Audi enhances the A7’s standard safety equipment. Every 2023 Audi A7 now comes with adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Prestige models gain remote park assist plus.
The Audi A7 is a sleeker, sculpted so-called four-door coupe that’s based on the more conventional-looking Audi A6 sedan. The two cars share the same platform and are identical in nearly every way, save for the shape of their sheet metal.
The A7 also comes with a hatchback-style rear liftgate, while the A6 makes do with a typical trunk. If you’re thirsting for a well-rounded sedan but tend to put style first, the A7 is the Audi for you.
For 2023, not much is going to change. The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that makes 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s a smooth-as-silk engine that provides good power without making too much of a fuss, perfect for the Audi buyer who wants something on the subtler side.
However, if you want to go greener, you can opt for the plug-in hybrid, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for efficiency and 26 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
The 2023 Audi A7‘s standard powertrain is a turbocharged V-6 that makes 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That power is delivered to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive through a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The A7’s standard V-6 powertrain also uses a 48-volt hybrid-assist system that minimizes turbo lag and aids stop/start operation. During everyday driving, we appreciated the 2023 Audi A7’s effortless quickness. Its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in wet and dry conditions.
The automatic transmission intelligently reacted to both relaxed and energetic throttle inputs. If you’re looking for something with electric-only driving capability, you’ll need to upgrade to the new plug-in hybrid model, which makes 362 horsepower from its combination of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and onboard electric motor.
We haven’t had the chance to test this model yet, but we’ve spent plenty of time with the standard V-6. Audi expertly blends luxury and agility on the A7.
Its enthusiastic responses and supple ride quality immediately stood out while we were behind the wheel. Despite our test car’s optional 21-inch wheels, the expected thuds from harsh impacts went almost unnoticed. Its suspension was equally successful at limiting body motions.
The steering response was linear, with adjustable heft available in different drive modes, but it never shouted about what the front wheels were doing. The two A7 models we tested had impressive stopping power, with emergency braking distances of 157 feet and 163 feet.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The 2023 Audi A7 with the standard turbo-six earned fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway from the EPA. These numbers closely align with sedan rivals such as the BMW 540i xDrive (23 mpg city and 31 highway) and the CLS450 (22 cities and 29 highway).
The plug-in-hybrid A7 has a combined rating of 27 mpg and it has an estimated electric-only range of 26 miles. The V-6-powered Audi we tested greatly exceeded its highway rating, earning an impressive 36 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.
The CLS450 also returned 36 mpg during our highway test, and the Bimmer achieved 34 mpg. For more information about the 2023 Audi A7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2023 Audi A7‘s interior has an impeccable fit and finish and is highlighted by attractive materials and sturdy switchgear. Every cabin has ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, leather seating surfaces, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, and more.
However, they’re controlled solely through the touchscreens, which is annoying. The A7 also provides a satisfying driving position that is complemented by excellent outward visibility. Rear-seat passengers receive climate controls, power points for charging devices, and even heated seats, which are all optional.
While the back seat comfortably accommodates two adults, three full-size frames would be cramped. Underneath the A7’s useful power-operated liftback, we fit seven carry-on bags behind its split-folding rear seat. The car also held 20 bags of luggage with the seats folded flat.
Likewise, we managed to fit a golf bag and stroller in the cargo area. Unfortunately, the 2023 Audi A7 has mediocre interior cubby space. The front door pockets are narrow, and the center console has a small bin.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
Every 2023 Audi A7 features a dazzling infotainment system with dual touchscreens that seamlessly integrate into the dashboard and center console.
The large icons are easy to locate and the haptic feedback is satisfying, but the setup is undeniably distracting because they often require the driver to take their eyes off the road.
Standard content includes Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto integration and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Desirable options are two powerful Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems and wireless smartphone charging.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
The Audi hatchback offers advanced driver-assistance equipment that includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and night vision.
For more information about the 2023 Audi A7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2019 Audi A7 3.0T
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED: $81,445 (base price: $68,995)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
DISPLACEMENT: 183 cu in, 2995 cc
POWER: 335 hp @ 6400 rpm
TORQUE: 369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy MXM4, 255/40R-20 101H M+S AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 115.2 in
Length: 195.6 in
Width: 75.1 in
Height: 56.0 in
Passenger volume: 95 cu ft
Cargo volume: 25 cu ft
Curb weight: 4451 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.1 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 18.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 105 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.90 g
*Stability-control inhibited.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
Combined/city/highway: 24/21/30 mpg
