by Overview
The 2018 Audi A7 is a sophisticated blend of coupe-like styling, hatchback practicality, and luxury-sedan comfort. Offered with turbocharged engines and Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive, the A7 occupies a unique place in the market: it drives and behaves like an executive sedan while offering the loading flexibility of a hatchback. This piece explores the A7 2018 Turbo in depth — its technical specifications, features, driving character, cabin and cargo practicality, safety technologies, optional packages, and price context — so you can understand why it remains a compelling choice for buyers who want style and utility.
Quick snapshot
- Model: Audi A7 (2018)
- Trim focused: Turbocharged 3.0T variant (V6 turbo/ supercharged depending on market)
- Drivetrain: Quattro all-wheel drive (standard on many models)
- Body style: Four-door coupe hatchback (liftback)
- Segment: Luxury executive / premium hatchback
Table: Key specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine (typical turbo variant) | 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged (intercooled), approx. 333–340 hp |
| Torque | Approx. 325–369 lb-ft (range depends on market/spec) |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic (some markets 8-speed Tiptronic auto) |
| Drivetrain | Quattro all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) | ~5.2–5.7 seconds (depending on exact spec) |
| Top speed | Electronically limited (commonly 155 mph / 250 km/h equivalent) |
| Fuel economy (combined, approximate) | 24–30 mpg (combined, city/highway blended, varies by engine/market) |
| Curb weight | ~3,900–4,200 lbs (1,770–1,900 kg) |
| Wheelbase | ~114.9 in (2,920 mm) |
| Cargo capacity | Liftback practical space: ~24–27 cu ft (rear seats up); expands substantially with rear seats folded |
| Seating | 5 passengers (2+3) |
Notes: Numbers above represent common figures for the 2018 A7 turbo variants and may vary by country, market-specific tuning, and optional equipment.
Exterior design & body
The Audi A7’s silhouette is its signature: a long, low bonnet, sharply raked roofline and a sloping rear hatch that visually reads like a two-door coupe while retaining four doors and a practical hatch. LED headlights (matrix LED or HD matrix on higher trims) and a wide, single-frame grille give the car an assertive face. The rear is dominated by a full-width light bar on many trims and a clean, sculpted bumper with integrated exhaust outlets.
Highlights:
- Coupe-like proportions: Elegant, elongated profile with muscular haunches.
- Liftback hatch: Retractable lip spoiler and wide hatch opening that make loading large items easier than a conventional sedan.
- Aerodynamics: Low drag coefficient and active elements on certain trims for improved efficiency and stability.
Interior, comfort & technology
Audi’s interior packaging for the Audi A7 strikes a refined balance between driver-focused ergonomics and high-end materials. Soft-touch leathers, stitched dash surfaces, aluminum or wood inlays, and clean lines create a premium feel.
Important features and technology:
- Dual touchscreen MMI system (or MMI with touch response): The 2018 A7 introduced a modern, two-screen layout in higher trims with haptic feedback, one screen for climate and secondary controls, the other for navigation and infotainment.
- Virtual Cockpit (available/standard on many trims): A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that can display navigation maps, media and configurable gauges.
- Bang & Olufsen (optional): Premium sound system with 3D audio processing for an immersive cabin experience.
- Comfort amenities: Four-zone climate control (in some packages), heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable front seats with memory, and available massage functions.
- Materials: Nappa leather, Alcantara, or fine leather upholstery; optional open-pore wood or carbon fiber trim pieces.
Practicality note: thanks to the hatchback design, the A7’s cargo area is deeper and taller than many competitors’ sedans — you can fit larger/odd-shaped items without folding seats, and folding the rear 60/40 or 40/20/40 (market dependent) seats creates a flat load floor for long items.
Performance & driving dynamics
The turbocharged Audi A7 delivers the kind of mid-range punch and linear power delivery expected from a premium V6. The quattro all-wheel-drive system provides traction in poor conditions and a balanced feel through corners.
Key driving traits:
- Engine response: Strong mid-range torque and smooth powerband; turbo lag is well-managed by modern turbocharger tuning and direct injection.
- Transmission: The dual-clutch S tronic shifts quickly and crisply for sporty driving, while offering comfort in relaxed modes.
- Adaptive air suspension (available/optional): Improves ride comfort and minimizes body roll during spirited driving; adjustable damping gives the A7 the ability to feel composed or more engaged as the driver wishes.
- Steering & chassis: Precise steering, with many models offering dynamic steering or optional rear-wheel steering for tighter low-speed turning and better high-speed stability.
Safety & driver assistance
Audi equipped the 2018 A7 with a comprehensive package of safety technologies, some standard and others optional depending on trim and package choices.
Representative systems:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability (on some packages).
- Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning.
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Front and rear parking sensors with optional 360-degree camera system.
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (market-dependent availability).
These systems combine to make the A7 a competent highway cruiser with substantial semi-autonomous driving aids for traffic and long-distance trips.
Features table — equipment & options (common items)
| Feature/Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Quattro AWD | Permanent all-wheel drive system that improves traction and handling |
| Adaptive air suspension | Electronically controlled air springs for adjustable ride and height |
| MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch | Audi’s premium infotainment suite with large screen(s) and handwriting recognition |
| Virtual Cockpit | Fully digital instrument cluster replacing analog dials |
| Bang & Olufsen sound | Ultra-premium audio system with advanced speaker layout |
| Driver assistance pack | Adaptive cruise, lane assist, traffic jam assist, and emergency braking |
| Matrix LED headlights | High-tech LEDs with selective beam control for glare-free high-beams |
| Head-up display | Projects speed and navigation prompts onto windshield (optional) |
| Sport/Prestige packages | Performance-oriented or luxury comfort bundles depending on market |
Practical ownership considerations
- Fuel and maintenance: The turbocharged V6 is robust but benefits from high-quality oil and regular servicing. Maintenance costs are typical for a premium European vehicle — higher than mainstream brands, but acceptable for luxury-segment buyers.
- Insurance and depreciation: As a premium vehicle, insurance premiums are higher. Depreciation is material in the first few years but the A7’s desirability and unique liftback design mitigate some decline relative to less-distinctive competitors.
- Reliability: Generally solid when maintained. Owners should verify service records and inspect complex components like the air suspension and advanced electronics when buying used.
Price (context & guidance)
Below is a general price reference — these figures are indicative and depend on country, taxes, import duties, optional equipment, and current market conditions.
| Price context | Typical figure (approximate, USD) |
|---|---|
| 2018 MSRP at launch (base turbo V6 models) | $65,000–$75,000 |
| Fully-optioned new (2018) | $80,000–$95,000+ |
| Typical used price range (several years after launch) | $30,000–$55,000 (condition, mileage, and region dependent) |
If you plan to buy used, expect to pay more for cars with full maintenance records, low mileage, and desirable options (adaptive air suspension, Bang & Olufsen, Virtual Cockpit). Prices for certified pre-owned models from dealers will include warranty coverage and may command a premium.
Who should buy the 2018 Audi A7?
The A7 is ideal for buyers who want a vehicle that looks and feels special — a car that stands out from traditional sedans — without sacrificing day-to-day usability. It suits:
- Executives who appreciate clean, modern design and a refined cabin.
- Drivers who want a practical rear cargo area but prefer coupe-like styling.
- Families that need occasional cargo flexibility and premium safety features.
- Enthusiasts who want competent performance, smooth V6 torque and precise handling, yet also value comfort for long trips.
Not ideal if:
- You need a compact city car — the A7 is a sizable car.
- You want the cheapest maintenance and parts — luxury European ownership costs more than mainstream brands.
Final thoughts
The 2018 Audi A7 Turbo remains a convincing statement vehicle: it combines the drama of coupe styling with hatchback practicality and Audi’s hallmark engineering. Whether equipped with adaptive air suspension and a high-end sound system or with a more modest option set, the A7 offers a rare combination of presence, comfort, and versatility.
If you’re considering one, prioritize models with documented service history, check the condition of suspension components and electronics, and, if possible, test-drive a car with and without active suspension to understand the spectrum of ride and handling the A7 offers.
