The Audi A7 is a sleek and desirable executive car, but in a competitive market, does the 2017 model still hold up?
The ‘four-door coupe’ category is more crowded than ever, meaning the Audi A7 Sportback faces stiff competition. Rivals such as the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS, along with electric alternatives like the Tesla Model S, all vie for attention in this segment. For the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback to stand out, it needs to offer more than just striking looks. Fortunately, this car delivers on multiple fronts: it’s comfortable, engaging to drive, boasts a strong engine, and offers a generously sized trunk, making it a practical choice despite its coupe-like styling. While not without its minor drawbacks, the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 remains a compelling option in the executive car market and deserves serious consideration.
Interior Design and Quality: A Testament to Audi Craftsmanship
Even years after its initial release, the Audi A7’s interior continues to impress with its build quality and user-friendly interface.
Audi has long been recognized for setting high standards in executive car interiors, and the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback is a prime example. The cabin’s build quality is exceptional, a fact that is all the more remarkable considering this design debuted in 2010. While newer models like the Porsche Panamera may have surpassed it, the A7’s interior remains a benchmark. The design may hint at its age, but the layout is remarkably intuitive. The center console features controls that are easy to reach and operate while driving, avoiding any overly complex or fiddly buttons. Furthermore, the infotainment system is crisp, responsive, and user-friendly. Although it might not quite match the advanced touchscreens found in the Porsche Panamera or Tesla Model S, or even the similar systems in the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, it’s still a top-tier system.
The front cabin of the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 provides ample space and comfortable seating, though rear passenger space is less generous.
The front seats are designed for comfort and support, offering ample headroom and legroom for both driver and passenger. Adjustability is excellent, with a wide range of settings for both the steering wheel and seat, ensuring a perfect driving position. Storage in the front is also well-considered. While the under-armrest cubby is shaped to accommodate cupholders, the glovebox and door bins are notably spacious. The door bins can easily hold large 1-liter bottles. Moving to the back, however, space becomes less generous. Despite roofline contours intended to maximize headroom, taller passengers may find it somewhat limited. Legroom is adequate but not class-leading. Entry and exit can also be a bit challenging due to the sloping roofline, a common trait in four-door coupes. The middle rear seat is narrow, making it best suited for occasional use. It’s worth noting that some competitors, like the Porsche Panamera, are strictly four-seaters, while others like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe offer a similarly restricted middle seat often described as a ‘4+1’ configuration. Practicality improves significantly when considering the trunk. The trunk opening is wide, and the combination of a low loading lip and a hatchback design makes accessing the 24.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats remarkably easy. For even greater cargo capacity, the standard 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats can be folded flat, extending the load bay considerably.
Ride Comfort and Handling: Balancing Dynamics and Refinement
The Audi A7 Sportback 2017 delivers a comfortable ride and competent handling, though some rivals offer a more engaging driving experience.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Audi A6 sedan, the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback naturally offers a balanced ride and handling experience. While it might not be the absolute best in class in terms of outright driving engagement – the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Porsche Panamera are arguably more dynamic and responsive – the A7 strikes a very appealing middle ground. Ride comfort is a strong point, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections even on less-than-perfect road surfaces. It’s worth mentioning that opting for larger 20-inch wheels and the sport suspension will result in a firmer ride. Body roll in corners is well-controlled, contributing to a confident feel behind the wheel. The large windshield and direct, responsive steering make it easy to place the car precisely on the road.
While wind noise is minimal in the Audi A7 Sportback 2017, tire noise can be more noticeable than expected in this class.
However, when it comes to noise refinement, the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 exhibits a slight compromise. Wind noise is effectively suppressed, but tire roar is surprisingly noticeable for a car in this luxury segment. While not excessively loud, it is worth noting for those prioritizing ultimate quietness in an executive car. This may make the standard, smaller wheels a more appealing choice for some buyers. Visibility is another area where the A7, like many four-door coupes, faces some challenges. While the windshield is generously sized, the thick pillars and narrow rear window do restrict the view. Despite this, the A7 mitigates these issues with standard parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system. These features are common in this class, addressing the visibility limitations inherent in the sleek designs of these vehicles.
Engine and Transmission: A Potent and Refined Powertrain
The Audi A7 Sportback 2017 features a single, but excellent, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine paired with a smooth seven-speed automatic transmission.
While many competitors offer a range of engine options, the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback is exclusively powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged six-cylinder gasoline engine. While some may initially see this as a limitation, the engine itself is a standout feature. The supercharged V6 delivers strong performance with 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This output is comparable to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, providing ample power across the rev range and making the engine feel flexible in various driving situations. The engine is also remarkably smooth and refined, remaining composed even when pushed harder. It’s equally comfortable cruising at lower speeds or accelerating more aggressively. Fuel economy is also respectable for its class, with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. While fuel consumption might not be a primary concern for buyers in this price bracket (starting around $68,000), the A7 offers reasonable efficiency.
The seven-speed automatic transmission in the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 is well-matched to the engine, offering smooth and responsive gear changes.
For those seeking more power, the ‘Competition’ trim level increases engine output to 340 horsepower. However, with a starting price of $76,550, it’s a less compelling value proposition, especially considering the Audi S7, which boasts a 450-horsepower 4.0-liter turbocharged V8, starts at a slightly higher $79,900. For those with even deeper pockets, the Audi RS7, with a 560-horsepower version of the S7’s engine, is also an option at $110,700. Returning to the standard Audi A7 Sportback 2017, the 3.0-liter V6 is paired exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission. In typical Audi fashion, this gearbox is excellent. It operates smoothly, responds quickly to manual inputs via the gear selector or optional steering wheel paddles, and executes gear changes swiftly. Like the engine, the transmission is a well-rounded unit that, while not dramatically different from competitors, performs admirably.
Value and Features: Surprisingly Competitive Pricing
Compared to its rivals, the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback offers surprisingly good value, especially considering its standard features and all-wheel drive.
Objectively, the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 may not scream value compared to the Audi A6 sedan on which it’s based, which is significantly less expensive. To justify the extra cost, buyers likely need to be particularly drawn to the A7’s distinctive styling. However, when compared to its direct competitors in the four-door coupe segment, the all-wheel-drive Audi A7 Sportback presents a surprisingly strong value proposition. With a base price of $68,800, it undercuts the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe ($79,800) and Porsche Panamera ($85,000) noticeably. The Mercedes-Benz CLS is the only direct competitor with a lower starting price at $66,900, but the A7 regains its price advantage when you factor in the cost of adding all-wheel drive to the CLS (a $2,500 option). The Audi A7 Sportback 2017 also comes well-equipped as standard. Even the base ‘Premium Plus’ trim includes features like four-zone climate control, navigation, satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. This level of standard equipment is competitive for the price point, particularly when considering that matching the A7’s features on a Mercedes-Benz CLS would push its price above $70,000.
While the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 has a competitive base price, optional extras can quickly increase the total cost.
As a premium car, the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 offers a range of optional extras that can quickly inflate the price. Desirable options include rear side airbags ($350) and the Driver Assistance Package ($2,450), which adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and front corner view cameras. Other appealing options include a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters ($500) and a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system ($4,900) available on higher trims. However, it’s advisable to avoid the sports suspension, as it compromises ride comfort for little discernible handling benefit, essentially paying $1,000 to make the A7 less comfortable. Official crash test ratings for the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback are not currently available. However, the structurally similar Audi A6 sedan received a five-star NHTSA crash test rating, suggesting the A7 should offer comparable levels of safety. Reliability ratings for the A7 have generally been positive. The standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is typical for the class.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded and Stylish Choice
The 2017 Audi A7 Sportback remains a compelling choice in the executive car segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and value.
Despite being one of the older models in its class, the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback remains a well-rounded and attractive option. Its more affordable price compared to many key rivals is a significant advantage. Combined with its well-built interior, strong engine, balanced ride and handling, and decent refinement, the A7 has a lot to offer in a stylish executive package. However, the A7 isn’t perfect. Rear passenger space, particularly headroom, is limited for taller occupants, and those seeking a truly sporty driving experience might find it lacking compared to more performance-focused competitors. These minor drawbacks, however, don’t significantly detract from the A7’s overall appeal. While the Audi A6 offers similar qualities at a lower price, the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 is a strong contender for buyers seeking a more stylish four-door coupe alternative to a traditional executive sedan. If you’re in the market for a four-door coupe, the Audi A7 Sportback 2017 is definitely worth considering.
