Is the Audi S7 Sportback good for new drivers? Here's our verdict.
It’s unlikely that many new drivers will have almost R 1.6-million to spend on their first car, but some buyers are actually that fortunate. The Audi S7 Sportback is certain to make a great impression on onlookers, but how suitable is it for a new driver?
What is it?
The Audi S7 Sportback is the mid-level option in Audi’s trio of A7-based 5-door fastback “coupés”, and combines a subtly-sporting shape with a high-performance twin-turbo V6 engine. Quattro AWD is standard, giving an extra layer of security on all road conditions; the interior has space for up to 5 adults as well as plenty of standard equipment in an upmarket cabin; and that huge tailgate gives access to a generous luggage compartment.
Related: Shop for new and used Audi S7 Sportback cars for sale here.
Is it difficult to drive?
The mechanical bits are easy to operate: there’s a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic hooked to the engine, and the chassis control systems don’t demand any driver input at all. Steering and brakes are both heavily power assisted, and a plethora of proximity sensors should ensure freedom from low-speed mishaps.
But potential owners should know that the A7 (and its derivatives, such as the S7 and RS7) is a pretty big car. It’s almost 5-metres long and more than 2.1-metres from mirror to mirror, so the S7 Sportback takes up a considerable amount of road space.
Compounding this factor is restricted visibility from the driver’s seat: due to the very low seating position, slit-like glass area, and very curvaceous body, it could be daunting to gauge exactly where the car’s extremities are. Available surround-view cameras (and self-parking functionality) will make parking a lot easier, but using those effectively may take some getting used to, even for experienced drivers.
Engines
The Audi S7 Sportback is only available with one engine: a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which delivers 331 kW and 600 Nm. Those numbers signal some serious speed- and acceleration potential, which may be difficult for novice drivers to handle with confidence. The quattro AWD system and clever chassis control (including rear-wheel steering) helps to keep a guarding hand on proceedings, but for an inexperienced driver, the available performance could be difficult to contain.
Safety
Audi’s safety credentials are usually top-notch, and the S7 Sportback is no exception. A 5-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, along with a host of driver aids (ABS, EBD, automatic emergency braking, and traction- and stability control) and the stabilising hand of electronically-controlled AWD all count in its favour.
If the buyer ticks some extra boxes, it can also be equipped with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and even night vision. However, the driver has to consider the S7’s available speed, and drive with due consideration for the road conditions, to remain safe on the road.
Verdict
Responsible drivers will find the Audi S7 Sportback to be extremely safe and well-controlled, even with it being quite a rocketship in own right. It needs to be treated with respect, though, and many new drivers still need to learn the proper techniques for handling such a potent car.
It also takes plenty of confidence to accurately place such a large car (with such a restricted view to the outside) on the road, and it’s doubtful that a new driver will have that confidence from the outset. In short, a novice driver with cautious driving habits will be able to handle the S7 Sportback, but we’d recommend attending an Audi high-performance driving course before taking to the road in this sleek distance-devourer.
