From the release of the news to the launch of the new car, SAIC Audi A7L can be said to have been controversial, as the first product of SAIC Audi, many people will subconsciously compare A7L with imported A7, but when we have an in-depth experience of SAIC Audi A7L in Xiamen, a seaside garden city, it has produced some different views.
First of all, it should be stated that whether the design looks good or not has always been a more subjective thing. However, unlike the previous generally popular situation of imported A7, the domestic SAIC Audi A7L is actually because of the lengthened sedan shape, which has caused many discussions and even become the center of controversy. However, when you actually experience this product, you will know that it is not a very appropriate thing to directly compare imported A7 and domestic A7L.
Rather than saying that SAIC Audi A7L is a product derived from imported A7, it is better to say that this is a unique product that is more relevant to the needs of specific consumers, and comparing it with imported A7 is not savoy Audi's original intention. The actual positioning of this car is actually for the market segment between A6L and A8L, and the consumer group it is aimed at is relatively more mature than that of imported A7.
Therefore, if you consider it from the perspective of this market segment, the Sedan shape of the A7L is much more reasonable. Although the imported A7 integrated slipback shape, hatchback tailgate and liftable tail wing are missing, the A7L's sedan shape also gives it a larger trunk and better NVH performance.
The only thing that is a little contrary to the sense of harmony may be the continuation of the front face shape of the imported A7, and it is difficult to extract people from the inherent impression of the imported A7 at the first time. But when you get rid of the stereotype, the overall shape of the A7L is actually quite coordinated.
In terms of appearance, the flat design is combined with a polygonal grille, matrix LED light group, laser headlights, through tail lights, and a cocked ducktail, which is quite good at creating a sporty atmosphere. Whether it is a 21-inch or 20-inch wheel hub with low flat ratio tires, it can create a strong visual impact, and the retention of frameless doors reminds people that this is still a "running" car. However, due to the reason of the door shape, the window of the rear door cannot be lowered to the end, which is slightly regrettable.
I have to admit that in terms of color matching choices, SAIC Audi does have a very good set. Whether it is the actual perception of various colors, or the color names such as Galactic Blue, Chixia Zhu, and Haoyue White, they all give people a rather elegant feeling. Of course, if you need elegance, the electric suction door can also be arranged, in addition to the minimum 2.0T model, the rest of the styles can be optional or standard electric suction door.
When you get inside the car, a sense of familiarity comes over you. This set of interior designs built by Audi in this generation can be seen on the A6L, A7 and even the A8, and the design style is basically the same.
The three large screens are still the center of gravity of the interior, the LCD dashboard is responsible for the display of driving information, the central control screen at the top of the middle is responsible for the various settings of the vehicle and the realization of human-computer interaction functions, and the lower ones are the adjustments of the air conditioning and seating systems. As for the workmanship, materials and details, they are also the first-class level of this price model. If you have to find a slot, it may be that SAIC Audi has not added some more youthful and sporty elements to this interior, and the appeal to young consumers may not be enough.
It is worth mentioning that in today's large screen and touch has been quite common, Audi still retains some physical function buttons for A7L, including driving assistance, parking assistance and other functions, which have greatly improved the convenience and blind operation.
As an extended version of the model, the "L" of the A7L has brought a great improvement to its space, the length and width of the 5076/1908/1429mm are worthy of the positioning of the medium and large cars, and the wheelbase of the 3026mm is 2mm longer than the A6L, and the rear space is not a little bit compared to the imported A7, and the riding comfort of the rear seat has been greatly improved. In addition to the heating function, the rear seats also support ventilation and massage, which are of course only optional on non-top models.
However, as a large sedan that is biased towards sports positioning, the rear seat shape of the A7L is more sporty, and the filling material is relatively hard, which slightly reduces the sportiness that should be full. In addition, the higher bulge in the center of the rear row means that the rear row is unlikely to sit comfortably for 3 people, and the A7L is essentially a 4-seater model.
The 48V lightly mixed 3.0T V6 engine + air suspension + rear steering is undoubtedly the most attractive part of SAIC's Audi A7L 55TFSI model. The 340 hp, 500 Nm power paired with the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro four-wheel drive system allows the 2-ton medium and large sedan to have a full power reserve.
The air suspension is blessed to ensure comfort and greatly improve the driving and handling texture of the vehicle. Rear-wheel steering reduces the turning radius while also allowing the A7L to be able to flash lightly over a small range. Coupled with the brake system with excellent braking force and even a "sense of hitting the wall" during emergency braking, the A7L can run and stop steadily.
The 3.0T 55TFSI model is really good, but the price is correspondingly higher. The relatively "affordable" 2.0T 45TFSI model, although less powerful, but 245 horsepower and 370 Nm power is also much more abundant than the average person thinks. Although neither the air suspension nor the rear wheel steering system is equipped, the 2.0T 45TFSI still has a fairly good driving texture, and the overall style is also comfortable and tough. Considering that the starting price of 100,000 yuan is cheaper than the 3.0T model, the cost performance of the 2.0T model is still quite outstanding.
In fact, from this 2.0T A7L, it is not difficult for us to see SAIC Audi's positioning of the A7L model, which is a model that wants to be sporty and comfortable, and wants to be as comprehensive as possible. Because of this, it retains the frameless door but removes the shape of the back, the front wheel is equipped with 6-piston calipers but not equipped with steering wheel electric adjustment, and the L2+ level driver assistance system is also equipped with manual closure of the trunk. The trade-offs of these configurations do not start with the so-called cost savings, and may be more the result of the manufacturer's survey of user habits. As a result, it also created this medium and large sports luxury car with a different personality from its peers.
All in all, as the most luxurious model currently produced by Audi in China, the product power of the SAIC Audi A7L is undoubtedly worthy of its price. Of course, compared with the A6L that has been cultivating in China for decades, the fledgling A7L has a certain gap in both popularity and sales channels, but considering the differentiated positioning, SAIC Audi A7L still has the opportunity to win its own world in the current medium and large car market. The A7L and the follow-up development of SAIC Audi deserve our attention.