Used Audi A7 cars

The Audi A7 Sportback was launched in July 2010. Offering a luxurious experience and lots of innovative tech, it was designed to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS, which had stood in a segment of its own for five years. Audi created a model that not only benefitted from coupé-style looks and premium comfort, but also hatchback practicality.

This combination was a winning proposition – the A7 was soon collecting prestigious awards. It received the Honest John Most Popular Luxury Car award for three consecutive years and was named the 2012 International Car of the Year.

The Mk2 Audi A7 Sportback launched in 2017, boasting a revised design, a lighter kerb weight and more responsive handling. The engine lineup received an update too, with mild hybrid technology being added to deliver even better fuel economy. The Mercedes-Benz CLS remains the model’s key rival, with the BMW 6 Series GT and Porsche Panamera also competing.

Audi A7 updates and facelifts

In 2019, the performance S7 Sportback was added to the A7 range. Alongside it came the RS7 Sportback, an even more powerful option, with an acceleration to rival many supercars.

At the other end of the spectrum was the plug-in hybrid A7 Sportback 55 TFSIe, also released in 2019. This plug-in hybrid was designed to suit those looking for luxury without increasing their carbon footprint and offers the best of both worlds when it comes to performance and efficiency.

All these editions have their own specs, but if you’re opting for a regular A7 Sportback, you’ll have a choice of Sport, S, Black Edition and Vorsprung trims.

Practicality and style of the car

Reaching almost five metres in length, the Audi A7 Sportback provides lots of room for passengers, particularly those in the rear. Leg and headroom are generous even for occupants as tall as six feet or more in the outer seats. The middle position, however, may suit a smaller adult better due to the high transmission tunnel.

The hatchback-style tailgate sets the A7 apart from its siblings and from several of its rivals. Both first- and second-generation editions have 535 litres of luggage capacity, providing space for several large suitcases with room to spare. That’s more than is offered by the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera. Fold the 40/20/40 split rear seats down and this increases to 1,390 litres – enough to carry a bicycle or small items of furniture. The tailgate is also electrically powered, enabling you to open the boot easily even if you have armfuls of shopping.

If you want to tow a trailer or caravan, the Audi A7 Sportback is more than capable. Its maximum unbraked capacity is 750kg, while it can tow a braked weight of up to 2,000kg.

Running costs

Choose a Mk1 Audi A7 (2010–2017) and insurance groups fall between 33 and 45 out of 50. The Mk2 (2017 onwards) occupies groups 40–50. Whichever generation you choose, many variants cost less in insurance than the Porsche Panamera, which sits in groups 47–50. Road tax costs depend on the model year you choose. A Mk1 A7 typically costs between £180 and £365 per year, depending on engine, trim and emissions. The Mk2 edition incurs an annual fee of £560–570, due to its list price being over £40,000. This charge drops to the standard £180 per year after the first five years of renewing the tax.

How a used Audi A7 drives

At launch, the Mk1 Audi A7 Sportback offered a choice of 2.8-litre and 3.0-litre petrol engines, alongside a diesel option with outputs of either 201bhp or 242bhp. All are available with the brand’s innovative quattro four-wheel drive. The 424bhp diesel had a power increase to 268bhp later in its lifetime, and is among the fastest options, reaching 62mph from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds. If you want pure pace, the 3.0-litre petrol engines are the ones to choose, accelerating from 0-62mph in less than 5.6 seconds and delivers 34.4–54.3 mpg. Meanwhile, fuel economy is best on the lower-powered diesel, which achieves up to 60mpg on the combined cycle.

Select a Mk2 A7 and you’ll benefit from mild hybrid technology, which reduces emissions and boosts efficiency without compromising performance. The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 242bph, which propels the car from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds. It returns a combined fuel economy of 35.3-36.2mpg. For more power, opt for the 3.0-litre V6, which comes with an output of 335bhp. This accelerates from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds without much loss in economy – it returns up to 34 mpg on the combined cycle.

If you’re looking for a diesel, there are 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre options too. The entry-level variant delivers 201bhp and up to 45.6–47.1 mpg while still providing punchy performance, reaching 62mph from a standstill in 7.0–8.3 seconds. Upgrade to the 3.0-litre V6 and you’ll have a choice of 228bhp and 282bhp. These get you from 0-62mph in 6.5 and 5.7 seconds respectively yet return a respectable 40.9mpg on the combined cycle.

All petrol and diesel engines bar the V6 diesels come paired with twin-clutch S Tronic automatic transmission. The V6 diesels are mated to Tiptronic automatic transmission. Quattro four-wheel drive is also standard on all but the 2.0-litre diesel, which has front-wheel drive as standard and the option of all-wheel drive.

The final engine in the lineup is the plug-in hybrid. This teams a 248bhp petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 362bhp – enough to get from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. It can also cover 26 miles on electric-only power, and the 14.1kWh battery takes around 2.5 hours to charge from a 7kW Wallbox.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2011 - 2018

2018 - onwards

Features you can expect to find in a used Audi A7

Interior

As a luxury car, the Audi A7 Sportback certainly delivers when it comes to quality. Step into the cabin and you’re greeted by high quality materials, a meticulous finish and soft-touch surfaces. The minimalist dash is driver-focused, with a dual-screen infotainment system and Virtual Cockpit as standard. There’s plenty of storage too, with large door bins, a good-size glovebox and a cubby in the central console all helping to keep your belongings stowed safely out of sight.

The infotainment system features a lower 8.6-inch screen for controlling the air conditioning system and driving modes, and an upper 10.1-inch screen for audio and navigation functions. DAB radio and Bluetooth come as standard on all Mk2 models, as well as navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Comfort is a priority in the A7 Sportback. Not only can it seat four adults easily – or five on shorter journeys – it also boasts a host of features to enhance all occupants’ comfort. All trims come with dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats, while the top-spec Vorsprung trim includes heated rear seats too.

Technology

Audi is known for its innovative technology, and the A7 Sportback delivers a high level of technological convenience. Every variant includes a powered tailgate, which enables you to open the boot easily even when your hands are full. It also has Keyless Go as standard, which means you can simply approach the car with your keys on your person and it will unlock and start. Meanwhile, cruise control helps make motorway driving effortless.

Safety

This well-equipped model achieved a five-star rating during its 2018 Euro NCAP test and received 93% and 85% respectively for adult and child occupant protection. It comes complete with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard, alongside multiple airbags and stability control. Vorsprung editions add traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. If you have bulky car seats, the A7 will accommodate them comfortably thanks to ISOFIX anchor points, and its wide-opening doors mean it’s easy to get youngsters strapped in.

Trims available on the Audi A7

Audi A7 Sport

Entry-level cars get plenty of kit as standard, including 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, leather upholstery, ambient lighting and heated front seats. It also features Audi's MMI infotainment system with Virtual Cockpit, with twin touchscreens for navigation, audio and climate controls. A rear camera is fitted too.

Audi A7 S

Choose the S grade for 20-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and Matrix LED headlights. Inside, the seats are upgraded to part-Alcantara trim.

Audi A7 Black Edition

This trim includes a black styling pack, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Audi A7 Vorsprung

The top-spec Vorsprung offers 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and adaptive air suspension. Inside you’ll get Valcona leather seats, four-zone climate control and a Bang & Olufsen stereo. Tech features include a head-up display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition.

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