2023 Audi A7 Expert Review

Reviewed by Duncan Brady

The A7 is a sporty, slinky, sloped-roof hatchback version of Audi's conservatively styled A6. Our first look was at the Audi Sportback Concept in 2009; that car became the first-generation A7, which was on sale from 2010 to 2018 and replaced by the current, second-gen model for 2019. The A7 competes in the midsize luxury fastback segment alongside worthy contenders including the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, as well as electric alternatives such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi's own E-Tron GT.

What's New

Adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are now standard
Prestige models add remote park assist
S Line and Black Optics package are now merged together

What We Think

Although it's similarly sized to Audi's A6 and E-Tron GT, the A7 offers the cargo-carrying capability of some small SUVs with the outstanding design and hunkered-down driving dynamics of a luxury sport sedan. Plus, the interior is as modern and stylish as it is usable, and material quality is a strong point.

There are a couple drawbacks, though. Due in part to its larger interior volume, the A7 is noticeably noisier inside than its A6 counterpart. We've also pointed out in the past that the standard V-6 car may ride a little too softly, and that the throttle can be jumpy. If you want performance, though, the S7 and RS7 are happy to deliver.

The A7 is a well-rounded luxury car with all the engine options you could want, as much cargo space as smaller crossovers, and style for days. If you're looking for a sporty four-door, this is a good place to start.

Performance and Efficiency

Audi A7 buyers can choose between a wide range of engine options. Audi offers six- and eight-cylinder engines under the hood of its big sportback, and folks can choose whether they want efficiency, performance, or a nice balance of each.

The standard A7 pairs its engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the two performance models work with an eight-speed conventional auto. Every A7 features AWD.

2023 Audi A7 55 TFSI

Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6
Horsepower/Torque: 335 hp/369 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway)*: 21/30 mpg
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.9 seconds

2023 Audi S7

Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6
Horsepower/Torque: 444 hp/443 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway)*: 18/28 mpg
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.5 seconds (mfr est)

2023 Audi RS7

Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 591 hp/590 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway)*: 15/22 mpg
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.5 seconds (mfr est)

*EPA ratings based on 2022 model year

Safety Ratings and Features

The A7 earned the highest honors from the IIHS, receiving a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award.

Looking at feature content, Audi adds standard adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist this year; automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beams are also included on the base model. If you go for one of the more expensive trim levels, you'll get rear and side cross-traffic alert and road sign recognition.

Cargo Space and Interior Room

The A7 has a hatchback instead of a sealed trunk, which means you can fit more cargo than you could in Audi's A6 sedan. Trunk volume measures 24.9 cubic feet, way more than the 17.6 cubes you'd get in a Porsche Panamera or the 12.7 in a Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, let alone the A6's 13.7 cubic feet (although hatchback and trunk cargo capacity are measured slightly differently). With 41.3 inches of legroom up front and 37.0 inches in the back, passengers should have plenty of space, too.

Technology

The A7 has the same tech setup as its A6 sedan sibling, meaning an infotainment system with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a second 8.6-inch display for controlling the air conditioning and heat. Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster is also standard, as are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and integrated navigation. If you opt for either of the higher trims (Premium Plus or Prestige), Audi will add a wireless charging pad and a 360-degree camera system. Although 10-speaker audio is standard, the higher trims get premium Bang & Olufsen setups.

Is There an Electric Audi A7?

Audi no longer builds its slinky sportback with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, so what if you want to ditch the gas engine altogether? Luckily, Audi has just the car for you. Not an electric A7, but the E-Tron GT, a similarly styled sloped-roof four-door powered by a pair of electric motors—no gasoline, no exhaust fumes. Plus, there's an RS model quicker than the RS7, reaching 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, according to our tests.

Recommended Trim

As tempting as the RS7 and its nearly 600 horsepower can be, we'd exercise some restraint and go for the base car. The A7 is undeniably stylish even in its most restrained form, and 0-60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds should be plenty of performance for most drivers.