2022 Audi A7 Sportback Review: Power Cruiser
The svelte Sportback is back for another year of glory in the US, and the Audi A7 just keeps getting better. The 2021 Audi A7 Sportback brought with it a new plug-in hybrid model that produces 362 horsepower. Even if greener living isn't your thing, you can take your pick of any one of the configurations and go home happy. The A7 offers an abundance of space and a plush interior to boot, and it doesn't just have a nice personality - it's beautiful, too. Expect loads of comfort and power from the four-ringed exec, but don't get too excited because it's up against the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and the highly lauded Porsche Panamera, so it's safe to say that the competition is tough.
2022 A7 Sportback Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
195.6 in | 115.2 in | 56.0 in | 75.1 in | 65.1 in | 64.4 in | 4,332.0 lbs |
2022 A7 Sportback Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Despite its significant dimensions, the experience behind the wheel of a 2022 Audi A7 doesn't make you feel as if you're trying to steer a yacht in the right direction. Is it a true performance car? No, but it's quick enough to mitigate boredom in traffic. It's agile enough and boasts responsive steering, but lacks a true connection to the driver. The A7 was built with comfort in mind, and it does that really well. It may not have the outright cornering ability of its sportier stablemates, but the A7 is still more than capable of tackling your favorite driving roads, when conditions allow. Its standard suspension does a good enough job of navigating twistier roads. The addition of the sport suspension from the S line package improves the A7's sport-focus slightly, but stick to the comfort-based suspension if you know you're not going to try and channel your inner F1 driver.
That brings us to what the A7 excels at. Plush ride quality is something that the sizeable cruiser delivers effortlessly. Longer journeys are blissful when your well-to-do posterior is being cushioned by premium German engineering.
2022 A7 Sportback Interior
2022 A7 Sportback Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Side Crash Rating |
---|
5/5 |
Verdict: Is the new Audi A7 Sportback A Good Car?
Is the Audi A7 a hatchback? Is it a sedan? A coupe? No one knows. What we know is that it's an excellent luxury car that surpasses expectations by many measures. The addition of the plug-in hybrid model last year was a welcome one that will no doubt appeal to even more shoppers, it's a notable improvement for an already impressive lineup. The A7's standard engine is a well-oiled machine that rarely disappoints, though it's not truly sport-focused. The lack of connection between driver and car is a downfall that will be noticed by those who care. It does manage to return some decent fuel economy figures, though it's not the best in the segment. The plush ride quality is a plus and the gorgeous interior doesn't hurt either. It also doesn't sacrifice on trunk space and beats all of its rivals in this regard. However, the A7 is undercut by its own sibling, the A6, in terms of price and merits. Still, this Audi shows just how well the Germans can wrap power and luxury up and tie a perfect bow on the top.
2022 Audi A7 Sportback Comparisons
2022 Audi A7 Sportback vs Audi A6
The two relatives from Audi share a lot of similarities; they have similar front-end designs and both come in the same three trim levels with similar features lists, but that's where the similarities end. The A6 is smaller overall, but the sloping roofline of the Sportback results in less headroom for passengers, but this can be set off by the ample cargo space provided by the A7 over the 13.7 cubic feet of the smaller sedan. And, the A6 doesn't have the optional plug-in hybrid powertrain available. But, as far as power plants go, the A6 has a choice between a 2.0-liter turbo unit with 261 hp, or the same motor that does duty in the gas-fed A7 - a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. Interestingly, the EPA rates gas mileage with this powertrain as identical on both the A6 and A7. Although there is a big difference in price (almost $10k on base models with the 3.0-liter powertrain), many shoppers opt for the more expensive of the two based purely on the suave design and opulent feel. The best choice for you depends on your budget and personal preference, however.
2022 Audi A7 Sportback vs Audi A8
As the A6 is the sedan version of the A7, the A8 is a big brother to both. Emphasis on big: its dimensions are staggering, with a 123.2-inch wheelbase and a length upwards of 208 inches. The idea behind this behemoth is simple, though, boundless space and luxury for passengers inside. There is only one trim level and it's filled to the brim with specs, comforts, and conveniences most of which are found on the top-end trim of the A7, too. Once again, the base powertrain is shared by the siblings, but an optional turbocharged V8 and a plug-in hybridized motor are also available, opening up power outputs to anything from the standard 335 hp and 443 hp from the hybrid, to 453 hp from the V8. Pricing differs by a whopping $17,300 if you're just comparing base models, and the top-end PHEV in A7 guise is also $14,650 less than the Prestige A8 plug-in. Neither are designed to be sportscars, or driven like that, and instead, the focus is on lounge-like opulence. Shoppers who intend to be chauffeured around will likely choose the A8, and have the budget to afford it.