. They are a black gloss finish and show every tiny mark and you have to be careful when cleaning them too or you end up with tiny scratches that look like a spider has made a web on it.

I think the tech pack advanced comes with adaptive cruise control? If not that would definitely be something to consider.

Finally, it's an amazingly comfy car and turns heads everyday. If you haven't driven in pop to your dealer but I wouldn't buy from there. Try drive the deal for a massive discount. I got a similar spec and got 17k off!


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[sportq]

The first requirement you mention is comfortable and relaxing.......

The 21" rims with 30% aspect ratio tyres on the BE are going to be very harsh, it also comes with full-on S-Line suspension (option code 1BV) 20mm lower than SE which will also compromise the ride quality. BTW, the S-Line actually has 'Sport' suspension (option code 1BE) which is 10mm lower than the SE. Make sure you test a BE to satisfy yourself you're happy with the ride. I had a test in an S-Line and it was good but I wouldn't want it any stiffer.

Audi have been bitten in the past by customers complaining that the harsh 1BV suspension isn't suitable for UK roads so most S-Lines throughout the Audi range now actually get 1BE with and no-cost option of 1BV then there's no comebacks for Audi UK. From the current brochure, it looks like the BE can't get anything else but 1BV.

Pete

[silo24]

Would suggest going with 20" wheels on the BE. There are a number of decent 20" FOC rim choices and the ride comfort (as well as tyre replacement cost) is way better on the smaller wheel.

They maybe don't quite look as pimp, but the benefits are significant.

[Damian]

Thank you all for the input, certainly made me think about the options a little.

Piano finish, for some reason Audi give no other option other that Piano for the BE unless I want to pay £1k+ . . . will have to live with this I think.

Wheels, I have been looking seriously at - 20” x 9J ‘5-twin-spoke’ matt titanium look alloy wheels, gloss turned finish with 265/35 R20 tyres - will probably seek to see these on a car in the flesh while at the dealership.

Ambient lighting - is this a worthwhile option? I have seen a number of threads where people discuss its value but nothing conclusive! Does anyone have experience with a standard BE or S-Line where no lighting packs have been specced? Does the car have a good level of illumination (puddle lamps, foot wells, door handles etc)?

Price/Deal - was using DTD and Orange Wheels but they have been slow to respond to a spec change, so have contacted a couple of dealers direct and we seem to be at RRP less 22% at present. It is remarkable just how much support dealers are giving - any idea why?

[sportq]

Wheels, I have been looking seriously at - 20” x 9J ‘5-twin-spoke’ matt titanium look alloy wheels, gloss turned finish with 265/35 R20 tyres - will probably seek to see these on a car in the flesh while at the dealership.

I have gone for those, they are a £2500 option on the A6 S-Line (so they must be good right?). I dread to think what a replacement would be if it was damaged. Even though they have a diamond cut finish it is possible to have them refurbished if they are kerbed.

Ambient lighting - is this a worthwhile option? I have seen a number of threads where people discuss its value but nothing conclusive! Does anyone have experience with a standard BE or S-Line where no lighting packs have been specced? Does the car have a good level of illumination (puddle lamps, foot wells, door handles etc)?

I've opted for the LED light pack which I think just replaces all the filament bulb fittings with LED. I could have done it myself but I knew I wouldn't be bothered.

Price/Deal - was using DTD and Orange Wheels but they have been slow to respond to a spec change, so have contacted a couple of dealers direct and we seem to be at RRP less 22% at present. It is remarkable just how much support dealers are giving - any idea why?

I did the same as well as CarWow and then organised a test drive at my local dealer, Edinburgh Audi. I had no intention of buying from them but in the end they beat the best internet price I had. In the end I got 26% off list price.

I've gone for an Ultra, S-Line with privacy glass, led lighting in Moonlight blue with the 20" double spoke titanium alloys.

Pete

[sportq]

Good luck finding a car with the 20" titanium wheels at the dealer. They seem to be rarely spec'd on the A6 and A7. If you go to the configurator on audi.de the preview has a few extra perspectives which are also bigger. I managed to configure mine up without knowing any German, this is the best picture I've seen of the twin spoke titanium wheel:
(click to get a bigger picture)
zie4zb.jpg

Pete

[M1tchy]

Saw the facelift A7 in the flesh today at Swansea Audi. Very nice indeed. I so wish I'd waited 18 months!


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[C172s]

I have been very fortunate to have had a facelift A7 as a loan car for today. It was the 3.0 272. What a car! the drive was effortless and the engine purred. The cabin was well insulated though the engine did not miss a beat. You felt the acceleration but speed didn't seem an issue as it felt so surefooted yet peaceful and quiet in the cabin. I've owned the 2.0 multitronic A6 before and although the Cabin was very familiar, it was the engine that pleased me most. I also made sure I indicated today for any little eventuality. A very smart car indeed. Ill have to wait a few years before I can afford one of these, you lucky sods....lol!

I'm having an issue uploading photos at the moment but rest assured i will post them soon.

[tonye60]

I have a Bitdi black edition with titanium alloys on, l will take a pic if you like