2017 Audi S7

While crossovers and SUVs continue to decimate demand for station wagons, Audi has proven there is a market for good-looking upscale hatchbacks like the S7, a performance-oriented version of a car that starts out as the A7.

The S7 ditches the A7's turbocharged V6 engine for a turbo V8 good for 450 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. What the S7 does share with its lesser sibling is an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive system. Amazingly enough, this is not the most potent version of this car: the RS7 (covered in a separate article) gets either 560 or 605 hp from the same engine.

It's no accident this car is available with such a wide of engine choices: the A7/S7/RS7's closest competitor is the Porsche Panamera, which is offered in six trims, each of which can be configured at least two ways.

That rakish roofline means rear seat headroom isn't particularly generous, but the trunk is vast: there's more space overall in Audi's big Q7 crossover, but the S7 is far more fun to drive and still packs in some serious practicality.

Fuel consumption estimates haven't been published for 2017, but expect them to be very similar to the 2016 model's ratings of 13.4/8.8 L/100 km (city/highway). Helping out in the economy department are automatic engine start/stop and a cylinder-on-demand system.

Standard features in the S7 include 20-inch wheels shod with performance tires, sport differential, electro-mechanical power steering, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights and taillights, high beam assistant, headlight washers, all-weather light function, sunroof, power tailgate with hands-free function, red brake calipers, power-folding side mirrors, Valcona leather seats, four-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front sport seats with four-way lumbar, driver's seat memory, heated front and rear seats, rear window sunshades, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Audi multimedia interface with navigation, smartphone interface, MMI touch with handwriting recognition, eight-inch colour display screen, 14-speaker stereo with satellite radio, Bluetooth, colour driver information display, garage door opener, automatic headlights and wipers, intelligent keyless entry with push-button start, backup camera with top- and corner-view functions, cruise control, Audi's pre-sense and side assist safety systems, and drive assist.

The S7's starting price is $97,250. Options include ventilated front seats with massage function, pre-sense plus, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, 21-inch wheels, heated steering wheel, rear side airbags and night vision assistant.