What if we told you that in the league of world-class luxury saloons, there’s also one car that looks sporty, yet brings the best of luxury at your disposal? The Audi A8L? No, not that one. Get into a dealership and look for a car that looks much like a luxury saloon, but is a big and slick Sportback- The Audi A7. A car stuffed with performance to the brim yet doesn’t fall short of the best in class luxury features. Simply put, the A7 belongs to those who prefer to spend more time behind the steering as compared to the rear seats.
However, before you get to the performance part, we bet you would be smiling already, thanks to such a sweet-looking exterior that ensures you grab eyeballs whenever, wherever you arrive. Intrigued enough? Let's get right to it.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The Audi A7 has never been the best-seller of Audi’s lineup. Maybe the world wasn’t very welcoming to “weird” looking sedans back then. However, over a period of time, this design evolved and people started accepting it. So much so, that it also gave birth to various “Coupe” SUVs. That said, as the “A7” badge enters the year 2020, Audi has revamped this Sportback just to keep up with its new design language, initially introduced by the "Four-ringed's" flagship offering - Audi Q8. As a result, the 2020 Audi A7 got sleeker, broader, stunted and frankly, a treat for sore eyes.
The Audi A7 underwent a complete refreshment in the year 2019 that brought along a host of changes. For 2020, the A7 is carried forward as it is, more or less. A few trim revisions have been done and the base trim “Premium” is back again. With the prices starting at $69k for the same, the Audi A7 extends the challenge to some of its rivals such as the Mercedes CLS 450, BMW 6 Series and the Maserati Ghibli Sedan.
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Front View
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Rear View
9.1/10 Features
8.3/10 Engine and Performance
7.3/10 Fuel Economy
7.5/10 Interior
9.9/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
8.5/10 Competition
2020 Audi A7 Features
9.1/10
The Audi A7 is offered in three different iterations. The base trim “Premium” carries nothing fancy but serves all the basic necessities as per segment standards. This year, Audi has added a few more features to the standard equipment list of the A7's base trim. Some of such new additions include lane departure warning, high beam assist, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior rearview mirrors.
The next trim, “Premium Plus” takes you into the fancy world with the inclusion of many pop-your-eyes-out features such as animated LED taillamps, Bang and Olufsen premium sound system and Matrix LED headlamps. For 2020, a couple of features, include the likes of the new Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster and heated steering wheel have made their way to the standard feature list.
The top-trim, “Prestige”, brings you closer to the segment above with some more extravagant features such as laser LED adaptive headlamps, four-zone climate control and power soft closing doors. This year, heated rear seats have also been added to the standard equipment list, thus, adding an oomph factor to the car’s persona.
Trim
Premium
Premium Plus
Prestige
MSRP (AWD)
$69,000
$73,600
$79,900
Key Features
Quattro all-wheel drive
Adds/Upgrades to Premium
Adds/Upgrades to Premium Plus
MMI® Navigation (8.8" display) and Audi connect
Audi virtual cockpit plus
Head-up display with navigation systems information
Panoramic sunroof
Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 16 speakers, 15-channel amplifier and 705 watts
Heated and ventilated twelve-way power front seats including four-way power lumbar adjustment for driver and front passenger
Contrast stitching on seats and dashboard
Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view
Driver Assistance package
LED headlights with high-beam assist
LED taillights with animation
Power soft-closing doors
HD Matrix-design LED headlights with high-beam assist
HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light and high-beam assist
Which trim should I go for?
Since Audi provides a plethora of optional features, we think the middle trim “Premium Plus” offers the best proposition for its price. For a premium of around $7k, we think it is better if you pick your own likes out of the options for this money instead of going for the top-trim.
2020 Audi A7 Engine and Performance
8.3/10
Carried forward from last year itself, the 2020 Audi A7 is blessed with a 3.0L, V6 Turbocharged motor that produces 335 HP of power and 369 lb-ft of torque. For those who keep themselves updated with the automotive world should find this 3.0L motor identical. Yes, this is the same motor that can also be spotted under the Audi Q7’s hood as well. That’s not it, this unit also discharges duties in a lot of other vehicles that fall under the German auto giant Volkswagen’s umbrella.
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Engine Bay
A 48-Volt mild-hybrid technology also accentuates the engine’s performance, however, it’s just meant for the start/stop of the vehicle. Once your vehicle gathers momentum, this motor just keeps mum and slides away from the picture. The transmission duties are carried out by a 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic gearbox that directs the power to all four wheels - courtesy of the Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive. By the way, the Quattro AWD is standard across all the trims. Now that’s a plus!
The peak torque of the A7 kicks in at just 1,370 rpm which encourages easy overtakes and the slick-shifting 7-speed DCT is a cherry on the top. Take the manual control, keep the A7 in its power band and there’s no way you can resist the kind of grin this car will put on your face. All in all, to be behind the A7’s steering is pure pleasure - a notion absent in the more premium offering, the Audi A8L.
Models
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
MSRP
$69,000
$72,450
$75,500
Engine
3.0L turbocharged V6
3.0L turbocharged Inline-6
3.0L twin-turbocharged V6
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
RWD
Transmission
7-speed S Tronic DCT
9-speed shiftable automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
Power
335hp@5,000rpm
362hp@5,500rpm
345hp@5,500rpm
Torque
369lb-ft@1,370rpm
369lb-ft@1,600rpm
369lb-ft@1,750rpm
The competition is pretty evenly matched in terms of power and torque output from their engines in this sedan segment. However, Audi A7’s power figures seem to be overshadowed by the competition and hence it lags behind in this front. However, the A7 is also the leader in terms of torque delivery as it delivers the same amount of torque as its competition way before they do. As an overall proposition, the Merc takes the lead here leaving the Maserati for the second position. However, this story might take a turn once the weight factor is considered.
How fast is the Audi A7?
The 2020 Audi A7 can breach the 60 MPH mark from standstill in 5.2 seconds. Thanks to its 48-volt battery pack, the Audi A7 is pretty peppy on its toes and is always eager to move. This feeling is further accentuated by the low-end torque that always keeps the Audi A7 in the meat of its powerband and ever-ready for flat-out runs.
2020 Audi A7 Sedan can breach the 60 MPH mark from standstill in 5.2 seconds.
Talking about flat-outs, the quarter-mile mark comes up in 13.3 seconds which is a respectable number. Just for reference, the Audi A7 clears the quarter-mile mark quicker than its flagship sibling - The Audi A8L - hence, serving the purpose it was born for. However, its immediate rival, the BMW 8 Series, is a bit more enterprising as compared to the Audi A7 in this aspect, but loses out on other aspects.
Model
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
0-60 MPH
5.2 sec
5.1 sec
5.5 sec
Quarter Mile
13.3 sec
13.6 sec
13.4 sec
Top Speed
130 MPH
N/A
166 MPH
Engine
3.0L turbocharged V6
3.0L turbocharged Inline-6
3.0L twin-turbocharged V6
The Mercedes CLS 450’s punchy engine does give it a head start in an event of a drag race, however, the Audi A7's top-end power overshadows Merc’s acceleration and leaves it for the last position. The Maserati Ghibli is the slowest to the 60 MPH mark but it gains some ground on the top-end, hence defeating the Merc by a nose.
What about the braking performance of the Audi A7?
The braking department of the 2020 Audi A7 is undertaken by a nominal 4-piston monobloc at the front wheels and the rear ones too. The adaptive air suspension system “adapts” pretty well under panic braking scenarios by keeping the nosedive in check. A 157 ft. stop from 70 MPH is pretty commendable for a vehicle as big as this. The brake pedal might feel squishy to some, however, the bite is gradual and confidence-inspiring.
Model
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
Brake Rotors Front
13.3 "
14.2"
13.6"
Brake Rotors Rear
13.0"
14.2"
13.0"
Curb Weight
4,332 lbs
4,255 lbs
3,990 lbs
70-0 MPH
157 ft
167 ft
N/A
The Audi A7 overpowers the Merc clearly despite its heavier curb weight. Though we do not have the details for the Ghibli, however, owing to its lightest Curb weight, we expect the Maserati to come out on the top of this comparison.
How is the Audi A7 to drive?
The Audi A7’s purpose is to provide everything that the A8L does, just with a lot more engagement behind the steering. Though its elder sibling is also a fun-to-drive vehicle, the A7 just makes it better. It has good road manners and its low-slung height maximizes the grip from the tires, thus, inspiring confidence while tackling curves. Moreover, all of this fun is highlighted with the slight rumble of the car’s exhaust. In case this exhaust note doesn’t suffice for you, Audi also provides a performance exhaust system as an option, just in case you need your Audi to be a bit louder while you play with it.
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Side View
In case you’re just in a mood to go out for a supple drive with the family, the Audi A7 doesn’t fail to impress in that aspect either. It might not be as spacious as the A8L, but it mimics its behavior on road pretty efficiently. The air suspension system restricts the abruptions of the road and the noise levels have also been contained pretty well. Not to mention, the top-notch fitments inside the cabin hug you with the best of luxury available out there, thus eliminating the few issues that you might find with the car.
Ever since Audi replaced the supercharger with a turbocharger, the efficiency of the 3.0L, V6 motor has taken a hit. So is the case with the 2020 Audi A7 as well. The Audi A7 manages to produce a fuel economy of 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway - sub-par by sedan standards. The combined figure of 25 MPG is almost 2 units lesser than its previous iterations. However, the 500-mile range ensures lesser fuel stops as compared to the older-gen A7 - courtesy of the bigger 19.3-gallon tank.
Model
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
MPG (City)
22
23
17
MPG (Highway)
29
30
24
MPG (Combined)
25
26
19
Fuel Capacity
19.3 gallons
21.1 gallons
21.1 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)
425/560/482 miles
485/633/548 miles
359/506/400 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
6.0
5.7
7.6
Although an improvement over the earlier iteration, the 2020 Audi A7 barely manages to keep up with the segment. The Merc’s 633-mile range remains unbeatable, however, the Ghibli emerges as a bigger fuel-guzzler than the rest of them.
When you talk about a vehicle north of the $70k mark, certain comfort enhancements such as the leather seats, heating, and ventilation just mark the beginning of the feature-list. Now when you come to a manufacturer like Audi, it is all the better. Adhering to the reputation set in the automotive market by the “four rings” marque, the A7 is also christened with each and every comfort feature that you’d expect, if not more.
The seats feature a wide range of adjustability and as you move up the trim ladder, features like rear heated seats and four-zone climate control also add to the standard equipment list. There is loads of room all around the cabin, however, the sloping roofline might upset the tall occupants at the rear half of the cabin. There is a panoramic sunroof to add to the airiness of the cabin, but it’s not like you can keep it open all the time, right?
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Front Seat
In terms of leg and shoulder room, there are no complaints at all. However, the ingress factor might bother the tall people a bit like the A7’s low slung height requires you to bend down quite a bit before you can sit on the seats. The bolsters around the front seats do a fabulous job in holding the occupants in one place even during spirited driving. To sum it up, you’ll certainly be surprised by the way this Audi maintains a balance between performance and comfort.
Model
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
Front Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)
37.0/57.2/41.3
36.9/57.8/41.9
38.8/57.8/37.7
Rear Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)
37.1/55.9/37.0
38.8/56.5/33.2
38.8/56.5/33.2
There is no challenging the Mercedes-Benz in terms of passenger comfort as the Three-Pointed Star has managed to establish a benchmark in this aspect. The CLS 450 is a spacious vehicle with loads of room all around. There may not be a lot of difference to the naked eye, however, the A7 falls slightly short of what the CLS offers. In fact, the Audi cannot even manage to surpass the Maserati Ghibli in terms of passenger volume either.
Does the Audi A7 comes loaded with tech inside?
Just as Mercedes-Benz is famous for its comfort and luxury, Audi has managed to build a reputation for themselves when it comes to offering technology inside a car. This sporty tech-house on wheels is no different either. There are three different display units, all dedicated to separate operations. Some outstanding features associated with the infotainment system are:
2020 Audi A7 Sedan has 12.3-inch high definition driver’s console display
Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch high definition driver’s console display)
Head-up display with navigation information
MMI touch response system with dual center displays (10.1" upper and 8.6" lower) with haptic feedback
Voice Control System
Amazon Alexa integration
Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple Carplay and wired Google Android Auto
Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 16 speakers, 15-channel amplifier and 705 watts
SiriusXM with a 90-day trial subscription
Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming for compatible devices
What about the Audi A7’s utility?
The 2020 Audi A7’s utility part shines brighter than its flagship sedan sibling - thanks to its “Sportback” persona. This luxury hatchback can hold luggage up to 24.9 cu.ft which is the best in the business, hands down. Moreover, the rear row of the Audi A7 can be split by a 40/20/40 ratio which simply translates to a lot of space. Further accentuating the comfort factor, the A7 also provides power-closing tailgate, enabling to shut the trunk with just a touch of a button.
2020 Audi A7 Sedan has cargo volume of 24.9 ft.3
The opening of the tailgate isn't very large, speaking by segment standards. There's also a small elevation between the cargo floor and the lip of the trunk that requires the luggage to be picked up higher than normal. However, this issue is compensated for by the hatchback-style tailgate that takes the windshield along with the trunk lid when opened. Thus, fitting large items won't ask for many struggles.
Model
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
Cargo Capacity
24.9 cu.ft.
11.9 cu.ft.
17.7 cu.ft.
Cargo Capacity (with rear seats folded)
N/A
N/A
N/A
There’s no challenging the mighty Audi A7 here in this aspect. It completely dominates the competition leaving the Mercedes for the last position. The Ghibli’s 17.7 cu.ft of space in the trunk awards it the second position in this comparison.
What are the creature comforts on offer in the Audi A7?
Apart from the infotainment system, the 2020 Audi A7 brings along a host of other features pertaining to the comfort and luxury of the occupants. Not just that, some of them add to the convenience factor too. Some of such extravagant features that set the Audi A7 apart from the competition are:
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters
Power tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column with memory
Frameless auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with digital compass
Panoramic sunroof
Ambient LED interior lighting package—multicolor
Dual-pane acoustic glass
Leather seating surfaces
Heated and ventilated twelve-way power front seats including four-way power lumbar adjustment for driver and front passenger
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Dashboard2020 Audi A7 2020 Audi A2020 Audi A7 Sedan Front Seats7 Sedan Front SeatsSedan Interior2020 Audi A7 Sedan Dashboard2020 Audi A7 Sedan Central Console2020 Audi A7 Sedan Rear Seats
2020 Audi A7 Exterior
9.9/10
How many times do you come across a car that you enjoy locking and unlocking again and again, yet again? Well, here’s the 2020 Audi A7 that comes with a unique trick up its sleeve. Press the unlock button on the key fob and you’ll be greeted by a small light show that could get you stuck at the locking/unlocking game. Not just the greeting part, but your Audi A7 also knows how to say “Until next time” once you lock the car - a first and a bold move from the house of four rings.
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Three Quarter View
Apart from this unique trait, the 2020 Audi A7 remains reminiscent of the silhouette of the first-gen A7, just slightly stunted. This latest iteration of the A7 has now grown wider, longer and a bit more stretched out than before. The front remains pretty much identical with a hexagonal grille and the blackened out slits. This grille neatly blends into the curving hood and adds to the car’s personality. Talking about neatness, the sloping roofline blends into the rear windshield and disappears, imparting a fluidic yet classy stance to the 2020 Audi A7. Not to forget, the taillamps stretch all across the trunk adding more to the same.
Model
Audi A7 Premium
Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC
Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)
Curb Weight
4332 lbs
4255 lbs
3990 lbs
Length
195.6"
196.4"
195.7"
Width
75.1"
73.8"
76.6"
Height
56.0"
56.3"
57.5"
Ground Clearance
4.4"
3.9"
4.5"
Wheelbase
115.2"
115.7"
118.0"
While there is not much physical difference between the three cars mentioned here, one thing is otherwise. If parked together, the Ghibli clearly is the tallest here, in fact, it is the most lavish sedan in terms of dimensions in this comparison. The Audi and the Merc are almost head to head, however, the Merc just manages to surpass Audi with a hair-thin difference between them.
What are the eye-catching features of the Audi A7?
There’s always a reason why you can differentiate an Audi from the rest of the crowd. Not just because of the four rings, but the 2020 Audi A7 is here with some own exterior enhancements that also add to the practicality factor as well. Some of such highlights on the outside that give the Audi A7 its unique identity are:
19" 10-Y-spoke design wheels
Audi Singleframe hexagonal grille
HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light and high-beam assist
LED taillights with animation
LED turn signals integrated into the exterior side mirrors
Auto-dimming, power-folding, heated exterior side mirrors with memory
2020 Audi A7 Sedan Exterior2020 Audi A7 Sedan Front View2020 Audi A7 Sedan Rear View2020 Audi A7 Sedan Front and Rear View2020 Audi A7 Sedan Side View2020 Audi A7 Sedan Rear View
2020 Audi A7 Safety
9.0/10
Based on Volkswagen’s reliable MLB platform, the Audi A7 possesses one of the safest architectures under its skin. Just to give you a rough idea, this platform also discharges duties in some bigger vehicles like the Audi Q5, Audi A8, the Porsche Macan, and a lot more vehicles from Volkswagen's stable. All of the mentioned vehicles have scored the maximum points whenever tested for build quality. Hence, we expect the 2020 Audi A7 to behave in the same way. Although it is yet to be tested by the national agencies (NHTSA and IIHS), we believe the Audi A7 should clear all the hurdles with flying colors.
Apart from the build quality, this tech-house on wheels also comes packed with a plethora of safety features that keep a check on the safety of its occupants. Some of these advanced driver-assist features are:
Advanced Airbag Protection System with 6 airbags
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) in rear seats
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
The German giants have left a mark in the automotive world, not just in America, but globally too. However, both these cars have attained a certain reputation in different sectors altogether. This is where your priorities weigh in. The Mercedes in this comparison offers good blend performance and space, however, it loses out to the Audi A7 in the reliability factor and the extravagant feature-list. Also, the Merc’s price tag further works against its favor, which is why it’s the Audi that makes a better proposition overall.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450
2020 Audi A7 vs Maserati Ghibli:
Maseratis have always been known to be notorious when it comes to build quality and reliability. The A7 takes advantage of the Ghibli’s weakness and makes a strong statement by offering the best of these factors. Also, there is no matching Audi A7 in terms of technology. That said, the A7 also takes the cake away with better handling dynamics and a punchier powertrain which is why it is the one to go for. Not to forget, the four-ringed Sportback is also the less expensive one out of the two - now that’s a plus!
2020 Maserati Ghibli
2020 Audi A7 Final Verdict
If you are in the market looking for a luxury sedan with the ability to rip off the tarmac, the A7 is the one to go for. Simply because it brings along the oomph factor of the A8L but doesn’t lose out on its sporty traits, and this is what makes it a special buy out of the mainstream options that you have in the market. Moreover, it is reliable, well-built and one of the best feature-loaded vehicles in the segment. Hence, if you’re considering the A7, we’d suggest you go right ahead and buy it.
Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 7AM)
9
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 10, 2020
Keeper
Pros - Everything
Cons - No heated rear seats
Overall Review
9 /10 Overall Rating
I've only been driving it for a month now and I love everything about it so far. I'll still take time to see if there is anything that I might not appreciate. For now, its kinda perfect
The acceleration response is certainely much more than one would expect. The size and dignified built gives a different vibe about performance until I drove it. The pedal response is progressive and has that thump to throw the driver back on the seat pretty hard. All this is garnished with its stability on road where it just feels pinned down to the surface beneath irrespective of the figures on speedo. This is because of the low ground clearance but has its own set of cons as well.
10/10
Features
10/10
Interior
10/10
Design
10/10
Safety
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Deal Value
10/10
Dealer Review
TT
Timothy B. Terry
2020 Audi A7
Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 7AM)
10
User Overall Rating
Posted On: August 10, 2020
Audi's wonder
Pros - All wheel steering, interiors, seats
Cons - Rear window size, armrest should have been a little higher
Overall Review
10 /10 Overall Rating
Only if the front wheel steer wasn't enough, Audi thought of the brilliant and innovative rear-wheel steer to improve the turning radius and steering feedback a couple more folds. Now I should mention this is my first car with such a feature and I must say the experience could not have been any better. It steers with so much ease in tight spots and those back streets.
I've only been driving it for a month now and I love everything about it so far. I'll still take time to see if there is anything that I might not appreciate. For now, its kinda perfect
by Bryan K. Freeman
10
User Overall Rating
Lets pro con the Audi A7
The acceleration response is certainely much more than one would expect. The size and dignified built gives a different vibe about performance until I drove it. The pedal response is progressive and has that thump to throw the driver back on the seat pretty hard. All this is garnished with its stability on road where it just feels pinned down to the surface beneath irrespective of the figures on s...
by John B. Cordova
10
User Overall Rating
Audi's wonder
Only if the front wheel steer wasn't enough, Audi thought of the brilliant and innovative rear-wheel steer to improve the turning radius and steering feedback a couple more folds. Now I should mention this is my first car with such a feature and I must say the experience could not have been any better. It steers with so much ease in tight spots and those back streets.
