Audi A7 Sportback (2011 – 2018) Review

Audi A7 Sportback (2011 – 2018) At A Glance

4/5

+Spacious and luxurious interior. A rarity on the roads so ensures exclusivity. 3.0 BiTDI engine with 313PS is immense. Black Edition models available.

-Multitronic CVT in lower powered 3.0 TDI is relaxed but not very responsive.

Insurance Groups are between 33–45
On average it achieves 73% of the official MPG figure

The 2011 Audi A7 Sportback isn't an easy car to pigeonhole. Masters of continually creating new niche markets, Audi described it as ‘executive travel with a new slant'. The idea was it blended the comfort of a saloon with the practicality of a hatchback, all wrapped up in the sleek shape of a coupe.

Designed to bridge the gap between the A6 and the A8 (if there was one) it sits alongside other ‘alternative' models like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 5 Series GT offering similar levels of refinement and luxury, while the five-door hatchback bodystyle explains why it carries the Sportback badge.

This is very evident inside where the interior is similar to the latest Audi A8 with all-new controls and amazing attention to detail. The quality and finish are unsurpassed by anything else and it has that solid, well-built feel that's become a trademark of Audi cars.

It's amazingly advanced too with a great navigation and multimedia system along with a DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and an electrically opening tailgate as standard. And to help it stand out there's a subtle rear spoiler on the hatch which automatically raises at 80mph.

Travelling in the A7 Sportback is a delight thanks to supreme refinement, amazing sound insulation and a smooth ride. It also handles very well with great grip - especially so in the quattro four-wheel drive models - and impressive poise in corners. It may look like an A8 from the front but it's based on a new chassis which is used in the latest A6.

The A7 Sportback also features Audi's best engines, all of which offer strong performance with good economy, helped by an automatic stop/start system. The 3.0 TDI is impressively efficient given its size yet still has plenty of pace when needed.

Some people may ask why the A7 Sportback is needed when there's already the luxury A8, the A6 range and the A5 Sportback in the Audi line-up. However it does offer something genuinely different to existing models and for those who like to have something that's not quite run of the mill, but still offers luxury and quality, the A7 Sportback is spot on.

Audi A7 2010 Road Test

Audi S7 Sportback 2012 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Audi A7 Sportback (2011 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

73%

Real MPG

22–52 mpg

MPGs submitted

218

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Should I replace my beloved diesel Audi A7 with a petrol version to avoid plummeting resale value?

"Four years ago you suggested looking at an Audi A7 BiTDI. I've loved the car and managed to find a 15 month old SE with tech pack, comfortable seats, rear a/c, etc. It's now done 36,000 miles (25,000 with us) and we're making a family decision whether the value will start to plummet given the backlash against diesel. Is it time to move to petrol? A lot of my journeys are increasingly less than ten miles, which obviously suggest petrol, but as you noted the engine design of the A7 means it has never had the DPF problems other diesels suffer. The car has a full dealer service history and is in excellent condition, though it will need set of tyres in the next six months. I'v had various online quotes around £21,000, with Webuyanycar offering £21,700 before they inspect her. So, once again, your advice is very welcome."
You're in the happy situation of having an exceptional car for which there is strong used demand now, but might not be in the future. Your problem is your likely disappointment with a petrol engined replacement. It makes sense to get out of the Audi now, but tearing yourself away might be difficult.
Answered by Honest John

What is the Real MPG on an Audi A7 Sportback?

"What is the Real MPG on an Audi A7 quattro?"
Here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/audi/a7-sportback-2011/
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used Audi - A5 or A7?

"I want to buy a used Audi quattro 3.0 diesel automatic. I can't decide between the A5 and A7. Can you please tell me the pros and cons of each car, to help with my decision?"
The A7 is simply bigger. Test and video here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/audi/audi-a7-2010-range-road-test/ Car by car entry here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/audi/a7-sportback-2011/ A5 V6 TDI test here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/audi/audi-a5-and-s5-2007-road-test/ A5 2011 Sportback test here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/audi/audi-a5-coupe-cabriolet-and-sportback-facelift-2011-road-test/ Car by car entry here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/audi/a5-sportback-2009/
Answered by Honest John

Is the dealer liable for my broken gearbox?

"I bought an Audi A7 eight months ago from a BMW dealership. Last week the car developed gearbox problems I took the car to an Audi centre and was told that it has the wrong oil in the gearbox. The problem will cost £10,000 to fix. What should I do? "
Presumably this is the seven-speed longitudinal s-tronic. That needs a change of fluid and filter every three years or so. If the BMW dealer filled it with normal ATF, then that is the problem. But anyway, you didn't, so liability rests with the dealer who sold you the car, even though it's outside the six months when a dealer is automatically liable. Hit the dealer who sold you the car for the £10k transmission replacement cost, or have him buy the car back from you for its current market value. Better the former because the county court small claims limit is £10k.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Audi A7 Sportback (2011 – 2018) cost?