If you want all the opulence of an Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class Coupe, but with
more distinctive styling the Audi A7 could be worth considering.
It's a low-slung, rakish, 4-door coupe that also rivals the BMW 6 Series GT and
Mercedes CLS, offering a combination of generous space for passengers and
luggage, and a wealth of high-tech equipment.
The A7 is a more premium offering than the previous model, with an
interior that's almost as sumptuous as the larger A8.
It also has the same mild-hybrid engine technology which aids fuel economy and
enhances performance.
Let's see how it stacks up against the Mercedes CLS and BMW 6 Series GT for
practicality, driving, and value for money.
If you're interested in buying one at the end of watching this review,
remember you can go to Whatcar.com and head to our New Car Deals section where we
can help save you thousands.
First, let's see what the A7 is like to drive!
You can have your A7 with the choice of either three diesel, or one petrol
engine, and it's the most powerful 50 TDI diesel that we're testing today.
It's a 3.0-litre V6, has plenty of pulling power at
low revs, and can briskly get up to motorway speeds without breaking a sweat.
This engine will match the BMW 630d for acceleration but it won't keep up with
the Mercedes CLS 400d, and although the A7 is refined overall, there is a
little bit more engine vibration coming into the cabin compared to the Mercedes.
If it's refinement you're after, the 55 TFSI petrol is a much smoother operator.
Although being a petrol, it does mean that you have to explore higher revs to
get the best out of its performance.
Both engines share one annoying flaw, this 8-speed automatic gearbox is slow to kick
down when you want to overtake, put your foot down,
and there is a bit of a delay. So to overcome this you can just use the manual shifter.
One piece of kit that works well on all A7 engines is Audi's 48-volt and mild-hybrid
system. It enables the car to coast for extended periods,
with the engine off at speeds from 34mph to 99mph, not that you'll be travelling
at 99mph in the UK, and thus helping save fuel.
It’s not all good news though, because the A7
does not have the sporty handling that it's svelte image
might suggest. Granted, you can hustle along these country lanes with gusto,
thanks to the precise steering and quattro four-wheel drive system which
comes as standard, but it merely just does the job, it's not really engaging to
drive.
The A7s ride is also pretty firm on the standard sport suspension, but
this can be improved by adding the optional air suspension. This treats you
to a wafty high-speed ride that makes the A7 one of the most relaxing
long-distance cruisers.
It's not as adept at low speeds though, over potholes it can be more jarring
than you might expect.
It's easy to find a comfortable driving position in the A7 because
there's plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, for reach and rake.
And four-way adjustable lumbar support to help you stay comfortable.
Now in terms of visibility, it's great out the front, a little bit hindered out the
back, but not to worry because you get a reversing parking camera to avoid those
parking prangs on all models.
Then when it comes to interior quality, well the A7 is almost as premium as
the A8 luxury saloon. There's soft touch materials, slick
switches, and chrome surrounds that give it that opulent feel.
The A7 borrows its infotainment system from the A8 which means you get two screens.
The top one for the radio and sat-nav, and the bottom one for climate control.
On the downside there's two screens to learn, but on the upside, the climate control is
separate and therefore easier to access. As touchscreens
go, they're good with sharp graphics and responsive
icons. Although some of the icons are small, making
them a little difficult to hit accurately while
on the move.
When the screens are turned off you can see finger marks
where they've been used, it is not a premium touch!
So, although the system is good, a rotary dial controlled
system such as BMWs iDrive would be much easier to use on the move, and therefore less distracting.
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital dash is brilliant, you get a really sharp set of
instruments and you can customise it to show the most useful information to you.
In spite of its sloping roofline the Audi A7 has ample space up front, even
for very tall adults. There's also plenty of storage, we've got decent sized
door bin, little cubby there, and two cupholders, and a decent sized glovebox.
Although there's plenty of leg room in the back, headroom if you're over 6 foot tall,
you will find that you are brushing your
head against the roof lining, I'm not entirely sure what that feels like!
But I feel quite grateful that I don’t, a
benefit of being only 5ft 4 1/2.
Now if you are tall and you will be traveling with five people regularly and
you want a five-door Coupe, your best bet is to
go for the BMW 6 Series GT, and of course the elephant in
the room if you are traveling three in the back, is this huge transmission
tunnel! Which will not be very comfortable for the middle passenger.
There's plenty of boot space though, in fact we managed to get eight carry-on
suitcases, which was more than the CLS but, guess what, the BMW is still better.
But let's not beat this Audi up though, because you get an electronic tailgate as
standard, a really wide usable opening, and the seats fold down to create even
more space.
Although prices vary depending on what engine you choose, generally speaking the
A7 undercuts the BMW 6 Series GT on price and is about
the same as the Mercedes CLS. If you're a company car driver, the cheapest option
for tax is the petrol, however if you're covering a lot of miles you will
probably prefer the diesel.
If you want to keep CO2 emissions down, go for the entry-level ‘Sport’ trim with
the smallest wheels available.
Sport trim provides most of the kit you’re likely to need, including a reversing camera,
electric leather seats, Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto smartphone mirroring.
The most important thing we'd add to this is Air
Suspension to improve the A7s high-speed ride. Although the a7 comes with some safety equipment
as standard, for example, Automatic Emergency
Braking, we recommend adding Lane Departure Warning
and Blind Spot monitoring.
To sum up the A7 is a beautifully made high-speed cruiser, but it's not the most fun car to
drive and that infotainment system is a little tricky to use on the move.
For plenty more on the Audi A7, including our
full online review and that of its rivals, head to Whatcar.com, you'll also
find we can help save you thousands on your next new car, go to our New Car Deals
section. But before you do any of that, hit subscribe!