Beneath its shapely body, which evolves its groundbreaking predecessor’s lines with sharper creases and brighter LED detailing, the A7 makes use of a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6. With 335 horsepower shuttled to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the A7 provides brisk performance. Its air suspension includes adaptive dampers that smother road imperfections exceptionally well. Handling is confident, if not especially spirited. Opting for the available rear-wheel steering and active rear differential make the car sharper, though not more engaging.
The S7 subs in a more potent 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 444 hp. That power is sent through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels and propels the car up to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It's entertaining and engaging, and downright expensive: prices start at more than $84,000 and can reach six figures.
Inside, the A7 is loaded with screens in most configurations. Even the base Premium car has two screens on the center stack that absorb most climate, audio, and infotainment functions. The system requires considerable acclimation, though it’s relatively intuitive given the sheer volume of functions handled. A larger screen comes on Premium Plus models as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can double as a glitzy display for the infotainment system.
All those screens impart a somewhat sterile feel inside, though warmer upholstery hues and the various wood trims on offer help a little. The A7 has comfortable front seats that offer cooling and massage, and the rear seat has good leg room if limited head space. Cargo room is a plus thanks to the nearly hidden hatchback lines. With the rear seats folded, the car can lug upward of 49 cubic feet of items, which bests some SUVs.
Active safety features include standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Options include adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and advanced features that warn drivers and automatically brake the car if they detect cross traffic.
The A7 is a relatively low-guilt luxury car when it comes to fuel consumption, too. With an EPA combined rating of 24 mpg, the A7 is something of a fuel-sipper given its prodigious power.
Audi reworked its A7 last year, but it’ll take a keen eye to notice. We rate the latest version of the 2020 Audi A7 at 7 out of 10, with points granted above average for its interior and exterior.
The original A7’s profile mimicked the coupe-like Mercedes CLS with an added twist: a useful hatchback that increased storage space considerably. The latest car keeps that look intact, with new detailing and additional creases that don’t come off quite as elegant as those on the original A7.
The 2020 A7 is slightly longer than its predecessor, and it rides on a wheelbase stretched by half an inch. The car wears its extra mass well thanks in part to sharper lines and more pronounced creases. Larger air ducts in the front bumper aid in cooling and airflow around the vehicle, while the sharp character line helps define the side profile better.
The sloping roofline is what makes the A7 stand out from its pedestrian A6 sibling. At the rear of the hatch sits a spoiler that bolts upward above 75 mph to improve airflow. Wide LED taillights stretch the length of the kamm-style tail, and they put on a lightshow when the car is locked or unlocked.
The interior is less evocative, though its array is orderly given the amount of information conveyed by even the most basic A7’s myriad features. Two screens take over the center stack and console, and a third takes the place of conventional gauges. It’s overwhelming at first, and can seem cool even with the warm interior hues and various wood and metal interior trim options.
The 2020 Audi A7 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 underhood that doles 335 hp to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for brisk acceleration. Paired with sticky tires and well-weighted steering, the car is a confident, capable handler, even if it’s short on sports car fun.
We rate the 2020 A7 at 7 out of 10 for its performance, with extra points for handling and acceleration. If rated separately, the hotter S7 would score higher.
The turbocharged V-6 in the A7 emits quite a rumble underhood as it vaults the car forward. The 7-speed gearbox’s paddle shifters fire off rapid gear changes, even if some rivals offer more cogs. A thick-rimmed steering wheel feels great in the driver’s hands, though actual steering feel is limited at best.
Standard all-wheel drive includes a rear-biased 40/60 torque split, though 80 percent of the power can go forward in slippery situations. Drivers in cold climates will want to consider winter tires, especially with the summer tires that can be included with option packages.
Underneath, the A7 makes use of an air suspension with adaptive dampers that gobble up rutted terrain while providing stable, flat handling. Even the optional 21-inch wheels with their low-profile tires don’t disturb the cabin over sharp bumps.
An optional all-wheel-steering system turns the rear wheels as much as 2.5 degrees and varies the steering ratio up front to slice as much as 3.6 feet off of the car’s turning radius. At higher speeds, the rear wheels can steer as much as 5 degrees opposite the fronts to deliver more confidence-inspiring handling.
The S7 goes further with a 444-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 that sends power to all four wheels via an excellent 8-speed automatic. Audi says the S7 vaults to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and we believe them.
Optional on both the A7 and S7 is a sport differential that provides torque-vectoring on the rear axle to deliver more power to the outside rear wheel.
The car’s brakes deliver excellent stopping power with no noticeable fade on our winding road drives.
