Audi S7 review 2012-2018
The “S” in the S7 stands for Sportback which tells you what to expect from this particular Audi. It’s not all about breath-taking performance, though – it’s also practical in ways that you just might not imagine, as well as being very luxurious. Find out what it's like to drive in our road-tested Audi S7 review.
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Pros
- Proper 'Q' car
- Plush interior
- Motorway mile-muncher
Cons
- Expensive
- Thirsty on fuel
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
Driving position
Slip into the sports seats covered with Valcona leather and you can tell that you’re in for a luxurious, as well as an exciting, ride.
The seats are adjusted electronically, which means that you can find the perfect position with very little fuss.
Tech and features
You’re surrounded by a cockpit that has been ergonomically designed to combine comfort with practicality and the three-spoke wheel is also loaded with buttons to put the most important functions at your fingertips.
In the middle of the dash, there's a retractable 6.5-inch screen that works with Audi’s MMI infotainment system.
Plus, there’s a DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth and a multimedia interface. All you need to keep yourself and the family entertained on long drives or when stuck in traffic.
Depending on the model, there’s the possibility of a wide range of safety equipment - active cruise control, lane departure indicators, and blind spot warning.
Visibility through the tailgate window isn’t that great, so looking for an S7 with a reversing camera could be a very good idea.
You might expect that the coupe nature of the car would mean that headroom and space in general might be limited in the back, but no.
There’s plenty of room for a couple of six-foot adults with some to spare.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. You know that you can rely on Audi to create a good driving experience and they’ve really pushed the boat out with the S7.
Engines and power
A lot of it has to do with the smooth V8 engine that works in perfect harmony with a twin-clutch automatic gearbox that shifts quickly and effortlessly.
Handling and ride comfort
Electro-mechanical steering, Audi’s Drive Direct four-wheel drive system and adjustable air suspension mean that the power is converted into superb handling in pretty much all road conditions.
The car is at its very best, though, when cruising effortlessly at motorway speeds.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
There’s another surprise in store when it comes to the question of how practical the S7 really is.
Boot space
Open the tailgate and you’ll find a boot area that would put most other coupes - and even some saloons - to shame.
Rest assured, there’s no shop too big or holiday luggage so bulky that it can’t be fitted in the boot.
Fold the seats down and we’re talking about a seriously large area, ready for some seriously large cargo.
Rear seats
Some models also have a so-called “ski-hatch” between the rear seats, handy not just for skis but for any long objects you might want to carry home – like the shelves you just bought.
Running costs
Our rating: 5/10
If you’re in the market for an S7 then you’ll already realise that it’s a pretty thirsty beast.
Fuel economy
Even if you’re driving like you’re trying to pass your test you’ll struggle to get more than 30 mpg.
This figure would even be lower without the clever tech that means only four of the car’s eight cylinders work when it’s not being driven hard.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
5/10
Sporty, stylish and beautifully balanced, the Audi S7 is a car that’s got a great deal going for it.
It’s hard to find any kind of fault with the S7 as it’s such a well-designed and thought-out car.
It’s a real driver’s car too - so best kept for those long and exciting journeys instead of a quick trip to the shops.
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