Audi A7 C7 (2010–2018) Review: The long-legged fastback I still miss

I first met the Audi A7 C7 on a rain-slick London night, the kind where headlights smear across wet tarmac like oil paint. One press of the key and the light signature winked to life—pure theater. And once you’ve done a few hundred miles in one, you get it: this is a luxury fastback that mixes grand tourer calm with a streak of mischief. The Audi A7 C7 (2010–2018) still feels like the sweet spot in Audi’s range—elegant, quick, and genuinely usable in everyday life.

Design and presence: what makes the Audi A7 C7 special

Even now, the Audi A7 C7 looks fresh. That low nose, the arc of the roofline, the frameless doors—clean and confident rather than shouty. I remember parking it beside a contemporary CLS and a 6 Series Gran Coupe at a photoshoot; the A7 was the one the passers-by actually stopped for.

The lighting is part of the drama. Early cars got signature LEDs; facelifted models added sharper DRLs and trick Matrix LEDs in some markets. It’s the kind of car that feels just right for an Alpine ski weekend or rolling up to a low-key dinner on a Miami night out.

Highlights I noticed living with the A7

• Hushed cabin at motorway pace—quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back, for better or worse.
• Hatchback practicality with a wide opening and long load bay; think luxury meets IKEA run.
• Excellent driving position and visibility out front; the rear window is shallow, so the camera matters.
• Optional air suspension smooths out ugly city seams and country-road patchwork.

Fun fact: The A7’s liftback gives you up to around 535 liters of cargo space with the seats up—more than many “proper” sedans. Golf clubs and a stroller? Easy.

Engines and performance: the Audi A7 C7 has range

Here’s the thing about the A7 C7: you can go from silky to savage depending on the badge. I’ve driven everything from the calm 3.0 TDI to the unhinged RS 7, and they all fit the body in different moods.

Audi A7 C7 3.0 TFSI (petrol V6)

• Early cars: supercharged 3.0 TFSI around 310 hp; later cars ~333 hp
• 0–60 mph: roughly 5.2–5.5 seconds
• Real-world: Smooth, instant punch off the line, satisfyingly quiet. Loves long motorway slogs.

Audi A7 C7 3.0 TDI (diesel V6)

• Power span: ~204–320 hp across variants
• 0–60 mph: roughly 5.2–6.8 seconds, depending on tune
• Real-world: Big torque, low revs, and easy 30–40 mpg on the highway if you behave.

S7 (4.0 TFSI V8)

• 420 hp pre-facelift; up to 450 hp post-facelift
• 0–60 mph: about 4.5 seconds
• Real-world: Sleeps like a luxury car, wakes like a sports sedan. A properly fast Q-car.

RS 7 (4.0 TFSI V8, the hooligan)

• 560 hp standard, “Performance” up to 605 hp
• 0–60 mph: 3.2–3.6 seconds—yes, in a big luxury liftback
• Real-world: Decimates lanes, feels unflappable. Also decimates rear tires if you’re careless.

Did you know? Most Quattro A7s pair beautifully with the ZF 8-speed automatic—graceful in town, decisive when you dig your right foot in.

Cabin, tech, and practicality in the Audi A7 C7

Climb inside and it’s very Audi—clean lines, great materials, and that sense everything clicks the same way, every time. When I tried it on rough roads, the structure felt rock-solid, with just the right plushness from the suspension if you spec’d it right.

Space and comfort

• Front seats are supportive for proper road trips; rear headroom is okay for adults under six feet thanks to the sloping roof.
• The boot is long and flat. With seats down, it’s practically a luxury wagon.

Infotainment

• MMI is logical once you learn it, though early cars can feel a beat behind today’s touch-heavy systems.
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto arrive on later facelift models; earlier ones rely on Bluetooth and MMI Navigation Plus.
• Occasional quirk: the pop-up screen can be laggy to wake on very cold mornings. Not a deal-breaker—just a quirk.

Reliability: is a used Audi A7 C7 dependable?

Short answer: mostly yes, if cared for. I’ve spoken with a few owners who’ve sailed past 100k miles with only routine servicing. But like any premium car, it rewards preventive maintenance.

What to check before you buy

• 3.0 TFSI cooling bits: Thermostats and water pumps can weep or fail—ask for service history.
• PCV and carbon build-up (DI engines): Expect occasional cleaning on higher-mile petrols.
• Air suspension (if fitted): Listen for compressor noise, check ride height consistency, and look for leaks.
• ZF 8-speed: Smooth shifts? Fluid changes done? It’s “lifetime” in the brochure but not in real life.
• Electronics: MMI glitches are rare but not unheard of; check all functions and the reversing camera.
• Brakes and tires: Big, fast car equals consumables—budget accordingly.

Side tip: A thorough pre-purchase inspection and a scan for stored fault codes will tell you more than any sales pitch ever could.

Audi A7 C7 parts and accessories: keep it smart, keep it clean

One small upgrade that pays off every single day? Floor mats that actually fit. The A7’s cabin is too handsome to let winter slush or coffee take over, so I tend to recommend tailored mats.

Protecting your interior with the right mats

In the realm of interior accessories, floor mats are the unsung heroes. They keep grit out of the carpets and make clean-ups fast. For an exact fit, I’ve used AutoWin on a few long-termers—cut precisely for the floorpan and heel pad areas, with smart edging that doesn’t curl.

Where to buy Audi A7 C7 floor mats

If you’re shopping, the AutoWin eshop has a curated range specifically for the A7 C7. It’s an easy quality-of-life upgrade that keeps the cabin feeling premium season after season.

Is the Audi A7 C7 fast?

Yes. Even the “sensible” V6 models are brisk, and the RS 7 will embarrass supercars at the lights. To put numbers on it:

• A7 3.0 TFSI: ~5.2–5.5 seconds 0–60 mph
• S7: ~4.5 seconds 0–60 mph
• RS 7: ~3.2–3.6 seconds 0–60 mph

Point is, this isn’t just a pretty luxury fastback. It’s genuinely rapid when you want it to be.

Audi A7 C7 vs rivals: where it sits

Audi A7 C7 (2010–2018): the verdict

After years of testing premium SUVs and coupes, I still have a soft spot for the Audi A7 C7. It blends luxury and everyday usefulness in a way few cars manage—like driving in slippers that also happen to run a marathon. It’s quick, calm, and handsome, with just enough edge to keep you interested. Keep up with maintenance, choose the right spec, and this Audi A7 C7 will do the school run, the cross-country blast, and the weekend escape without breaking a sweat.

FAQ: Audi A7 C7 (2010–2018)

Is the Audi A7 C7 reliable?

Generally yes, with proper maintenance. Watch for water pump/thermostat issues on 3.0 TFSI, air suspension leaks on cars so equipped, and keep the ZF 8-speed serviced. A pre-purchase inspection is worth its weight in peace of mind.

Which A7 C7 engine is best?

For balanced daily use: the 3.0 TFSI or 3.0 TDI. For thrills without RS 7 drama: the S7. If you want “this shouldn’t be this fast,” the RS 7 is your ticket.

Does the A7 C7 have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?

Later facelift cars (from around 2016, depending on market/options) can have smartphone integration. Earlier cars rely on MMI—solid, but not as app-friendly.

Is the A7 C7 practical for families?

Yes. The hatchback, big boot, and comfy rear seats make it a surprisingly usable luxury car. Rear headroom is decent, though tall teens may grumble under the sloped roof.

What floor mats fit the Audi A7 C7?

Go model-specific. The tailored options from AutoWin are cut for the A7 C7 and keep the cabin looking sharp year-round.