2023 Audi A7

Overview

The Audi A7’s sleek elegance makes this sedan-like coupe-ish hatchback a looker. Behind the big hexagonal grille sits a turbocharged 335-hp V-6 bolted to a dual-clutch automatic that sends power to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. With plenty of low-end grunt, the A7 has enough oomph to easily hurry; its rewardingly crisp handling is complimented by a reasonably smooth ride too. For more power in a similar package, the 444-hp S7, reviewed separately, delivers a more vivid driving experience. The latest iteration of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system decouples the rear-axle under light loads for improved fuel efficiency, which enabled the A7 to deliver an impressive 36 mpg during our highway fuel-economy test. Inside, the A7 boasts impeccable build quality, and the trim that unifies its leather surfaces and digital interfaces is an elegant mix of materials. Albeit a different experience than the swanky Mercedes-Benz E-class or fashion-forward Genesis G80, the A7 remains near the top of the highly competitive mid-size luxury-sedan segment.

What’s New for 2023?

Audi enhances the A7’s standard safety equipment for 2023. Every A7 now comes with adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Prestige models gain remote park assist plus.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium

$70,295

$75,445

Prestige

$79,445

We’d recommend the Premium Plus model, which has more desirable standard features and available options than the base trim level does. The Plus comes standard with adaptive cruise control, headlights with snazzier Matrix-design accents and automatic high-beams, futuristic-looking taillight animations, a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system, and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, the Premium Plus has standard luxuries such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power-operated hatchback, and a panoramic sunroof. We’d increase the A7’s luxury levels a little more by choosing the Driver and Executive packages. This combination is highlighted by the addition of four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The A7’s standard powertrain is a turbocharged V-6 that makes 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That power is delivered to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The A7’s standard V-6 powertrain also uses a 48-volt hybrid-assist system that minimizes turbo lag and aids stop/start operation. During everyday driving, we appreciated the Audi’s effortless quickness. Its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in wet and dry conditions. The automatic transmission intelligently reacted to both relaxed and energetic throttle inputs. If you’re looking for something with electric-only driving capability, you’ll need to upgrade to the new plug-in hybrid model, which makes 362 horsepower from its combination of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and onboard electric motor. We haven’t had the chance to test this model yet, but we’ve spent plenty of time with the standard V-6. Audi expertly blends luxury and agility on the A7. Its enthusiastic responses and supple ride quality immediately stood out while we were behind the wheel. Despite our test car’s optional 21-inch wheels, the expected thuds from harsh impacts went almost unnoticed. Its suspension was equally successful at limiting body motions. The steering response was linear, with adjustable heft available in different drive modes, but it never shouted about what the front wheels were doing. The two A7 models we tested had impressive stopping power, with emergency braking distances of 157 feet and 163 feet.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The A7 with the standard turbo-six earned fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway from the EPA. These numbers closely align with sedan rivals such as the BMW 540i xDrive (23 mpg city and 31 highway) and the CLS450 (22 city and 29 highway). The plug-in-hybrid A7 has a combined rating of 27 mpg and it has an estimated electric-only range of 26 miles. The V-6-powered Audi we tested greatly exceeded its highway rating, earning an impressive 36 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. The CLS450 also returned 36 mpg during our highway test, and the Bimmer achieved 34 mpg.

For more information about the A7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The A7’s interior has impeccable fit and finish and is highlighted by attractive materials and sturdy switchgear. Every cabin has ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, leather seating surfaces, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, and more. However, they’re controlled solely through the touchscreens, which is annoying. The A7 also provides a satisfying driving position that is complemented by excellent outward visibility. Rear-seat passengers receive climate controls, power points for charging devices, and even heated seats, which are all optional. While the back seat comfortably accommodates two adults, three full-size frames would be cramped. Underneath the A7’s useful power-operated liftback, we fit seven carry-on bags behind its split-folding rear seat. The car also held 20 bags of luggage with the seats folded flat. Likewise, we managed to fit a golf bag and stroller in the cargo area. Unfortunately, the A7 has mediocre interior cubby space. The front door pockets are narrow, and the center console has a small bin.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every A7 features a dazzling infotainment system with dual touchscreens that seamlessly integrate into the dashboard and center console. The large icons are easy to locate and the haptic feedback is satisfying, but the setup is undeniably distracting because they often require the driver to take their eyes off the road. Standard content includes Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto integration and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Desirable options are two powerful Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems and wireless smartphone charging.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Audi hatchback offers advanced driver-assistance equipment that includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and night vision.

For more information about the A7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi provides warranty coverage that aligns with plans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS 

2019 Audi A7 3.0T

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $81,445 (base price: $68,995)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 183 cu in, 2995 cc
POWER: 335 hp @ 6400 rpm
TORQUE: 369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy MXM4, 255/40R-20 101H M+S AO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.2 in
Length: 195.6 in
Width: 75.1 in 
Height: 56.0 in
Passenger volume: 95 cu ft
Cargo volume: 25 cu ft
Curb weight: 4451 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.1 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 18.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 105 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.90 g

*Stability-control inhibited.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
Combined/city/highway: 24/21/30 mpg

>>CLICK TO DOWNLOAD TEST SHEET<<

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