2013 Audi S7 OVERVIEW

The Audi A7 is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cars on sale right now, and the S7 adds immense power and agility to the equation to make one of the most impressive automotive packages. It majors on comfort and luxury for four people while providing effortless power from a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and tenacious grip from Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system. It even has a spacious hatchback.

The S7 is available in one loaded trim level, Prestige. The engine is a 4.0-liter V8 with two turbos producing 420 horsepower and sending it to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission.

There are available option packages, including a Cold Weather Package with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, while the Comfort Seating pack adds 22-way adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage settings and premium leather trim. The Driver Assistance Package includes power folding mirrors, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and lane departure assist, while the Innovation Package adds that and night vision and active park assist.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is an even more stylish four-door coupe with solid build and a thunderous V8, but it can be very expensive and it isn't as practical. Neither is the BMW 640i Gran Coupe, but it does have a strong inline six cylinder turbo and a beautiful interior. The Porsche Panamera is more sporting, but its looks are questionable, the base V6 not terribly strong and basic options cost a small fortune. The Jaguar XF may not have the same swooping roofline but it's still very attractive, has a space for a fifth passenger in a refined interior and offers a storming supercharged V8.

The S7, then, is a practical proposition for someone looking to take three passengers in speed and comfort, while offering a tremendous driving experience and making a styling statement.