The Audi A7 Will Be CLOSE In Size And BETTER Looking - Who Needs The New A8?

As you may have seen from yesterday's piece concerning a new spy shot with the upcoming Audi A7 side-by-side with a 2011 A8, the A7 is pretty large.

And unless you are Superman with unbelievable measuring abilities, most people could not see that with the naked eye. Now that it is confirmed, we are a little curious:

Why do you need an A8 when the A7 is definitely going to be a bit of a spicier Audi?

We can tell it will not be a small car, so legroom is likely to be there and since the roofline is not nearly as drastic as say an Acura ZDX, there should be a practical amount of headroom. It is somewhere between the passive BMW 5 Gran Turismo and slinky Mercedes-Benz CLS. The roofline is just enough to keep its chic style without seemingly compromising comfort.

While many design critics have found the 2011 A8 a bit too conservative, the A7 will definitely pick up the slack -- assuming it will follow the Sportback Concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Speaking with 001, he says that he hopes the flip-up navigation unit disappears and the interior receives some more upgrades over the 8.

Personally, I dig the flip-up screen; I dislike the huge and static screens in the middle of contemporary interiors.

But enough of our thoughts, what say you, Spies?

With the sexy A7 coming around soon, is the A8 even relevant?

Let us know in the comments below...


2009 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery


























2009 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

2011 Panamera and Cayenne V6 Launch Photo Gallery

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Photo Gallery

2011 Lexus LFA Photo Gallery

2011 Frozen Gray BMW M3 Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook

BondMI6 - 6/30/2010 2:02:40 AM

+4 Boost

The interior of the S7 has already been leaked before- and yes it has the flippy Nav....

As far as to why make them, well, both models are relevant as they are appealing to slightly different age groups and preferences.

I'm just curious when is the unveiling. I think its supposed to be at the Moscow auto show in August.....

B7FAN - 6/30/2010 7:48:21 AM

0 Boost

I dont see the A8 being a contender because to me there is really nothing new about the new A8 besides some new technology and new headlights and the A4 tailights......IMO i dont see a major overhaul of that car AT ALL I can see the A7 outselling the AUDI flagship with no problem. Maybe its just me but even in the interior in the new A8 looks the same still the same flip out navi seats look the same with a different stitching pattern on it but nothing that gives me the WOW factor like to say its been completley redone.....IMO...I do like the A7 over the BMW 5GT because its a more cleaner and the design flows as for the GT it flows until you get to the rear end of the car. But I guess these upper/middle class soccer moms got what they asked for

IamEvilHomer - 7/1/2010 1:56:40 AM

+2 Boost

b7fan- the A8 is a new car in every way
new engine 376 hp FSI 4.2
New body much larger, wider, and stiffer but much lighter about 500 less then the same car in the BMW)
the inerior is amazing. When you have a chance go look at the sport seat or the Executive package.

The A8 is the New Luxury and will be a force when it arrives in the US later this year

Not to mention the service has been turned up a notch
Free flatbed pickup and delivery, A6 or better as a loaner, Audi car is available and they will even "refresh" (fix a ding or scrached wheel) when you come in for service at no charge.

Agent63 - 6/30/2010 4:03:59 AM

+3 Boost

The A8 is the flagship. It will always have some features and comfort levels that the A7 falls short on. It has to go that way. Otherwise the A8 would have been obsolete before this A7 was even imagined. At least they made it the best they possibly can. Unlike Porsche's Cayman S which has so much potential. It's a great car that can hit 4 seconds 0-60 if supplied with a better motor. I would love to have an RS7.......? :) anyone else.

lexusrox123 - 6/30/2010 5:02:28 AM

+2 Boost

I also like the big screens in the consoles. The flip up ones have more of a chance of breaking or otherwise not working, and I think they're kind of cheesy. The only other gripe about this car is the grille looks a bit weird. Otherwise, its eyecandy.

1uberaudiR8 - 6/30/2010 2:34:45 PM

+2 Boost

Don't worry the flip ones don't break. If they were made with flimsy Japanese plastic parts they might. But, there not.

This car is beautiful!! A lot better looking than the CLS.

IamEvilHomer - 7/1/2010 1:59:15 AM

+2 Boost

the 7 inch screen in the center is great. I found myself turning the right screen off and just using the center screen a lot at night.

I have not heard of any screens breaking in less someone smashed down on it (you have to want to break it almost)

0to60 - 6/30/2010 9:46:24 AM

+3 Boost

The A8 will be the more conservative option. I would (being in my late 20's) would choose the A7 because it appeals more to me and aligns better with what I would be in the market for. The A7 is more of a niche vehicle. Again, the A8 is more conservative and would likely appeal more to the older business types.

PlanB - 6/30/2010 10:28:17 AM

+2 Boost

Love this car...

JUGNU - 6/30/2010 1:07:27 PM

+2 Boost

If Audi makes the design of A7 very close to the sportback concept above than it will be very nice only make the grille little smaller.

JUGNU

david999 - 6/30/2010 4:46:02 PM

0 Boost

Nice car, but the rear needs work.

LexSucks - 6/30/2010 5:49:21 PM

-4 Boost

Yuk!!

IamEvilHomer - 7/1/2010 2:04:27 AM

+2 Boost

why does every article that 00R post about Audi have a negitive light to it? 00R most of the A8s sold will be the A8L The short wheelbase is not sold that much just like the 7 series sells the 750iL much more.

The A7 will be a diffrent car all togeather

Go do an article about a MB model. I am sure you can find 20 models at MB that overlap a bit. Make sure the title says "Why buy a S Class when you can get a C class in the same Color?"

thstone - 7/1/2010 8:13:34 PM

+2 Boost

I really like everything about this car except that damn big ol' bass mouth grill!