I just bought a 2018 Mythos Black A7, with the Competition Package, Drivers Assistance Package, Audi beam rings (in the front doors), and the nice Audi all-weather rubber floor mats. The car is stunning with the red brake calipers and beautiful black valcona leather with red stitching. I love the car so far and wanted to share a few first impressions.....
Buying Experience:
I did my homework on this purchase - I attended the Los Angeles Auto Show, I studied the internet for hours and hours and hours, I visited my local dealership and asked my salesperson endless questions on differences between cars and model years and new features, etc. I test drove A5 Sportback's, A6's, and A7's. After deciding upon the A7, I then looked at low mile CPO 2017 and 2018 cars, and finally some new 2018's. I studied pricing for each of the options using several internet sites (my favorite is CarGuru). Ultimately I ended up purchasing a new 2018 that had been held back in stock as a result of the airbag sensor recall. In my mind the recall and backup in inventory that resulted provided a one time opportunity to get a fantastic buy on my new dream car. I shopped and shopped on the internet and eventually saw a posting on this forum from a person that managed to get about $15K off a new 2018 A7. I emailed my favorite sales person at my local dealership and he offered to match that deal. I met him at the dealership and the car was mine in less than an hour. The buying process could not have been easier. I give my salesperson 10 stars for being so patient with me throughout the entire process.
Recent upgrades and changes:
I ordered all new black emblems and badges to replace the chrome and gray colored emblems that come on the car. I ordered them from a variety of websites and I was super impressed with the quality of each of the badges and emblems that I received. I removed the old ones and installed the new one myself in a couple of hours. I also had the windows tinted black (rear window is 5%, and the side windows are all 15%). I used a reputable tinter to do the work and it comes with a lifetime warranty. I am absolutely 100% happy with the finished product and how the car looks.
I also polished and waxed the car. (It's interesting to note that during this process I did notice one little flaw in the paint on the hood of the car and I wonder if the flaw was a result of the car sitting outside for a long time while it waited for the airbag sensor repair. If you are considering buying a car that sat for a long time on the recall - be sure to go over the paint with a fine tooth comb before accepting the car.)
Technology System:
I'm extremely familiar with the MMI system and how it operates (I own a 2013 Q7 and I had a 2014 A4), and getting a car with this same system was part of my consideration, especially since this car is driven mainly by my wife. I love new technology but she values a system that she is already familiar with. This car has both. She can run the MMI system, just like the other cars. I can run the new Android operating system and enjoy even more technology. When I bought the car, my salesman offered to give me a detailed training session in how to use the new operating system - I declined, telling him I wanted to figure it out myself. Now that I have had the car for about 10 days, I'm going to go back to the dealer and get the training session. I feel this approach was best as I now know exactly what to ask about the system. It's a really powerful system and I want to make sure I understand all of its features. One new feature that my wife likes is the hard buttons for 6 preset radio stations. My wife really likes the simplicity of these buttons and not having to scroll thru multiple screens of Syrius stations to find the station she likes - sometimes little features like this make a big difference!
Driving Experience:
This car is fabulous and I love it. With 340 horsepower, it's got plenty of power - and you can get extra acceleration by using the Sport mode (instead of normal Drive). I enjoy the special Sport Suspension that comes with the Competition Package and I usually drive in the Dynamic mode. I find the special Sports seats to be especially comfortable (though I have not yet given them the true test with a long multi-hour drive).
My only negative feedback on the car is the cup holders. When are German engineers going to figure out that Americans like to drink from cups when they cruise? I was hoping and thinking that this car would come with two full-sized cup holders, but it does not (it has one full sized, and one smaller cup holder and you cannot place a bottle in the little side compartment in the doors either ). It's funny how something as simple as this can be so frustrating. Bummer.
My son is 6' 4" and he drove the car and he has sat in the rear seat, and he says both seating areas gave him plenty of space to be comfortable.
I like lots of little things on the car like: the tailgate that raises with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper, the Adaptive Cruise Control is fantastic, Lane Assist is ok (not as good as that on many other cars though), all controls are intuitive and easy to use, the amount of space in the back is unreal - this makes the car extremely functional for trips to Home Depot, carrying my bike, etc. I can't say enough about the car. I love it so far.
Long term, I plan to keep the car for 5 years. I will consider changing the wheels out to new Vossen 21" wheels when I wear out the first set of tires. I have found that a wheel changeout after 2 years of ownership makes the car feel like new again and it's a lot cheaper than buying a whole new car.
Good luck to others considering the A7. I have no buyers remorse and would encourage others to consider the 2018 A7 with the currently available special pricing.
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