2022 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

The Premium Plus trim is the one to go for if you are planning to get the 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid. It comes with most of the equipment as standard and you are not getting pretty much anything convincing over it on the prestige trim for the additional six grand it commands over the former. Throw in the $2,750 Executive Package and the Premium Plus practically gets upgraded into the Prestige, except for a few driver assistance features.

The Premium Plus and Prestige are the two trims on offer. Both come equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with a 48-volt hybrid system and a 7-speed DCT transmission. An S-line exterior kit and 20-inch twin-arm design wheels are standard across both trims. Further, you can opt for the $1,000 Black Optic Package to enhance the exterior. Choosing this package helps you get rid of the Chrome bits and replace it with piano-black accents. It also adds a sport suspension that drops the ride height by 20mm.

The Prestige trim gets additional features like 4-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats with 4-way power lumbar and massage function, and multicolor Contour Ambient LED lighting. All of this can be made available on the lower Premium Plus trim by opting for the $2,750 Executive Package. Except that, the Prestige trim gets better but not that notable enhancements to the basic driver assistance features available on the Premium Plus trim.

The 48V mild hybrid unit powers a belt-alternator starter used primarily for the A7’s fuel-saving automatic start/stop system.- KBB

Being a Plug-in-hybrid, The 2022 Audi A7 PHEV excels when it comes to fuel economy numbers. The 2022 Audi A7 offers a combined efficiency of 27 MPG which is one of the best in its class. The new 17.9 kWh battery does also help in squeezing out an increased all-electric range of 26 miles. However, the efficiency in hybrid mode is lower than before. Proof of this is indicated by the total hybrid range being reduced from 440 miles to just 410 miles this year.

The 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid struggles with its mini fuel tank that provides a range of just around 380 miles. Still, it fares better than the BMW and the Porsche which can't even manage to reach up close to the Audi. Note that the Panamera and the 7 Series have bigger capacity electric motors, yet they struggle with clocking in the extra miles. As such, the 2022 Audi A7 emerges as the clear winner here.

Thanks to its fastback shape, the A7 has a good amount of cargo room.- MotorTrend

The cabin of the 2022 Audi A7 PHEV is one of the most futuristic, well-built, and opulent cabins in its class. An array of crisp colorful touchscreen displays takes center stage inside the cabin. The digital screens are complemented by fine quality dark wood and premium leather. There’s been lavish use of brush metal inserts and gloss black panels throughout. The spacious cabin features wide windows and a panoramic sunroof which lends a very airy feeling.

You can opt from three color combinations for the interior, namely Black, Okapi Brown and Pearl Beige. The wood inlays also get a nice ash color treatment. The ambient lighting, ups the ante and a multicolor setup for the same is available on the Prestige trim. Both rows provide ample headroom and shoulder room for large adults to be seated comfortably. The rear seats are also capable of being put down in a 40/20/40 split which screams of ultimate cargo space. 

The Porsche definitely has a roomy cabin, but no dimensions are available to draw comparisons. The BMW and Audi sit in tight competition. However, the BMW limps ahead with gretaer rear headroom. This is because of the Audi's fastback orientation that eats into the headroom in the rear row. Fortunately, this is compensated for by the massive 21.6 cu-ft. trunk in the A7, which is exponentially huge in comparison to the Panamera and 7 Series.

For starters, the 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid variant gets the 12.3-inch full digital Audi Cockpit with compatibility for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the Dual screen array center console. That said, it definitely is not the most intuitive thing around. The infotainment system is quick to respond and is placed in a driver centric position. Some standout interior and infotainment features on the 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid are:

• Full Premium Leather Upholstery
• Power front seats with heating function
• 4-zone climate control system
• Interior lighting package
• Leather-wrapped/heated/power adjustment steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Fine-grain natural wood inlays
• Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
• 12.3-inch Audi MMI system and 8.6 inch HVAC screen
• MMI navigation plus with Audi Connect
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Bang and Olufsen 16 speaker premium audio system

The Fastback design of the 2022 A7 PHEV has always been ahead of its time. The signature front grille is bigger than ever and the matrix LED lights get slimmer and sharper. Look further below and one will witness that the fog-lamp grille vents get some refreshed detailing. The side profile is as aerodynamic and flowing as a 4- door can get, terminating in a sleek-looking tail end.The Audi A7 comes in numerous metallic paint options, most of which are neutral shades. 

The full-length tail lamp does a distinct animation every time you set foot into the car. The turn lights get the signature Audi dynamic lighting function. 20-inch wheels fill in the wheel arches, striking the perfect proportion and giving the car its sporty stance. Features like a power tailgate, retractable rear spoiler, concealed exhaust outlets, and heated/powered wing mirrors are all part of the standard S line body kit on the A7 PHEV.

The BMW 7 Series in an all out luxury sedan with a long wheel-base. It's actually the Aud A8 that matches up to the dimensions of the BMW. The Panamera too features an "Executive" model with an extended wheelbase. The Audi A7 is the one with the smallest dimensions here. This is indicative of better manoeuvring capacity over the others. The ground clearance for both the BMW and the Porsche is a good 5.3 inches. The ground clearance for the Audi is not known and opting for the Black Optic Package further reduces it by an inch. Some standout exterior features on the 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid are;

• S-line exterior styling kit
• HD Matrix LED headlamps with washer
• Dynamic LED tail lamps
• 20” 5-twin-arm design wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Retractable rear spoiler

The A7's driver aids are generally very good.- Edmunds

Audi has yet again proven the structural integrity of the A7, managing a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS in 2021. This should be beneficial to the 2022 Audi A7 PHEV as it completely borrows its chassis from its predecessor. The NHTSA has not yet done any crash tests on the A7, but we expect similar results from them as well.

The A7 houses airbags in every corner for utmost safety. In addition, Audi has packed the car with a full suite of passive safety features and advanced driver assistance tech. The Prestige trim further adorns the technology by providing features like Traffic Sign Recognition, Head-up display and Side Assist. Some standout safety features expected on the 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid are;

• Audi PreSense front and rear
• Audi PreSense basic
• Adaptive Cruise assist with traffic jam assist
• Audi active lane assist with emergency assist
• Audi side assist with rear cross-traffic alert and vehicle exit warning
• Lane departure warning
• Top view/360 camera
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• High beam assist
• Parking system plus

2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-Hybrid vs 2022 BMW 745e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid

The competition here is a no brainer and both cars stand out for different capabilities. Unlike the Audi A7, the BMW 7 Series Hybrid isn't a fastback. Rather, it's an all out luxury limousine. The BMW enjoys a string of features for the comfort and entertainment of the rear passengers. The Audi A7 too has a very refined ride and is luxurious, but is no comparison to the BMW. However, the Audi is more fuel-efficient, packs in a bigger boot and has a semi-sporty appeal for a much lesser price tag. If you have a budget to tend to, the Audi A7 PHEV is the most sensible choice.

2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-Hybrid vs 2022 Porsche Panamera 4E

The $30,000 premium that the Porsche Panamera 4E Hybrid commands over the 2022 Audi A7 PHEV, is purely for the lively driving experience that the former is capable of. Whilst the Audi is all about sharp lines and creases, the Porsche has a rather curvy styling. The Audi A7 is more fuel efficient and also exceeds the cargo capacity of the Porsche by 7.4 cu ft. Both cars offer fine interiors and very complicated infotainment setups. The Audi still provides more value for money over the Porsche. If ballistic performance is not a requisite, you will be utterly cheerful owning a 2022 Audi A7 PHEV.

If you desire style and statement with a touch of practicality, then the 2022 Audi A7  Plug-in-hybrid is definitely one car you should lay your hands on. At 27 MPG combined, you are pretty much looking at the most fuel-efficient car in its segment. Even the 21.1 cu-ft cargo bay makes it no less practical than most full-size sedans. Combine this with one of the most futuristic and opulent cabins in the business, and there is pretty much no second thought on the 2022 Audi A7 Plug-in-hybrid.