Past winners of the coveted title of Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year have been ones that have had dramatic changes, included ground-breaking technology, or some sort of spectacular upgrade from its predecessor. This year, for the 2012 Automobile of the Year, it is not the case. Rather, the Audi A7 is a representation of what consumers have come to expect from the brand. Audi has been building attractive, fast, and rewarding luxury cars for some time now. Anchored by Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, bristling state-of-the-art technologies, and surrounding its passengers with an artfully crafted interior, the A7 is exactly in keeping with the cars the Audi has been turning out. As editor-in-chief, Jean Jennings says, “It’s the culmination of everything Audi has promised.”

The Audi A7 may not taut a list of major new technologies, but the list of leading-edge features are impressive. Using a touchpad, input into the navigation system can be made by drawing them with your finger, which requires less eyes-away-from-the-road than traditional methods. Google Earth imagery is also incorporated and the car functions as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. LED front accent lighting–which was pioneered by Audi–is standard, and full-LED active headlamps are also available. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is more than a safety feature, as the rear torque bias provides the sportier, more responsive cornering of a rear-wheel drive car with the ability to put more power to the ground.

The A7 isn’t a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, because it didn’t have one! You’ll find it positioned in the lineup between the A6 and the A8 sedans, the A7 is actually something new from Audi. It’s the latest “couped” sedan that has perfect proportions and an eye-catching style that boasts sophistication. Dynamically, its a delight with an enviable ride/handling balance. It certainly is a large car, but you wouldn’t know it from behind the wheel. The sports suspension (part of the S Line package) strikes a nearly ideals balance between ride comfort and limiting body roll. As associate editor, Eric Tingwall, pointed out, “Whether it’s commuting, being driven hard, or touring, the A7 can please any driver.”

The A7 is powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque at just 2,900 rpm. The use of direct injection and force feeding the engine with fresh air spreads the power over a very broad range, which enables the A7 to hustle from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. But best of all, performance comes with healthy fuel consumption, nursing a gallon of premium over 28 highway miles. Overall, what stands out most in the A7 is the fact that excellence in any one area does not come at the expense of its competence in any other. Mesmerizing to look at and seductive to drive, the Audi A7 is a car to aspire to — and an entirely worthy Automobile Car of the Year.

Drop by Pacific Audi today to see the 2012 Audi A7 as it’s definitely a car that you’ll want to experience in person.