2020 Audi A7

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	$69,000	$73,600	$79,900
Key features	Quattro all-wheel drive	Audi virtual cockpit plus	Head-up display with navigation systems information
	MMI® Navigation (8.8" display) and Audi connect	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
	Panoramic sunroof	Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view	Driver Assistance package
	Contrast stitching on seats and dashboard	LED taillights with animation	Power soft-closing doors
	LED headlights with high-beam assist	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.

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.

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, V6, turbocharged	3.0L, Inline-6, turbocharged	3.0L, V6, twin-turbocharged
Transmission	7-speed S Tronic DCT	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5,000 rpm	362 hp @ 5,500 rpm	345 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1,370 rpm	369 lb-ft. @ 1,600 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm

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.

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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.

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 6 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 (seconds)	5.2	5.1	5.5
Quarter Mile (seconds)	13.3	13.6	13.4
Engine	3.0L, V6, turbocharged	3.0L, Inline-6, turbocharged	3.0L, V6, twin-turbocharged
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	6.0	5.7	7.6

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 front (in.)	13.3	14.2	13.6
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	14.2	13.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4,332	4,255	3,990
70-0 MPH (ft.)	157	167	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.

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. 

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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 tank capacity (gallons)	19.3	21.1	21.1
Range (city/highway) (miles)	425/560	485/633	359/506

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.

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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?

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)
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	37.0/57.2/41.3	36.9/57.8/41.9	38.8/57.8/37.7
Second (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:

• 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.

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 Volume (with all seats upright)(ft.3)	24.9	11.9	17.7
Cargo Volume (with rear seats folded)(ft.3)	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
• Split-folding 40/20/40 rear seatbacks
• Heated rear seats

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How safe is the Audi A7?

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.

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 (lbs.)	4332	4255	3990
Length (in.)	195.6	196.4	195.7
Width (in.)	75.1	73.8	76.6
Height (in.)	56.0	56.3	57.5
Ground Clearance (in.)	4.4	3.9	4.5
Wheelbase (in.)	115.2	115.7	118.0
Track Width (in.) F/R	65.0/64.4	64.4/65.1	64.4/65.1

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
• Adaptive rear spoiler
• Headlight washers
• Power soft-closing doors

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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
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Electromechanical parking brake
• Rearview camera with guidelines

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2020 Audi A7 vs Mercedes-Benz CLS 450:

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 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!

 

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.

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