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. The 48v mild-hybrid system also adds an extra degree of mechanical complexity to the already hi-tech model, 

Audi’s reputation for reliability isn’t perfect, with the brand only ever getting middling scores in our Driver Power survey. Customers rated Audi only 21st out of 30 manufacturers, and with one in five owners telling us they have had a fault with their car, this seems to be an area the firm should address.

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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 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2018 and achieved top marks for safety. Adult and child occupant protection was rated at 93% and 85%, respectively.

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.