Pratfall

I'm going back and forth between ordering a new 2016 A7 and buying a slightly used A8. One big issue is suitability for road trips. I love taking them, and the A8's supremely comfortable ride and all around cushiness give it an edge here. On the other hand, the A7's cargo space is massive in comparison, and in 2016 we can get the same (or nearly the same) upgraded contour seats as those in the A8.

So for A7 owners here, how have your cars fared on road trips? Comfortable enough? Leave you longing for the A8's air suspension? Or just largely satisfied all around? I know big tires can hurt ride quality, so I'd probably stick with the 19's.

If anyone here an provide input on this, especially if you've owned both an A7 and A8, I'd much appreciate it. Thanks so much!

chicagoA6

I've had 2 A7s and while waiting for the Euro delivery of our recent A7 the dealer gave us an A8 for 2 weeks to drive (3.0 SWB). On the highway the A8 is hard to beat. Supremely confortable and able to gobble up miles not like many cars. As a pure highway cruiser the A8 is the right choice. The A8 seats are terrific.

However, once off the highway the A7 is the right choice. With the lower center of gravity and wider stance it loves a curve. Its a real joy to drive aggressively. Also in town the A8 felt large (and it is large), but the A7 feels much smaller and able to navigate the city without any issue.

We go to Wisconsin on a regular basis and drive 3-4 hours in the A7 and I've never felt tired or worn out when arriving. Tires make a difference also. We have the 19" and they are quieter.

If the 2016 A7 has the A8 seats that would seal the deal for me. For road trips the A7s seats are the only downside (albeit minor).

Glacier6

I can second this. I was given a 2015 A8L loaner for a week while my A7 was having some warranty work done.

The A8 is massive and drives as such, but with the air suspension it is amazingly floaty and absorbs bumps on the road like they're not even there. My A7 has the sport package making it a little firmer but it's still comfortable enough for road trips, but like chicagoA6 said, it is a true blast to drive around in the city.

Maybe add a CPO S7 into your search as it has the air suspension as well?

JShepFL

I had and A8 prior to this and was worried about moving into the A7 - that it wasn't substantial enough for me. I made the jump and now couldn't bring myself to buy an A8. The decision was solidified when the dealer gave me an A8 to drive last month when my A7 went in for service. I was shocked how much I didn't like the A8. It felt heavy, bloated and disconnected from the road. I agree with a previous poster - give the S7 a try. You may find Comfort settings on that car give you what you want on the highway for the same price as an A8. Nice problem to have though!

Lookout57

I've found the A7 to be a great road trip car. I drove from Central Florida to Northern NJ in 2 days and never felt tired. And then driving from Maine to Northern NJ 5 hour drive and it was very comfortable. I even got 28 MPG (doing 75-80 MPH).

fkaufman

I regularly drive from Toronto to New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Cincinnati. These are all 8-10 hour highway trips that I do with just a few washroom stops. The A7 is great for these trips and since I traded to the TDI, I don't even have to stop for fuel, can do the whole trip (one way) on one tank.

The only car I had that was even more comfortable for these trips was my 1994 Subaru SVX (RIP!).

Glacier6

When you guys (3.0 engine) fill up your tank, what are you seeing as the fuel range?

Recently when I've been leaving the pump, it's been in the 475-490 range, which seems a little low (thought was supposed in the 500s).

fkaufman

It gets calculated based on the average consumption of the previous tank. So if you do all in-city stop and go traffic, you will get less out of the tank of fuel and at fill-up time, it will show you how much you can expect based on the previous usage rate. The same way, after a long steady highway trip, when you refill it will show a much higher expected distance for the next tank.

Glacier6

Ah ok makes sense. I do a combo of both but I always like to entertain myself with the freeway entrances, so I'm sure that brings it down a bit.

Pratfall

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.