The Audi A7 is designed to combine smooth performance with abundant space and more than a handful of amenities, ideal for drivers looking for luxury and originality perfectly melded together. With Audi known for nearly having a car to fit every segment in the car market, it was not surprising that the release of the A7 was aimed at building upon the appeal of a saloon while incorporating the sleek styling of a coup and the practicality of a hatchback. With various trim levels and different specs to choose from, the A7 aims to address a range of needs that discriminating drivers will have.

A brief history

The Audi A7 is a four-door executive car that integrates steep-raking rear windows with the trunk lid to create a Sportback design with frameless doors, a concept that was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in 2009. In 2010, the A7 was officially unveiled in Munich and later on in Paris and New York in 2011. While the A7 comes after the Audi A6 in the model lineup, it is still based off of the same MLB platform from the Volkswagen Group as the latter’s fourth-generation model, the C7. Early A7 models include a 3.0 TFSI Quattro unit fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission system.

Looks

Stylish cars aren’t Audi’s strong suit but it’s done a spectacular job with the A7, making the Sportback stand out by making low-slung bodywork and massive dimensions work perfectly together. The A7 features an appearance familiar to Audis on the front end, coupled with a swooping roofline and somewhat abrupt tail that makes the Audi A7 seem more of a coupe instead of a saloon. As for the interiors, Audi’s outdone itself with the A7, fitting in a sleek dashboard with a logical and intuitive layout and a finish of the highest standards. Get either the Black Edition or S line models and you’re looking at even more stylish design, thanks to lowered suspension, big 19-inch alloy rims, racy sill extensions on the side, and improved bumpers.

Features

The Audi A7 hasn’t been subjected to a complete Euro NCAP test so how it stacks up is not exactly certified. However, a rundown of the features the A7 proves that it’s got quite a lot in store for every driver, starting with curtain, front, and side airbags as standard, plus electronic stability control and a monitoring system for tyre pressure. Optional features include the Audi Side Assist, Night Vision Assistant, Active Lane Assist, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control.

Performance

In terms of raw performance, the Audi A7 does not disappoint, what with a range of petrol and diesel engines available for you to choose from. While the 3.0 TSI petrol engine with its four-wheel drive system is considered at the top of the pack, diesel engine options reign supreme when it comes to best buys. Whatever kind of engine you choose though, the A7 is without a doubt a capable cruiser offer a lot of grip, quiet operation, and precise steering. Better suspension systems are employed for the Black Edition and S line models so you can expect a better time driving though ride comfort may be severely compromised. To help provide the best kind of driving experience, the A7 comes with the Audi Drive Select for fine-tuning.

Is it for you?

The Audi A7 is not an ordinary executive car. To begin with, it employs an unusual hatchback design that offers more impressive interiors, creating such spacious room in the rear for generous legroom and even more space when the seats are folded flat. There are also features you can get rid of at no extra cost like the centre seatbelt and headrest. While there is indeed room for three adults in the rear to sit in great comfort, individual seats are not used in the A7. To determine if the A7 will be a good fit for you, take into consideration as well the issue of running costs, most especially if you need to work with a budget. With regards to the most cost-effective A7 model though, the 3.0 TDI option with a two-wheel drive system is on top of the list. It’s quite costly if you’re looking at the Audi A7 as a company car but with a standard kit that offers satellite navigation, dual-zone air conditioning, leather seats, and xenon headlamps it’s got a good reason to be priced as such. The A7’s value also doesn’t depreciate fast, with used models still selling for up to 50% of the original price even after three years and more than 35,000 miles in mileage.  To make it easier for you to deal with running costs, you might want to take advantage of extended warranties and all-inclusive service packages if you’re interested in an A7. Sticking with showroom deals might be too limiting, preventing you from fully enjoying what the Audi A7 has to offer.

The Audi A7 is part of the Audi Sportsback Concept of Audi that was introduced in 2009, it is a five-door hatchback executive car that was initially released in 2010 at the Paris Motor show and then later on made available for the the U.S market at the 2011 New York Auto Show. In 2012, the sedan has won prestigious awards and such as "Car of the Year" in Esquire Magazine and Automobile Magazine's "Automobile of the Year".

The sportback's stiff rival as a five-door hatchback would be the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as well as other luxury hatchbacks such as the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the Porsche Panamera.  However, despite similarities, its presence in the car industry has flourished because it stands out from its other four-door sports sedan competitors by having an integrated trunk lid wherein passengers can fold the rear seats to create a more spacious boot in the sedan. It is also comparatively cheaper than its other competitors too.

Audi has created quite a model range from which customers can choose. The Audi A7 is a merge between the prestige of a luxurious car and the dynamism of a sports vehicle.  As a sedan, it gives combines both elegance and practicality.