2019 Audi A7 Sportback Prestige Review and Test Drive

This week we take a look at a beautiful large luxury sedan. Actually, it is a hatchback, believe it or not. This is the 2019 Audi A7, which Audi officially calls a Sportback.

Exterior

All week, people have told me how pretty this car is. From the side, it looks long and sleek with a rising beltline and swooping roof. The 20” wheels look great, and as you look at the car from behind, it is linear, has fantastic LED taillights, and a power rear spoiler.

My favorite view, however, is from the front where you find the Audi 4-Ring emblem in the large grill that is full of cameras and radar sensors. Hit the unlock button, and the front LED lights put on a light show for you, it’s pretty cool.

Powertrain

Looking under the long-sculpted hood, you find a 3-liter Turbocharged V6 putting out 335-horses and a strong 369-pound feet of torque. It is mated with a 7-speed shiftable transmission, and this is the Quattro, Audi’s name for all-wheel drive. The A7 also has a 48-volt light hybrid system to supplement the engine and eliminate turbo lag.

Interior

Being an ex-Audi A8 owner myself, I know to expect an exceptional interior and this A7 did not disappoint. My tester is the Prestige package, which is the top-of-the-line. Ash wood runs throughout the interior and is quite attractive.

Slightly bolstered and heavily stitched seats are inviting and super comfortable. Touch the start button and the dash comes to life with vivid colors and a large tachometer and speedometer, with driver info in the middle. I like to keep the navigation map up most of the time. Hit a button on the steering wheel and the gauges get smaller and the map gets larger. 

On the center stack, you get a 10.1-inch screen at the top that controls the radio, Bluetooth, Apps, and settings. Everything is easy to operate and lightning fast. A swipe to the left has the real-time info for weather, news, and traffic.

Under that is a 8.6-inch screen that handles your climate control, and across the top are other controls including the off switch for the start/stop system. You can also change the driving modes from Comfort, Auto, my favorite-Dynamic, or you can go with the Individual option.

The center console houses the shifter, cup holders, and in the glove box is a wireless phone charger. The A7 has some of the greatest interior ambient lighting I have seen.

Moving to the back seat, leg room is good-but watch the headroom, that sloping roof cuts it down some. Back seat passengers get their own climate control and a couple of USB ports. Cargo area with the hatchback design is massive, and the rear seats fold down.

Standard Equipment

As you would expect, the A7 Prestige comes fully loaded with an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, top view camera, a head-up display, power moon roof, soft-closing doors, heated and cooled seats, and power liftgate.

The A7 has all the latest safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

Verdict

The A7 drives and handles great, acceleration is strong, steering is light and precise, and thanks to dual-pane glass all around it is amazingly quiet inside.

Fuel economy is fantastic for a car this size at 22 in town and 29 on the highway.

Total MSRP is $85,240.

If you are like me and still love a large, fast, comfy sedan instead of an SUV, this distinctive German sedan is a must see.