2021 Audi A7

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Rating7.3

Ranked #5 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$69,200 - $78,350
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Exterior Design

Abysmal fuel economy

Twenty-inch wheels are standard on the base Premium trim

Lavish interior

Lack of headroom in second-row

Convenience package adds top-view camera and upgraded navigation

Standard safety features

Some rivals can do better

Premium Plus trim gains adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist,

Great performance

Specs & Features

$69,200

price

335 hp @ 5000 rpm

horsepower

369 lb.-ft. @ 1370 rpm

torque

7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual w/od

transmission

3.0L 6cyl AWD 7AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2021 Audi A7 is probably one of the most attractive cars in Audi's stable. The slopping fastback design is a severe neck breaker. It was a unique form that originated back in 2011, which immediately made everybody fall in love with it. Rivaling with Mercedes and BMW and Porsche who have some of the best-looking sedans in the segment during that time. It was not until 2019 that Audi decided to give its best-looking sedan a complete overhaul inside out. In fact, even Ceezy from "Ceezy's World" recommends this car as it's his personal favorite in terms of design. Check out more of his views in the video below. 

Buying Advice

The Premium trim on the Audi A7 is probably the most value for money options. The standard list of features includes a lot of advanced creature comfort features and safety features. Since the engine and performance on all variants is identical, the base trim is the one that makes the most sense to us.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2021 Audi A7 offers a mesmerizing design not just on the outside but on the inside too. The car is loaded with all the specialties and indulgence to give the opposition a big hit. The turbocharged 3.0-liter TFSI motor along with the legendary Quattro system makes it pretty competent whether on city roads or an intense drive in the countryside.

Features
8.0/10

The 2021 Audi A7 is available in a total of three trims. The engine on duty is on all the trims is a supercharged V6 mated to an 8-speed tip Tronic auto transmission. Power is routed to all the wheels using the signature Audi Quattro system. The base model is called Premium plus and can be yours for a price of $70,000.

The standard list of features includes advanced keyless entry, 14 speaker Bose system, and handwriting recognition amongst other features. Then, there is the Prestige variant that sports a price of $74,600. The standard list of features includes, ventilated front seats, heads-up display, ambient interior lights amongst other things. 

Trim Premium Premium Plus Prestige
MSRP (AWD) $70,000 $74,600 $79,900
Key Features Quattro all-wheel drive Adds/Upgrades to Premium Adds/Upgrades to Premium Plus
  MMI® Navigation (8.8" display) and Audi connect Audi virtual cockpit plus Head-up display with navigation systems information
  Panoramic sunroof 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
  Contrast stitching on seats and dashboard Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view Driver Assistance package
  LED headlights with high-beam assist LED taillights with animation Power soft-closing doors
    HD Matrix-design LED headlights with high-beam assist HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light and high-beam assist

At the top is the Competition Prestige trim which comes with a price tag of $79,990. The features list include bespoke 5-double spoke design wheels, night vision assistant, and Bang and Olufsen advanced sound system amongst other features.

We Recommend 

The Premium trim on the Audi A7 is probably the most value for money options. The standard list of features includes a lot of advanced creature comfort features and safety features. Since the engine and performance on all variants is identical, the base trim is the one that makes the most sense to us.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The 2021 Audi A7 hasn’t been rated by EPA for obvious reasons. However, we shouldn’t be expecting any difference at all with the fuel economy for the upcoming model as it remains mostly unchanged in the powertrain and drivetrain department.

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 Capacity

19.3 gallons

21.1 gallons

21.1 gallons

Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)

425/560/482 miles

485/633/548 miles

359/506/400 miles

Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)

6.0

5.7

7.6

The twin-turbocharged V6 gets a respectable combined fuel economy of 24mpg. Considering the size and power of this great sedan, that number sure is astounding. The Merc CLS 450, with its extra overdrive gear, helps it get a better fuel economy than the already impressive A7. 

Interior
8.0/10

Audi has done an astounding job with the design of the interior for this second-generation model. 2021 carries on the beautiful looks of flowing lines across the dashboard and high-quality materials around the cabin. The refinement and craftsmanship are top-notch to make sure you know that you are in an expensive car.

The best place to sit in the A7 is in the front, especially the driver seat. The excellent outward visibility, coupled with its standard 8-way power-adjustable seat, provides one of the best driving positions in the class. It can further be upgraded to a 12-way or 16-way power seat along with heated and cooling with in-seat massagers.

Model

Audi A7 Premium

Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC

Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Front Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)

37.0/57.2/41.3

36.9/57.8/41.9

38.8/57.8/37.7

Rear Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)

37.1/55.9/37.0

38.8/56.5/33.2

38.8/56.5/33.2

While cargo space is plentiful, it’s sad that the same does not carry over to the inside of the cabin. The glove box is decently sized and the center armrest houses a shallow cubby. The side door bins get narrow storage pockets that are decent for your magazine only. Fitting a large plastic bottle can be annoying with all that plastic crackling noise. 

Whichever seats you opt for, they provide great comfort for long trips or just sitting in traffic and even keep you snugged while attacking the corners flat out. The rear seats are comfortable as expected; however, due to the prominent sloping roofline, the second row lacks in the headroom. It comes packed with an ample amount of driver-aid features and v center stack is flushed with two enormous screens dominating the cabin.

Some of such exorbitant features of the Audi A7 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

Infotainment System

An 8.8-inch touchscreen sits on top for infotainment and slightly smaller, 8.6-inch touchscreen sits below it from which you can operate essential vehicle functions like the air con. If you think you those aren’t dominating the cabin enough for you, then you have the privilege to upgrade it to an enormous 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. And yes, the instrument cluster gets in the screen club with its 12.3-inch digital display. Still, it doesn’t come with that TV-sized screen you’d find in a Tesla.

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

Cargo Capacity

2021 Audi A7's fastback outline and additional cargo space make it both more visually distinguished and more efficient. Under the hatch, the A7 holds nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo—it makes the reasons for practicality for you. It can also be ballooned up using the 60/40 folding split-seats. 

The cargo space in the A7 is abundant. This is obviously due to its stretched-out hatchback character this car offers. The opening on the trunk is big enough for you to load a cycle for your extra-curricular activities.

Model

Audi A7 Premium

Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC

Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)

Cargo Capacity

24.9 cu.ft.

11.9 cu.ft.

17.7 cu.ft.

Cargo Capacity (with rear seats folded) 

N/A

N/A

N/A

With the seats up, the A7 will be your best friend for monthly grocery shopping, yes monthly and not weekly because the space on offer is heaps. Audi even went the extra mile and added hooks along the sides to hold your grocery bags in place in case you are in a hurry to get home.

Exterior
8.0/10

This unique slopping roofline of the Audi A7 was introduced with its first-gen model back in 2011. Since then, many automakers around the world have taken a shot at this silhouette but just simply could not match the exquisiteness this A7 carries along with it.

The 2021 Audi A7 sits on a set of 20-inches alloy with optional 21-inches that give it an aggressive sporty stance. Their design is very similar to the earlier version but with a few more edges and curves around the profile of the car.

Model

Audi A7 Premium

Mercedes CLS 450 4MATIC

Maserati Ghibli Base (RWD)

Curb Weight 

4332 lbs

4255 lbs

3990 lbs

Length

195.6"

196.4"

195.7"

Width

75.1"

73.8"

76.6"

Height

56.0"

56.3"

57.5"

Ground Clearance 

4.4"

3.9"

4.5"

Wheelbase 

115.2"

115.7"

118.0"

A blacked-out grille dominates the front fascia with chrome accents surrounding it, taking up the whole front between the signature Audi LED headlights. Creases and grooves extend along with the hood to the sloping roofline that charmingly slopes down to the rear in a classic fastback manner, meeting a solid LED taillight strip with the A7’s mesmerizing extendable adaptive spoiler.

Sitting at the bottom of this gorgeous tail is a set of oval quad pipes that plays the sound of music when you hit the pedal to the metal. 

Some of the exterior highlights of the A7 include:

  • 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

Safety
8.0/10

Although the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests are yet to be done on 2021 Audi A7, you can expect no compromise on safety. Audi has packed a lot of life-saving techs such as automatic emergency braking both on the rear and front, a set of 8 airbags, and much more as standard on all A7s.

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

Competition
9.0/10

2021 Audi A7 VS 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450

The CLS 450 is amongst the best cars in this segment which can also be credited to its German lineage. The Mercedes is the most trustworthy car in the division in terms of performance but is a bit costly than others. It also doesn' t show miracles when it comes to other characters like spaciousness, fuel economy, or trunk volume.

Mercedes is also a stunning car to look at, thanks to its classic curvy lines and descending roofline just like the Audi. It isn't easy to judge which one looks better, and that decision can be left to the individual.  Given the power difference, the A7 still manages to match the Mercedes CLS450 4MATIC.

2021 Audi A7 VS 2021 Maserati Ghibli

The Ghibli carries Maserati extravagance at a cheaper price in a sleek sedan with a snug back seat and prompt turbocharged V-6 power. The 2021 Audi A7’s blend of exciting exterior style and interior practicality makes for a grand touring luxury sedan par excellence.

The Maserati Ghibli excels in its interior refinement, offering available accents like a carbon-fiber steering wheel, shift paddles, door sills, and interior trim to give the interior a cool aura of sophistication. By comparison, the walnut interior trim of the Audi A7 looks rather pedestrian.

Final Verdict
8.0/10

The A7 is one of the most beautiful luxury sedans out there, period. It will always be known for its jaw-dropping looks and its iconic fastback design. Others in this segment do not offer a package like the A7 in terms of looks, performance, practicality, and, once again, looks. Though it may be down on power, you can always opt for the S7, which would be the best-recommended variant.

Nevertheless, besides the lack of storage space inside the cabin, it’s hard to point out any flaw with the Audi A7 other than the fact that it’s often overlooked for the three-spook fighter on the other side of the ring.

FAQ's

Is the 2021 Audi A7 a good car?

Yes. The A7 is an exceptional alternative to an executive sedan thanks to its alluring design, extended cargo space, and its liftback design.

How much is a 2021 Audi A7?

The Audi A7 starts at $70,200, plus destination fees. That price can multiply by tens of thousands as you ascend trims and add alternatives.

Is the Audi A7 fast?

Yes. The standard A7 with its 335-horsepower turbo V6 does 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Even faster and more powerful models are available in the S7 and RS 7.

Trims

    Premium
    $69,200 onwards
    • 1St row Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    • 3 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Rear air conditioning, with separate controls
    Premium Plus
    $74,350 onwards
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Bang & Olufsen Premium Brand Speakers
    • Front Seatback Storage
    • Keyless ignition
    • Lane departure warning
    • Post-Collision safety system
    Prestige
    $78,350 onwards
    • 4-Wheel ABS
    • Auto Delay Off Headlamps
    • Daytime running lights
    • Engine immobilizer
    • High Pressure Washers Headlamps
    • Turn signal mirrors

Compare to similar cars

Price

$69,200- $78,350

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.29

Horsepower

335 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

369 lb.-ft. @ 1370 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$54,900- $69,500

Gasoline

7.35

248 hp @ 4300 rpm

273 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$33,090- $52,590

Gasoline

7.72

255 hp @ 6200 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$87,200- $188,100

Gasoline

7.03

325 hp @ 5400 rpm

331 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

4

Read Review

$36,995- $47,795

Gasoline

6.97

237 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$51,550- $54,650

Gasoline

8.35

316 hp @ 5700 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,995- $49,995

Gasoline

7.43

247 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,200- $61,750

Gasoline

9.05

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,250- $74,450

Gasoline

8.52

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,000- $49,000

Gasoline

8.13

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

267 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Audi A7 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2021 Audi A7

    Ranked #2

    5.2 sec13.7 sec130 mph
    4.4 sec13 sec-
    5.4 sec-130 mph
    5.6 sec15.3 sec144 mph
    5.8 sec--
    5.9 sec14.5 sec130 mph

    2021 Audi A7 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2021 Audi A7

      Ranked #4

      22 mpg29 mpg24 mpg19.3 gal.424.6/559.7 mi.
      25 mpg34 mpg28 mpg15.9 gal.397.5/540.6 mi.
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg18 gal.450/594 mi.
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg19.5 gal.487.5/643.5 mi.
      2021 Audi A6

      Ranked #2

      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg19.3 gal.443.9/598.3 mi.
      23 mpg32 mpg26 mpg17.2 gal.395.6/550.4 mi.

      2021 Audi A7 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2021 Audi A7

        Ranked #6

        195.6 in.75.1 in.56 in.4.2 in.115.2 in.
        200.4 in.74.6 in.57.1 in.5.9 in.120.5 in.
        198.8 in.78.2 in.56 in.5.3 in.116.1 in.
        196.5 in.75.8 in.57.7 in.5.5 in.118.5 in.
        195.9 in.73.4 in.56.9 in.5.9 in.113 in.
        195.9 in.73.4 in.56.9 in.-113 in.

        2021 Audi A7 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2021 Audi A7

          Ranked #4

          24.9 cu.ft.127.3 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.
          2021 Audi A6

          Ranked #1

          13.7 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.234.1 cu.ft.
          11.9 cu.ft.163.5 cu.ft.140.6 cu.ft.
          10.5 cu.ft.-116.9 cu.ft.
          13.1 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.
          17.6 cu.ft.93.6 cu.ft.47.3 cu.ft.

          2021 Audi A7 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2021 Audi A7

            Ranked #1

            97.1 cu.ft.24.9 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.-
            144.4 cu.ft.11.9 cu.ft.140.6 cu.ft.-
            15 cu.ft.13.1 cu.ft.15 cu.ft.-
            16.7 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.-
            50.8 cu.ft.13.1 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.-
            16.7 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.-

            2021 Audi A7 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2021 Audi A7

              Ranked #2

              -1102 lbs.4332 lbs.
              1650 lbs.900 lbs.4389 lbs.
              -905 lbs.3690 lbs.
              2021 Audi A6

              Ranked #2

              -1102 lbs.4101 lbs.
              -1323 lbs.4222 lbs.
              -905 lbs.3780 lbs.

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