Audi A7 Sportback (2014-2017) Review and Prices

The Audi A7 is offered with a range of 3.0-litre diesels and a 3.0-litre petrol. The sporty S and RS7 get two versions of the 4.0-litre V8 that is used in other RS models.

The specs suggest that if you aren’t hellbent on getting the petrol versions, the diesels make a lot of sense. They both are quite fuel efficient — the 218hp 3.0-litre TDI does over 55mpg while the 320hp 3.0BiTDI does mid forties. What’s more impressive is that they don’t feel short on power. The base ‘Ultra’ version is offered without quattro (Audi’s four wheel drive system), while you can tick that option on higher variants for increased grip.

All engines are smooth and ensure brisk progress, while refinement is excellent. Some note a distant grumble in the diesels but hardly enough to intrude. The most powerful BiTDI can send some vibrations through the pedals and steering wheel, but this is a small price to pay for its prodigious torque figure, which makes overtakes a breeze.

Powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine, the S7 is slightly quicker to 60mph from standstill, but a 30mpg is going to create a hole in the pocket. And that’s why the S7 isn’t as popular as the diesels: the 3.0BiTDI can do 0-60mph in a little above 5s and still return about 45mpg. But if you’re looking for the ultimate version, there’s the RS7. Just don’t ask about the fuel economy.

What may come as a surprise is the way the A7 rides, at least on models not cursed with the rock-solid suspension of S Line variants – it’s genuinely comfortable and beautifully judged. Models with air springs are good too, allowing you various options to adjust the car’s ride and handling.

The handling itself is biased towards stability and grip rather than adjustability, making it an easy car in which to make unruffled progress but not one in which to have much fun.