MotorMouths

We were told to expect a base price of around $60,000 for the 2012 Audi A7. For that kind of money, we can’t think of another car that so exquisitely blends luxury, performance, beauty, technology, and utility.

It can be argued that Audi’s take on the “four-door coupe” genre is the best yet. It’s clear there are few cars that will be able to upstage the satisfying A7 in sheer curbside wattage.

While dripping with speed, the A7 isn’t the world’s fastest four-door, but it’s among the prettiest. Those who spring the cash for an A7 are paying $10,000 over the A6 to have onlookers mistake it for a Maserati. Consider me thoroughly duped.

I was pleasantly surprised by this large hatchback’s combination of performance driving ability, smooth ride quality and family-friendly backseat space and functional trunk. The A7 is worth every penny.

The A7 has more standard features than the A6 (18-in. wheels, a hard-drive), but what you’re mainly paying an extra ten grand for is good looks. I’d still be sorely tempted. The A7 is a knockout.

All the cars in this segment have their specialties, and the A7’s killer looks yet IKEA-like pricing are the elements which give it an edge. You can’t fault it for taking on the competition head on, especially when you take a look at the result.

Don’t think that just because the A7 handles like an agile sporty car that it loses something in the luxury ride quality. It doesn’t. The A7 delivers stiff competition for any sporting luxury car on the road.

There are luxury cars with better performance or roomier backseats, and there are luxury SUVs with more utility, but the swoopy Audi A7 is a sexy hatchback with performance and personality to match.

The A7 is swoopy, tech-swaddled, and severely styled, and it drives better than other big Audis. Would I buy it? Oh yes — absolutely.

The 2012 Audi A7 is a luxurious and stunning car that also happens to be imminently practical, and just the latest in a long line of Audis that are as delicious to look at as they are to drive.

Audi hits one out of the park with its new fastback boulevardier. It’s a family sedan that doesn’t know it’s not a sports car. Cheap it ain’t, but the A7 is right at the top of our dream car list.

This is not a car for everyone. It’s expensive and less practical than some other cars. But if you want to make a visual statement, with the R8-faced, sleekly-profiled, high-tech A7, you’ll likely be very happy with your choice.