Overview
From its sleek fastback design to its refined driving manners, the 2022 Audi A7 is a smooth operator. Audi discreetly hides a hatchback within its fastback profile that makes it more practical than other mid-size luxury sedans such as its corporate counterpart, the A6 sedan, or rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS450. While the A7’s racy roofline intrudes on rear-seat headroom, the rest of its cabin is beautifully appointed and packed with state-of-the-art tech. Its 335-hp turbocharged V-6 teams with an unobtrusive dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This polished powertrain makes the handsome hatch sneaky quick, but we wish it included a more exciting soundtrack. A plug-in-hybrid version also improves the lineup’s green cred. While all passengers will appreciate its tranquil ride quality, the driver will also enjoy its adroit handling and excellent outward visibility. The 2022 A7 isn’t perfect, but its prettiness and practically help put it near the top of its class.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 A7 receives more standard features as well as a new 21-inch-wheel package. The entry-level Premium trim now comes with a fully digital gauge cluster, a larger 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with navigation, rear-seat side airbags, and an enhanced tire-pressure monitor.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d recommend the Premium Plus model, which has more desirable standard features and available options than the base trim level does. The Plus comes standard with adaptive cruise control, headlights with snazzier Matrix-design accents and automatic high-beams, futuristic-looking taillight animations, a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system, and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, the Premium Plus has standard luxuries such as heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power-operated hatchback, and a panoramic sunroof. We’d increase the A7’s luxury levels a little more by choosing the Driver and Executive packages. This combination is highlighted by the addition of four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 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 Audi’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 ethereal 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 virtually unnoticed. Its supple suspension was equally successful at limiting body motions and maximizing smoothness. The steering response was linear, with adjustable heft available in different drive modes, but it never communicated 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.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The A7 with the six-cylinder engine is expected to earn 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. These numbers align with sedan rivals such as the BMW 540i xDrive (23 mpg city and 31 highway) and the CLS450 (22 city and 29 highway). The plug-in-hybrid A7 has a combined rating of 29 mpg (5 mpg higher than the nonhybrid’s combined estimate), and it has an electric-only range of 24 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 A7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The A7’s interior has 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 A7 has mediocre interior cubby space. The front door pockets are narrow, and the center console has a small bin.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every 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.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
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 A7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi provides warranty coverage that aligns with plans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While every A7 includes one complimentary scheduled-service visit, owners can extend that coverage by paying extra for Audi Care, which covers four subsequent services after the first complimentary visit.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
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