2018 Audi A7 Review

Name: 2018 Audi A7 Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 30590 USD

2018 Audi A7 Prestige quattro Sedan Exterior Shown

2018 Audi A7 Prestige quattro Sedan Exterior. Options Shown.

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$30,590 - $36,998

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Audi A7 model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Hatchback offers more cargo space than a sedan's trunk
V6 engine's strong performance
Stunning styling that hasn't aged a bit

Cons

Rear headroom can be tight for taller passengers
Doesn't offer Audi's latest in-car tech
Hefty price premium over comparable Audi A6
Firm ride with 20-inch wheels

What’s new

For 2018, every A7 now comes with the same 340-horsepower output as the Competition version, which is now officially a package available on both trims as opposed to a separate, range-topping trim.

Vehicle overview

When you're golfing and sink a hole-in-one, there's little need to ask for a mulligan. Indeed, 2018 represents yet another year for the Audi A7 with only the mildest of updates. It's fair to say that Audi got this car right back when it introduced the A7 for 2012. The A7 has not only been a success for Audi, but it has inspired numerous copycats. The A7's fastback roofline is everywhere, from humble compact sedans to fellow luxury models.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi A7 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$231/mo

$221/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The great thing about the A7, though, is that there's more to it than just gorgeous styling. It's actually one of those cars that manages to be both beautiful and practical. That same fastback rear end that does wonders for its looks also conceals a huge hatchback trunk that's far more spacious and accessible than what regular sedans offer. And although the back seat doesn't have as much headroom as those regular sedans, we also wouldn't classify it as squished.

Then there's the matter of its refined driving manners, superb 340-hp V6, impeccably crafted interior and well-stocked features list. And, sure, it's pricier than a comparably equipped A6, but on the other hand, the A7 also undercuts its sedan and coupe rivals by quite a bit. So although no car is an easy choice in this class, the 2018 A7's best-of-many-worlds attributes hold particular appeal.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.2 / 10

You'll be drawn to the 2018 Audi A7's attractive interior, versatile hatchback cargo area, refined performance and signature craftsmanship. But it's the car's styling that will likely win you over. True, you have to pay more than what Audi asks for the related A6 sedan, but we think it's worth it.

Trim tested

There are typically multiple versions of each vehicle, although many aspects are shared. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Audi A7 Prestige Quattro sedan (supercharged 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the Audi A7 has received some minor updates, including a bit more power and new smartphone integration functionality. Our findings remain applicable to this 2018 A7.

Scorecard

Overall	8.2 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	9.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	9.0

Driving

8.5

Bigger and more comfortable than a true sport sedan, the A7 is a capable and confidence-inspiring luxury sedan that excels at long-distance cruising and the occasional jaunt along a twisting road.

Acceleration

9.5

This V6 is a gem of an energetic engine. It's aided by a smart eight-speed automatic and the resolute traction of all-wheel drive. Our test car's zero-to-60 time of 4.8 seconds is staggering and considerably quicker than the class average.

Braking

7.0

Our tested A7 came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet, which is average for a luxury sedan with all-season tires. A7s with summer tires stop in less than 110 feet. The pedal is soft initially, and modulation is easy around town.

Steering

6.0

Steering is good on center and in parking lots, but it's devoid of feel, and its nonlinear effort (regardless of the three Drive Mode Select effort choices) can leave you guessing how much muscle to put into a turn. Difficult to drive smoothly.

Handling

7.5

Extremely capable, with plenty of grip courtesy of its all-wheel drive and optional sport-tuned suspension. Yet, this is a very big car, and you feel it in tight corners. The numb steering reduces driver engagement.

Drivability

8.0

This is an easy, pleasurable car to drive without foibles. The eight-speed automatic can be too eager to upshift when driving aggressively (even in Dynamic mode), but it is otherwise a smooth operator.

Comfort

9.0

The A7 is a first-rate road trip car, with nearly every creature comfort you could desire, including supportively firm seats and a cabin so quiet that it verges on over-isolation. A lack of rear-seat headroom is the one area where passengers may find the A7 lacking.

Seat comfort

9.0

The appropriately bolstered standard seats are firm and supportive, keeping you in place and comfortable. The optional multicontour seats add massage functionality, and the available sport seats provide extra lateral support. In any event, you'll be very comfortable.

Ride comfort

7.0

The A7 is firmly damped, and our test car's 20-inch wheels and sport suspension result in a ride that is far from plush. Yet, it still absorbs big bumps well and is never jittery or harsh. Perfectly pleasant.

Noise & vibration

9.5

The double-glazed windows help make the A7 one of the quieter cars you can drive. Gusty wind, normal road noises, obnoxious motorcycle? Barely noticeable.

Interior

7.0

Impeccably crafted and generally easy to use for a luxury car, but the A7 does suffer for its sleek styling. Getting in and out of the back seat is tricky, while headroom back there is compromised.

Utility

9.0

While the A7 might not be as friendly for people as the Audi A6 and other regular sedans, it betters those vehicles when carrying stuff. The deep, highly accessible cargo area is more spacious and versatile than what others offer. You'd have to get a wagon to better it.

Small-item storage

The bins in the doors, forward of the shifter and under the center armrest provide decent space for phones and other objects. Cupholders are on the small side.

Cargo space

The hatchback trunk (24.5 cubic feet) is very accessible and super deep, which is the key differentiator between the A7 and other luxury sedans. It is a tad narrow, though, and don't count on that hatchback allowing for bigger, bulkier items.

Technology

The A7 does not yet offer Audi's latest MMI interface, including the Virtual Cockpit all-digital gauge display. That's OK, though, for as impressive as that system is, the older version in the A7 is still feature-rich and easy to use.

2018 Audi A7 models

The 2018 Audi A7 is a midsize luxury car with a hatchback cargo area (Audi dubs this body style a "Sportback"). There are two trim levels — Premium Plus and Prestige — that both come with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (340 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Note that there are higher-performance Audi S7 and Audi RS 7 versions available, which we review separately.

The base Premium Plus trim level comes standard with 19-inch wheels, adjustable drive settings (Audi Drive Select), blind-spot monitoring, Audi Pre Sense Basic (a forward collision warning system), automatic and adaptive LED headlights, a power liftgate, automatic wipers, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, parking sensors, and keyless ignition and entry.

Inside, you get a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating and driver four-way lumbar and memory settings), leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a rearview camera, the MMI electronics interface (8-inch display, knob controller, touchpad), a navigation system, voice controls, Audi Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, Bluetooth and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a media player interface.

The Prestige adds ventilated front seats, passenger lumbar adjustment, a head-up display, a corner view parking camera and power-closing doors.

Available on both trim levels is the Competition package, which adds 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a high-performance rear differential, high-gloss black trim pieces, sport seats with upgraded leather, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, and a four-seat cabin configuration with more contoured rear sport seats.

The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning and automatic braking system, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams. The Comfort Seating package (not available with the Competition package) adds upgraded leather and ventilated front seats with massage functionality and extra adjustments. The S line Sport package adds 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, special exterior flourishes and a black headliner.

Other options include rear side airbags and a Black optic package that adds gloss-black 20-inch wheels and exterior trim.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#26 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A7 from 2008-2022.}

$903/yr

vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.49x/yr

vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

18.4%

vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Audi A7.

5 (82%)

4 (11%)

3 (3%)

2 (0%)

1 (4%)

4.7

28 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

I never want to be without one!

Tom J, 02/17/2016

2016 Audi A7 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)

This is my second A7, and the improvements in performance, reliability, style, and technology are significant. I chose this car above all German and Japanese equivalents, and it was no contest. Ease off the line and it rolls sedately forward. Crush the pedal and it pins you back in the seat, the engine giving a subtle growl that quickly becomes a roar. 70mph comes fast, as the steering, …

Happy in Virginia

Thom, 11/30/2015

2016 Audi A7 TDI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)

I owned a 2011 Porsche Panamera that burned up in interstate 95 on the way to vacation. Prior to the fire I was looking at the Audi line of cars. After quite a bit of research I decided on a Audi A7 due to its versatility and great interior. I didn't go back to Porsche because of their lack of concern when my car caught fire!! I was planning on buying off of the local dealer but they …

My Wife Calls it "The Spaceship", I call it Heaven

Anthony, 12/02/2016

2016 Audi A7 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)

I recently leased a white over black A7 Prestige with the Driver Assist, B&O, 19" Sport, and Comfort Seating packages along with a few other options. I also had the windows tinted, which in Florida is a big help. The car looks fantastic without being overly showy - I wanted something that didn't advertise it's price too loudly. The car is very fast but in a very subtle way... I find …

Performance and Class

John, 09/18/2015

2015 Audi A7 TDI Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)

Test drove nearly a dozen cars prior to selecting our new Audi A7. Wife wanted luxury and reliability and I wanted performance and fun. It wasn't until we looked at the A7 that we found the right combination. I know you may be thinking "but you bought the diesel". Well test drive the TDI and tell me it doesn't put a grin on you face with all the torque on tap and we just got 39 MPG …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Audi A7, so we've included reviews for other years of the A7 since its last redesign.

See all 28 reviews of the Audi A7

Write a vehicle review

2018 A7 Highlights

Trim:

Premium Plus quattro

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$69,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$231/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the A7 models:

Audi Pre Sense Basic: Warns the driver, tensions seat belts, and closes the windows if a potential collision is detected.
Audi Pre Sense Plus: Warns the driver of an imminent front collision and can automatically brake.
Rear Seat Side Airbags: Provides additional protection for rear outboard occupants in case of a side impact.

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