Audi A7 review

Audi’s official figures state 39.8mpg and 161g/km of CO2 for the 3.0-litre ‘55’ motor on 20-inch wheels. For the TDI you’re looking at a claimed 48.7mpg and 150g/km, or 50.4mpg and 147g/km on 19s.

A7 prices start at £54,940, but Audi will mirror the tactics of the last A7 and introduce four-cylinder variants soon to appeal to low-mileage and fleet buyers. If you’re thinking ‘how about a similarly sized, similarly touchscreen-festooned, better-handling Porsche Panamera?’, the cheapest four-wheel drive Panam starts at almost £71k. Insert your chosen VW Group brand positioning hierarchy joke right about here. 

The A7’s main competitor is the new Mercedes CLS, which we’ve driven and like very much indeed. It’s only available in AMG Line trim in the UK, with prices starting at £57,510 for a CLS 350d. Read the full review here, and keep a look out for the twin test.

The A7 family is a doddle to wrap your head around. ‘Base spec’ is the Sport, which gets full LED lights, 19-inch alloys, double-glazing (really) front and rear parking sensors and a back-up camera, plus non-adaptive cruise control and anti-collision braking with lane-keep assist. Thinking of upgrading to the fully-intelligent cruise control? Bear in mind that Audi’s latest system automatically reads speed limits and will override your commands to make time on a quiet evening’s motorway running. Just thought you ought to know.

The only other model is S-line, which heaps on tech and more exterior attitude. You get the matrix LED lights with the animated flourishes, 20-inch rims, a 10mm ride height drop (but no comfort/sporty modes), a subtle bodykit that really suits the A7’s form, and extra metal inlays to lift the cabin’s darkness. Heated front seats, and a powered tailgate are standard. You can add massaging seats (some of the very best in the business) and ambient lighting with a choice of 30 colours, if you’re both rich and indecisive.