Audi's S7 is one of the best-rounded luxury machines on the market. This performance-focused version of the A7 "four-door-coupe" appeals to the left brain with foul weather-taming all-wheel-drive and a spacious cargo area, while also providing driving thrills with a bellowing 420-horsepower V8.

The S7 rides on a full air suspension with adaptive dampers, which can both be adjusted to suit the driver's preferences with a Drive Select system that also controls throttle response, steering effort and shift calibration.

On the outside, the current model’s boxy front fascia with its near-rectangular lower air intakes has been replaced by a treatment that’s just as sporty but more elegant. The new LED head- and taillamps of the A7 and RS7 are here, too, while the S-trademark quadruple exhaust pipes remain.

The Audi S7 is powered by the same 4.0 litre, twin turbocharged, aluminum alloy,V8 petrol engine albeit in a lower state of tune. In the S7, the engine develops 456PS of max power between 5,500 rpm and 6,400 rpm while peak torque output is rated at 549Nm between 1,400 rpm and 5,200 rpm. The car has a 0 - 96 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Being a modern Audi, the S7 is equipped with MMI, or multimedia interface, which includes an eight-inch pop-up display, a five-inch information LCD display and an optional heads-up display for the windshield. The MMI also boasts an industry first: the ability to recognize driver handwriting via the touch input pad, allowing for the input of both navigation and telephone information.

The S7 comes standard with Audi connect, which offers in-car WiFi along with real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices. When equipped with an optional navigation system, the system includes Google Earth integration - complete with panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite and aerial imagery.

The S7 does offer a sizable 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space, however, and the trunk is easily accessed through the wide-opening rear hatchback.

Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system helps the S7 conquer inclement weather and also improves handling by sending torque to the outside rear wheel to cut down on understeer in turns.

The Audi S7 is built out of a steel chassis and aluminum body panels to keep weight in check. The car comes with adaptive air suspension all around to offer the best of both worlds in terms of ride comfort and drive dynamics.

The S7 will come loaded with a host of comfort, convenience and safety features to pamper occupants and keep them cosseted in safety and luxury.