Audi A7 2018

The Audi A7 is to the A6 what the Audi A5 is to the Audi A4 . The German automaker uses the Sportback designation in part of its range to refer to the coupé versions of conventional models, hence the A7 is always accompanied by this well-known name. It's a large model that targets a different kind of customer, one who prioritizes aesthetics over practicality and seeks a more dynamic driving experience.

We have tested this car:

Test Audi A7 Sportback 50 TDI 286 CV Tiptronic Test Audi S7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 349 CV Tiptronic 8v quattro

The first Audi A7 was launched in 2010. Its design quickly won over millions of buyers worldwide. Despite incorporating much of the A6's development and technology, the A7 has always boasted a design completely distinct from other Audi models . This unique style was completely revamped in 2018 with the launch of the second generation.

The second generation further builds upon the lessons learned from the first A7. A much sharper and more attractive design, higher quality materials, significantly more technology , and a high-performance engine range that includes more efficient options. Thanks to these improvements, the coupe sedan has become a benchmark in its exclusive market, vying for the top spot in global sales with its Mercedes-Benz counterpart.

Technical characteristics of the Audi A7

The A7 Sportback's features place it at the top of the Audi range . Beneath its sculpted body, the coupe sedan uses the same platform as its sibling, the Audi A6 . The dimensions of both are virtually identical, although the differences in handling are noticeable, as A7 buyers seek a different driving experience than that offered by the A6.

This Volkswagen Group MLB platform gives it generous exterior dimensions: 4,97 meters long, 1,91 meters wide, and 1,42 meters high . Adding to these dimensions is a 2,93-meter wheelbase, enough to comfortably accommodate five passengers. The only drawback is the rear seats, where headroom might make it less comfortable for taller passengers.

The Audi A7 is a five-door sedan. The tailgate is integrated into the rear structure, so it opens with the rear window. The large rear door reveals a generously sized trunk, offering 535 liters in the smallest configuration . This volume is drastically reduced for the plug-in hybrid versions. Due to the positioning of the batteries and electric motor, the A7 TFSIe's trunk has a minimum capacity of 380 liters, comparable to a model like the Audi A3.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Audi A7

Audi Sportback A7

Beneath the long hood of the A7 Sportback lie Audi's largest engines. As a luxury sedan, the mechanical components are focused on delivering high performance. The range comprises four diesel versions, two gasoline versions, and two plug-in hybrids with the DGT's ZERO emissions label . Audi designates these latter models as the 50 and 55 TFSIe, producing 299 and 367 horsepower , respectively, and both capable of traveling up to 54 km in electric mode.

In fact, the entire A7 engine range benefits from advantageous emissions labels. The diesel lineup offers four- and six-cylinder variants delivering between 204 and 344 horsepower . These engines are paired with a mild hybrid system featuring a 48-volt auxiliary electrical system that slightly reduces fuel consumption and qualifies the vehicle as an ECO vehicle by the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). All engines are equipped with a seven-speed S tronic transmission, and only the highest-performance models come with quattro all-wheel drive.

Although the market is seeing a resurgence in gasoline versions, large models like the A7 continue to focus primarily on more fuel-efficient solutions. Despite this, Audi offers two TFSI engines, the 45 and 55 TFSI . Power outputs range from 245 to 340 horsepower . Above these, we find only the special and extravagant Audi RS 7 Sportback , the most extreme version in the range with a powerful twin-turbo V8 under the hood. Like the rest of the engine lineup, the TFSI engines qualify for the ECO label thanks to a mild-hybrid system.

The 2023 redesign of the A7 also opted for a greener engine, with:

MHEV: All combustion engines (V6 and V8) retain the 48V mild hybrid system.
TFSI e: Plug-in hybrid versions optimized their software management to improve efficiency in electric mode.

Equipment of the Audi A7

Audi Sportback A7

The A7 is part of Audi's larger lineup, the same one that includes other illustrious models like the Audi Q7 , Audi Q8 , and the Audi A8 itself . This means it has the right to offer not only the finest finishes but also the most comprehensive range of available technology. It also means that the coupe sedan offers extensive customization options , including the Audi Exclusive program.

When configuring the Audi A7, you can choose to personalize both the exterior and interior. The S Line package can be applied to both independently , allowing for a sportier exterior design while maintaining a more classic and refined atmosphere inside. For the interior, the Design Selection package offers a middle ground, adding higher quality and exclusivity to certain trim pieces.

If we focus exclusively on the technological content, that's where we see the capabilities of the A7. Among the wide range of features, the following stand out: LED matrix headlights, night vision camera , digital instrument cluster, four-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, navigation system, head-up display, on-board television , and of course the most complete suite of driver assistance and safety systems.

With the arrival of the 2023 A3 updates, we saw aesthetic and equipment changes:

Honeycomb grille: The most notable change was the abandonment of horizontal slats in favor of a honeycomb structure (RS type) across the entire range.
Rear diffuser: The lower part of the rear was redesigned, incorporating inserts in silver or black depending on the trim level.
Colors and Wheels: New colors such as Arcona White and Madeira Brown were added. In addition, five new wheel designs up to 21 inches were introduced.
New Finishes: It was restructured into three main lines: Base, S line and Black line.
Standard equipment: It was significantly expanded. Features that were previously optional, such as the improved Audi Virtual Cockpit and Matrix LED headlights (HD Matrix LED for the A7), became standard or more accessible from mid-range trims.
S line interior: This package now includes as standard a black dashboard, a sport steering wheel with perforated leather paddle shifters, and stainless steel pedals.

The Audi A7 in video

The Audi A7 according to Euro NCAP

Being part of the A6 family and using the same platform, the Audi A7 shares the safety standards of its sedan sibling. These standards make it one of the safest models in its class. Euro NCAP has certified this with a five-star safety rating . Tests have shown it to be particularly effective in protecting adult and child occupants. It also scored well in pedestrian safety and the performance of its safety assistance systems.

The Audi A7 of Km 0 and second hand

The large sedan market isn't at its peak, but it continues to achieve strong sales figures. Of all the sedan styles currently available, the coupe sedan is the least affected. The A7 is a benchmark thanks to its solid sales and long history . Both of these factors contribute to a wide range of models being available for sale in the used and pre-owned markets.

The Audi A7 depreciates relatively quickly, and its price holds its value well over time. Starting prices are around €15.000. The nearly new (Km 0) market is less abundant . It's a high-end car for an exclusive market, so dealerships don't accumulate stock to sell quickly. Furthermore, it's a car that lends itself to customization, with customers often ordering exclusive factory options.

Rivals of the Audi A7

Only premium brands can aspire to a market as exclusive as the one the Audi A7 targets. For this reason, the German car's rivals can be counted on one hand . Undoubtedly, its strongest and most direct competitors are the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé and the Mercedes CLS-Class . Both are practically identical in price, equipment, and size. We also find rivals at higher price points, such as the Porsche Panamera . BMW has no model to compete with the Ingolstadt-based automaker since the discontinuation of the 6 Series.

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Audi A7 Prices

The A7 has all the attributes of an expensive car, and its prices reflect this. The starting price for the Audi A7 is €75.155 , without any offers or promotions. This price refers to the base trim with the 40 TDI engine. The most expensive option is the S7 Sportback, which starts at €96.630 with its zero-emissions sticker.