Audi A7 review
While much of the luxury market has been owned by premium SUVs in recent years, many buyers still want a less conspicuous, more elegant shape of the time-honoured luxury saloon. Think of the Audi A7 as a modern take on that traditional motoring recipe to rival the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera. Keep reading for our full road-tested Audi A7 review.
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Pros
- Practical posh family car
- Strong engine options
- Plush cabin
Cons
- Ride is compromised by larger wheels
- Noisy diesel engine
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
Driving position
Once you’re settled into the Audi A7’s futuristic, high-tech cabin, getting comfortable won’t be a problem. That’s thanks to a wide range of adjustability for both the driver’s seat and the steering wheel.
Front visibility is optimal, although the view back is slightly impeded by thick rear pillars and that sloping roofline. Thankfully the Audi A7’s parking sensors and rear-view camera mitigate any problems.
Tech and features
The entry-level SE Executive version still manages to boast Audi's MMI infotainment system with a 6.5-inch retractable screen, sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a USB interface, as well as heated and electrically adjustable leather seats, 4-zone climate control and parking sensors.
If you need even more, S-Line cars get leather and Alcantara-clad sports seats and a perforated leather steering wheel. Higher spec Black Edition models add a Bose sound system, high-grade interior finishes and upgraded materials and seats, as well as sporty exterior addenda.
Recently facelifted A7s feature Audi’s latest touch response MMI infotainment system, which boasts larger upper and lower central screens that use ‘black panel’ technology for improved contrast, as well as a host of driver assistance systems including traffic and hazard information that can be shared between Audis on the move.
The cabin is a high-quality affair, with tactile plastics, premium materials and leather covering nearly every surface.
The simple, uncluttered dashboard is intuitive and the cockpit’s few buttons and switchgear have a well-engineered, tactile quality that seems to sum up the A7’s overall premium feel.
Performance
Our rating: 7/10
Handling and ride comfort
Slip behind the wheel of the Audi A7 and you’re greeted with a low-slung seating position and a centre console angled towards the driver. It‘s a sporty yet comfortable place to be – like box seats at Wimbledon.
The A7 boasts high levels of grip, responsive steering and a firm yet comfortable ride. Cars fitted with Audi’s optional air suspension make even lighter work of rough surfaces.
While the A7 is by no means a small car, it‘s surprisingly agile for its size. On the road it feels planted and reassuring, inspiring high levels of driver confidence in fast sweeping bends and tighter B-road corners.
The majority of A7 models also come with Audi’s legendary Quattro 4-wheel drive system, which adds further to the A7’s impeccable road manners.
Even the smaller-engined versions have plenty of power, making the A7 more than capable in all driving conditions. Interior road and wind noise are also kept to a minimum inside the Audi’s bank vault-like cabin, so longer, pan-European jaunts won’t present much of a problem.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
Rear seats
Despite its rakish, coupe-style looks, the interior of the A7 is remarkably spacious.
There’s an abundance of head- and leg-room for front seat occupants, while even six-footers will be relatively comfortable in the rear seats on longer journeys – somewhat surprising when you consider the A7’s sloping rear roofline.
Boot space
Boot space is equally impressive, with the A7’s hatchback layout making it considerably more practical than a common or garden saloon car.
There’s enough room in the back of the A7 to carry several mid-sized suitcases for a family holiday and with the rear seats folded down it will easily swallow larger household items or flat-pack furniture.
While it may look sporty and purposeful, it seems that the A7 also has family car credentials up its stylish sleeves as well.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
The Audi A7 represents good value when compared to the competition, with high levels of equipment and strong residual values.
Fuel economy
Fuel efficiency is equally notable, with the A7’s range of petrol engines returning between 30mpg and 35 mpg, and the latest diesel units delivering between 39mpg and 50mpg.
Considering the size and performance, these numbers, along with the general CO2 emissions figures for the range, are very competitive with the A7’s closest rivals.
Reliability
Audi has a good reputation for reliability, so we don’t foresee much going wrong with the A7 any time soon. However, we’d recommend you consider taking out cinchCare for added peace of mind.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
7/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
7/10
We love the rakish, sporty looks of the Audi A7. It’s a saloon, but thanks to its sloped roof and coupe styling cues it looks more purposeful than a standard four-door car.
Can we say that the Audi A7 is one of our favourite premium family cars?
With its raffish looks and serious performance creds you’d think not, but thanks to its surprisingly spacious interior and generous boot space, we think the A7 is a serious contender as a performance saloon and luxurious family conveyance.
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