Name: Audi A7 Sportback (2018 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi A7 Sportback
Rating: 63.0

Table of contents – Audi A7 (2018 to present)

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Summary

The Audi A7 Sportback aims to fill the needs of those who want sleek looks in their car but also want to carry adults in the rear seats, and it meets the brief very well.

With its swooping rear this is one of the distinctive cars in the Audi range yet it is also practical – behind the plentiful rear-seat space there is a tailgate on a car whose silhouette suggests a boot lid. The A7 is based on the Audi A6 saloon, so it’s definitely a large car that runs to almost five metres length.

The Audi A7 Sportback comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Depending on which you go for, the power will go to either the front or all four wheels. Common to all are mild hybrid systems that allow the car to coast at above 35mph, improving fuel economy. Or you can go the full hog with the TSFI e plug-in hybrid.

Top of the regular Audi A7 range is the S7, which is powered by a 344hp diesel engine. There is also seriously high-performance RS 7 model, which has its own Expert Rating page.

Reviewers like the refinement of the A7, especially under electric power, but less so its ride quality, which with the big wheels most suited to the looks makes for rather firm progress. The car is marked down for feeling less connected behind the wheel compared to rivals such as the Porsche Panamera.

When the current Audi A7 arrived in 2018, it brought with it significant technology. Niceties such as the digital touchscreens earn praise, as does the fit and finish of the interior, dubbed luxurious by many testers.

However, making full use of the tech means much dipping into the options list and the car quickly becomes very expensive – especially as Audi’s equivalent saloon, the A6, offers much of what the A7 does with more practicality and for nearly £10K less money.

As of September 2024, the Audi A7 Sportback range holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63%. It scores top marks for its low CO₂ emissions (thanks to the plug-in hybrid version) but running costs are high and its reliability record is poor, which drags its score down to a D (60%) as a used car.

Audi A7 highlights

Sleeker and more attractive than the A6 saloon
Rear-seat space belies its looks
High-tech specification
Refined petrol engine

Audi A7 lowlights

Expensive, especially once options are added
Firm ride, especially on largest available wheels
Handling prowess can’t match rivals
Touchscreens not easy to operate on the move

Key specifications

Body style: Large five-door liftback
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £57,660 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Spring 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A7 Sportback blends style with substance, and takes a big leap forward in terms of technology.”
Read review

Model reviewed: S7
Score: 6 / 10
“Performance is strong, it corners well, and it’s exceptionally capable on a long-distance run.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A7 Sportback is a very well-made, comfortable and technology-festooned car that has plenty of appeal thanks to its sharp-but-understated looks. It’s a very attractive luxury machine.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: 55 TFSIe quattro
Score: 7 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers what you’d expect and hope: pleasant electric-only cruising, increased range, reduced emissions and added practicality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: S7
Score: 8 / 10
“Latest warmed five-door fastback ditches petrol for Audi’s surprisingly sporty hybrid diesel power.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“With its svelte lines and a cabin teeming with digital interfaces, the new Audi A7 might seem an irresistible technological status symbol. However, it possesses neither the ability to engage the driver beyond a basic level nor the calibre of ride quality we’d expect from a long-legged four-door coupé.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI S line
Score: 8 / 10
“The second-generation executive coupe is a sleek and refined cruising machine.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With the vast majority of buyers expected to opt for diesel it’s perhaps a shame the 3.0-litre unit doesn’t feel quite as refined as you might hope, but it’s by no means a deal-breaker – and the lower running costs should offset any qualms about the gruff noise. The petrol feels like the true A7 Sportback experience, though.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The sleek A7 Sportback is good to drive, bristling with tech, and reasonably practical too.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review

Model reviewed: S& Sportback hatchback
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi S7 Sportback offers huge performance in a practical hatchback package, but the cheaper S6 is just as good.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: S7
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi S7 Sportback is a premium four-door coupe with the performance to match its slick looks but alternatives are more fun to drive and come with more exciting petrol engines.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A7 Sportback trades some practicality for good looks. It’s a great car for long distances with a choice of powerful engines including a frugal diesel.”
Read review

Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI S line quattro
Score: 7.9 / 10
“It’s an imposing car, and comfort and refinement are the Audi A7 Sportback’s strongest suits. However, residual values in this sector aren’t the strongest, and it’s not cheap.”
Read review

Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI S line
“The Audi A7 Sportback takes the old school approach of a sporty luxury grand tourer but with razor-sharp tech and performance for the 21st century.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e quattro Competition
“The Audi A7 Sportback is an absolute dream to drive as it glides through long sweeping bends with as much power as you dare make use of. The road-holding is confident and assured with accurate steering that offers plenty of feedback. Then on motorways, it cruises effortlessly at the national speed limit.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI S line
“Sleek, roomy enough for five and designed with a sporting edge, the Audi A7 has engaged with families, business people and outdoor types alike – all won over by the versatility and blend of luxury with a sort of everyday practicality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 45 TFSI S line
“The 2.0-litre turbocharged unit fitted to this model proved a most able performer and at the same time will deliver the sort of economy that won’t leave you wishing you’s plumped for diesel instead. For a large car it handles sublimely, the whole process aided by the four-wheel-drive system. It makes for a vehicle that is composed, assured and genuinely fun to drive.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: S7 TDI
Score: 8 / 10
“S7 is the best new A7 yet – potent, refined and good to drive.”
Read review

Fleetworld+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e S line
Score: 8 / 10
“You know you’re in a plug-in hybrid Audi when you set off. Instead of the muted 2.0-litre petrol tones, this A7 starts almost silently. Progress from the electric motor is so energetic, this Audi confuses you into you thinking you’re still petrol-powered.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI S line
“The impressive A7 ticks a lot of boxes for the high-mileage executive driver – but the optional air suspension is a must-have for best-selling S line versions.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Just because you’re a successful businessperson or captain of industry, it doesn’t mean you necessarily want to look like one. They might, however, want attention of a different sort. And that’s where the Audi A7 Sportback comes in.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want the kind of attributes that a luxury saloon gives you but a more affordable version, then go for the Audi A7.”
Read review

Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A7 Sportback is a more practical hatchback version of the A6 saloon, with the tech and wizardry of the flagship A8.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Sleek, tech-heavy luxurious five-door coupe.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI S line
Score: 8 / 10
“Like its predecessor, this new Audi A7 Sportback is a composed and powerful car that can cover huge distances with ease. It is also bursting at the seams with technology, from its mild hybrid drivetrain to its safety features and slick interior execution. Just remember that the forthcoming A6 will do all of this without being quite so expensive.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A7 isn’t a luxury sports saloon – it’s a luxury limousine dressed in a rakish, designer suit.”
Read review

Model reviewed: S7
Score: 7 / 10
“There are new bumpers front and back, a new diffuser, extra-wide sills. Purposeful but not OTT.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: S7
Score: 8 / 10
“Like its S6 sibling, the Audi S7 errs more towards the luxury end of the performance car spectrum.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“A beautifully made, very comfortable high speed cruiser with a surprising amount of space inside.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 76%

Notes on safety

The Audi A7 shares its safety rating with the A6 saloon upon which it’s based. The A6 was tested by Euro NCAP and awarded a five-star rating in 2018, and Audi was required to provide additional evidence to show that the A7 would behave the same way in an emergency to be awarded the same rating. The A6’s five-star rating was subsequently extended to cover all A7 models in 2019.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 50 TDI 4×4 Auto

Overall score: 1 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 7.3 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 2.5 / 10

Notes on eco rating

The Green NCAP rating above only applies to the 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI version of the Audi A7, as Green NCAP ratings are specific to engine/gearbox/drivetrain.

If any other versions of the A7 are put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 193
Average repair cost: £1375.10
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A7 has a very poor reliability score as of January 2024, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation A7 and the original (pre-2018) version.

Around a quarter of all reported problems with the A7 relate to its engine, and repairs of this nature have an average repair bill of about £1,500. Even more expensive are gearbox issues, with an average repair bill of £3,000.

If you’re looking at a used Audi A7, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	35 mpg	D	30 – 36 mpg	D – E
Diesel models	45 mpg	C	35 – 50 mpg	B – D
Plug-in hybrid models	195 mpg	A	135 – 235 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	181 g/km	C	176 – 215 g/km	C – D
Diesel models	167 g/km	C	146 – 208 g/km	B – D
Plug-in hybrid models	33 g/km	A	29 – 47 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	41 miles	D	28 – 42 miles	D – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	47	D	40 – 50	C – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£326	C
Year 2	£830	C
Year 3	£1,364	C
Year 4	£1,637	C
Year 5	£2,116	C
Overall	£6,273	C

Running costs for the Audi A7 range are a mixed bag, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is disappointing for petrol models but decent for diesel-engined versions. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 191 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is decent compared to most rivals, providing 41 miles of electric-only range. It means that most households could some most of their weekly driving without using any petrol, but not all without consistent recharging.

Compared to the rest of the large saloon sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are pretty average. Insurance costs likely to be high, though, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi A7

Oct 2023

Jan 2023

Jun 2022

Jun 2021

Mar 2021

Jun 2020

Jun 2019

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/317
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 5
Defect: On certain vehicles, an incorrect bracket for the side airbag was fitted in the left front seat.
Remedy: Replace the side airbag and bracket.

Date: January 2023
Recall number: R/2023/027
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2018 to 10/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,487
Defect: The fuel gauge may not show the drop in fuel level correctly during vehicle operation.
Remedy: The tank level sender must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2022
Recall number: R/2022/169
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2022 to 02/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 109
Defect: It is possible that the engine control units were fitted with semiconductor components which do not meet the specifications.
Remedy: The engine control unit must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/204
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 263
Defect: Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.

Date: March 2021
Recall number: R/2021/117
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2018 to 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,298
Defect: In the event of an accident requiring the vehicle’s front passenger airbag to be activated the airbag might not inflate fully.
Remedy: The dash panel must be checked on the affected vehicles and repaired or replaced if required.

Date: June 2020
Recall number: R/2020/138
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2017 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,298
Defect: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Remedy: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2019
Recall number: R/2019/175
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 135
Defect: Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.

As of September 2024, there have been seen DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi A7. These cover sunroof motors, tyre size data, software and different battery issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used A7, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.