Noob here, as I've just begun my search for a 2012 A7. It's time for my 2001 A6/4.2 to go. The only current things on my must-have list are black, a heated steering wheel, and maybe S-line. I have no opportunities to see these cars in person and will have to travel a fair distance to purchase one. I would be very appreciative of opinions on exterior appearance of S-line vs. non-S for the A7. In your opinion does it enhance the beauty of the car or not? One UK reviewer said he preferred S-line on the darker A7's but not on the clean lines of the white (something about the S diminishing the effect of the tornado line). Has anyone opted out of S-line but after seeing them on the road wish they had gotten it? Anyone wish they had left it off?

I'm not 100% sold on black but am also considering gray, as long as it's not a brownish gray. I love black (I'd probably go with Phantom) on this car but I don't mind longer intervals between washings. Any recommendations or observations on Daytona vs Oolong vs Quartz? This car is an amazing balance of beauty and bada$$. What color enhances that the most? I know there is no exact answer to that question, but I love to hear open forum opinions of those emotionally invested in this car.

And if you're in a particularly generous mood, any recommendation or observations on Sport package and wheel choice? I know there's a downside to the 20's but they do look awesome, but is there any downside to the Sport package?

TIA! I hope to be fully fledged soon.
Neal
VA, USA

 

Some pics of my 012 Phantom Black Prestige for your comparison. I run stock 19's in winter, and stock 20's in summer. Best of luck with your purchase.

 

Thanks Basic. Beautiful A7! I stopped by the dealer and was able to see all the blacks. All are gorgeous but Phantom is how I'll likely go.

 

I read the forums and considered the options for weeks like many before I ordered and re-read the forums while waiting for arrival. I'm happy to report it is beautiful and a true joy to drive in the two weeks I've had her. To answer your questions, I have 20" sport and it has not been harsh at all. It almost floats but it really depends on what you drove before. The s-line looks very cool. Everyone likes the sporty aggressive stance but I don't think it is too much. Mine is quartz gray which looks pretty dark at night but still shows all the lines. I also picked the full led and active cruise. Active cruise works better than I expected in traffic with the settings tweaked. My final comment is the Bose stereo was weak at first impression but sounds amazing streaming from my phone or the sd card.

 

Thanks for the reply. Quartz gray is really cool looking. As of this moment my search is on for Phantom black with the 19" five-spoke sport package and cold weather package. I think I'm okay with S or non-S, as they're both stunning. I'm okay with any interior (love titanium but rare!) prefer wood over aluminum, and am aiming for $40-50K with < 50K miles. I'll bide my time and go across the country if I have to for the right car, as I keep them a long time. I've bought three A6's, an A4, and a Volvo C70 this way.

 

Phantom black with the 19" sport package
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-A7-3-0L-Prestige-Quattro-AWD-w-Navigation-1-OWNER-WE-FINANCE-12-A7-3-0L-Prestige-Quattro-AWD-/351058103505?forcerrptr=true&hash=item51bcb18cd1&item=351058103505&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
Phantom black pearl, Titanium Gray/Dark Carpet, it says sport but no wheel or rims

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-A7-WE-FINANCE-13-audi-prestige-a-7-v-6-superchaged-awd-nav-sport-heated-cooled-leather-rear-cam-/261454751534?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cdfeae72e&item=261454751534&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

 

Thanks. Both cars indeed drool-worthy, but alas no Cold weather package. I've hit everything on Autotrader and Cars, waiting on a few queries to come back.

 

Don't give up on the 20" wheels if you like the look... I test-drove many A7's before buying, and it was amazing the difference the type of tire made on the ride harshness (with the same 20" OEM wheels). The Continental DWS all-seasons were amazingly comfortable for a low-profile wheel. I ended up buying a car with Yokohama Advan Sport summer tires and the ride is harsh, so I'm going to switch over to the Contis before long.