Audi A7 Sportback review - Reliability and Safety

The A7 Sportback shares its platform with the A8 limousine and A6 saloon, and it uses technology and mechanical components that are new to the Audi line-up. This means that long-term reliability is very difficult to comment on at this stage. 

The 48v mild-hybrid system adds an extra degree of mechanical complexity to the already hi-tech model, but its been around for a while. Audi’s reputation for reliability on its older models isn’t perfect, with the brand only evr getting middling scores for reliability in our Driver Power survey in that category. Lets hope these new generation models improve things. 

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As with the A8, Audi plans to roll out the full suite of autonomous safety systems gradually as the tech is thoroughly tested. Until then, features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and park assist ensure that the car’s features can take over when the driver’s skill or attention let them down.

The A7 sells in low numbers, so it hasn't been tested by Euro NCAP. However, the mechanically identical A6 was tested in 2018, and given that the saloon emerged with a five-star rating, we’d expect no less in terms of safety here.

Warranty

The A7 is covered by Audi’s standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended to four years or 75,000 miles for around £1,000, or five years and 90,000 miles for around £2,500. Those figures are based on the warranty of the larger A8, so the A7 might be fractionally cheaper. Still, given the cost of the car and any potential repairs, it seems like an acceptable amount to pay. 

Servicing 

Audi offers the choice of a fixed inspection or flexible servicing schedule, depending on your intended mileage. Fixed inspection is aimed at those doing less than 10,000 miles a year and it includes an oil change service every year or 9,000 miles and a full inspection service every 19,000 miles or two years.

If your mileage is likely to be higher than that, you can select the flexible schedule, with the car’s computer deciding when it needs to be serviced based on usage and other parameters. The variable intervals are up to a maximum of 19,000 miles or two years.