Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018) Review
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Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018) At A Glance
Great blend of refinement, quality and performance. Lovely sound from twin turbo V8 engine. Feels nimble for what is a large car. Relatively efficient given the power it offers.
More economical 3.0 BiTDI feels just as quick in everyday driving. Suffers from expensive air suspension failures and twin turbocharger failures.
The Audi S7 Sportback uses the same engine as the S6 and S6 Avant - the new 4.0 TFSI with 420PS and 550Nm of torque. The twin-turbo V8 accelerates the five-door coupe from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph. The cultivated eight-cylinder, which uses Audi's 'cylinder on demand' technology under part load, achieves an impressive combined economy figure of 29.1mpg.
Much of this efficiency can be attributed to the lightweight body. A hybrid aluminum construction, it weighs roughly 15 percent less than a comparable all-steel body. Lightweight components include the long rear hatch that opens and closes electrically as standard. Beneath it is a luggage compartment with a volume of 535 litres, which increases to 1,390 litres with the rear seat backs folded down.
Audi launched the S7 Sportback alongside the S6 and the S8. But it's the S7 which probably makes the most sense. For starters there's no obvious alternative and the sleek looks of the S7 works well as a high performance model. Buyers choosing an A7 Sportback will be drawn to its style as much as anything else and paying the premium for the more exclusive S7 is certainly worth it.
The S7 perfectly fits the bill as the ultimate model in the A7 Sportback range. It may not be a hardcore performance version but the effortless performance it offers fits perfectly with the sophisticated and refined image of the A7 Sportback. The one slight fly in the ointment comes from another A7 model - the new 3.0 BiTDI model. This twin turbo diesel offers immense performance and is equally as enjoyable to drive as the S7, feeling just as rapid in everyday driving. It's also considerably cheaper and far more economical making it probably the most appealing choice in the A7 line-up.
Reviews for Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 4.0 TFSI 420 quattro to 4.0 TFSI 450 quattro
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–27 mpg
At the heart of the S7 Sportback is a 4.0-litre V8 engine, a unit shared with the latest S6 and S8. However previous S models used a 5.2-litre V10 engine so how does Audi justify the cut in size? Well the new V8 powerplant is fitted with twin turbochargers which helps boost power to similar levels to the V10 with 420PS and 550Nm of torque.
The result is a 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. The S7 Sportback is certainly capable of gaining speed effortlessly such is its refinement and its in-gear performance is just as impressive making overtaking a breeze. The engine sounds good too with a nice low rumble on start-up along with a little burble when you come off the power.
It's not a hardcore performance machine though. Forget any notion that this is a rival to the BMW M5 or similar, it simply lacks the raw edge of a true high performance car. Instead it combines its considerable power with the refinement of the A7 Sportback to produce a car which is very fast but still very comfortable. The quality of the ride is a prime example. As it's badged an S model you may expect the S7 to have a firm ride, once a regular complaint of top end Audi models.
But instead it's almost limousine like, soaking up bumps and potholes with minimal fuss. This is down to the fact the S7 comes with adaptive air suspension as part of the Audi drive select system. There are various settings including 'comfort' and 'dynamic' so you can alter the stiffness of the suspension according to the kind of roads you're on. Even in dynamic it's still comfortable plus this mode gives the steering more weight, makes the throttle more responsive and quickens the gear shifts.
The gearbox itself is a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic that comes as standard. It's the same gearbox that's already used in the A7 Sportback and it's well suited to the big V8 unit thanks to its super fast shifts. As you'd expect there are paddles fixed to the steering wheel so you can change gear yourself, but the 'box itself does such a good job you rarely need to use them.
The handling is very tidy too and despite the fact this is a big vehicle, it's very nimble and agile. Part of this is down to the lightweight construction of the S7 Sportback with aluminium used throughout the structure so that it weighs less than two tonnes. It corners very well with impressive traction even in the wet, helped by the quattro four-wheel drive system that includes a sports differential as standard which continuously distributes power between the rear wheels so you rarely find it struggling to put its power down.
To improve cornering even more the S7 Sportback also gets a new 'torque vectoring system'. If the wheels on the inside of the bend are about to slip it marginally brakes these wheels and sends more torque to the wheel on the outside. As a result cornering requires less steering input and it feels sharper too. The steering could do with a touch more feel but it's nicely weighted nevertheless.
Other new technology includes a clever 'cylinder on demand' system that was first seen on the A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI. This deactivates four of the eight cylinders when they're not needed, such as cruising on the motorway, and then automatically activates them again when required, a change that's imperceptible to the driver. It certainly helps save fuel with the S7 Sportback averaging a claimed 29.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 225g/km. The old V10 powered S6 only did 21mpg.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 TFSI 420 quattro | 29 mpg | 4.7 s | 225 g/km |
| 4.0 TFSI 450 quattro | 30 mpg | 4.6 s | 215–220 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
19–27 mpg
MPGs submitted
14
Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 535–1390 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4980–4981 mm |
| Width | 2139 mm |
| Height | 1398–1408 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2915–2917 mm |
Like the standard A7 Sportback, the S7 has a top quality interior. There are a few subtle changes to make it stand out such as the diamond stitched pattern on the leather seats and aluminium trim on the pedals. The S7 is also available with a new version of the Beaufort Oak Wood trim first seen on the A7 Sportback, but this time it comes in a black and aluminium finish (shown in the photos) which gives the interior an even more upmarket edge.
Thanks to huge amounts of adjustment in the driver's seat and the steering column it's easy to get the perfect driving position while the sculpted sports seats offer a good blend of support and comfort. It's incredibly spacious inside too, especially for those in the back, with plenty of legroom.
The interior isn't cluttered by buttons which helps the modern appearance. Instead systems such as the stereo, Bluetooth and satellite navigation are controlled via what Audi calls its MMI system (or Multi Media Interface). This features a dial (situated in front of the gear lever) for scrolling through the various functions and a large colour screen that neatly slides out of the dash top. It's very intuitive to use and although the sheer number of functions can seem daunting at first, it only takes a short time to familiarise yourself with it. The standard leather seats are perfectly placed to provide a great driving position and they're incredibly comfortable yet supportive. Both front seats are electrically adjustable and heated too.
New innovations include an optional head-up display similar to the system BMW introduced a few years ago and is available on the latest 5 Series among others. This projects key data (such as fuel economy and speed) onto the windscreen so that it cleverly appears as if it's floating around 2.5 metres ahead of the driver. There are also LED lights for the headlights and rear light clusters.
Audi S7 Sportback (2012 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4980–4981 mm |
| Width | 2139 mm |
| Height | 1398–1408 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2915–2917 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1945–1955 kg |
| Boot Space | 535–1390 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £62,345–£69,125 |
| Insurance Groups | 44–48 |
| Road Tax Bands | K |
| Official MPG | 29.4–29.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until June 2019
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S7 4.0 TFSI 450 Quattro Black Edition S tronic 5dr | £69,125 | 29.7 mpg | 4.6 s |
| S7 4.0 TFSI 450 Quattro S tronic 5dr | £66,725 | 29.7 mpg | 4.6 s |
On sale until April 2017
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S7 4.0 TFSI Quattro Black Edition S tronic 5dr | £67,800 | 29.7 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2015
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.0 TFSI quattro 450 S Tronic Auto 5dr | £63,420 | 29.7 mpg | 4.6 s |
On sale until August 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.0 TFSI quattro 420 5dr Auto | £62,345 | 29.4 mpg | 4.7 s |
Model History
August 2011
Audi S7 Sportback unveiled
The Audi S7 Sportback uses the same engine as the S6 and S6 Avant - the new 4.0 TFSI with 420PS and 550 Nm of torque. The twin-turbo V8 accelerates the five-door coupe from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph. The cultivated eight-cylinder, which uses Audi's 'cylinder on demand' technology under part load, achieves an impressive combined economy figure of 29.1mpg*.
Much of this groundbreaking efficiency can be attributed to the lightweight body. A hybrid aluminum construction, it weighs roughly 15 percent less than a comparable all-steel body. Lightweight components include the long rear hatch that opens and closes electrically as standard. Beneath it is a luggage compartment with a volume of 535 litres, which increases to 1,390 litres with the rear seat backs folded down.
Power transmission in the Audi S7 Sportback is taken care of by the seven-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring.
The S7 Sportback is fitted as standard with adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamics system. Mounted behind the 19-inch wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Their black calipers are stamped with S7 logos at the front. Carbon fibre-ceramic discs are available as an option. Other chassis options include 20-inch wheels and dynamic steering, which varies its ratio as a function of speed.
The design of the Audi S7 Sportback is seamless. The long bonnet, the long wheelbase and the short overhangs create perfect proportions. The swooping roof line gives the five-door model the character of a coupe. At motorway speeds, a rear spoiler extends from the rear hatch to improve stability.
Subtle yet eye-catching details signal the top position in the model series occupied by the 4,980-millimetre S7 Sportback. These can be found at the single-frame grille, the front bumper, the side mirrors, the sills, the rear bumper, the diffuser and the tailpipes. Nine exterior colours are available, including the exclusive shades Estoril Blue, crystal effect and Prism Silver, crystal effect. The body is decorated with S and V8 T badges.
The S7 Sportback shows its character in the interior, too. This can be seen in numerous details – the S badges, the red ring on the start-stop button, the S7 logo in the illuminated door sill trims, the aluminium strip on the S tronic selector lever and the aluminium shift paddles. The footrest and the pedals are made of stainless steel, and the soft keys of the MMI operating system are in an aluminium-look finish.
Among the standard equipment highlights are xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, the driver information system with colour display and the versatile MMI radio plus audio and operating system. Both information hubs are easy to operate.
The S7 Sportback can be equipped with all of the comfort, driver assistance and infotainment options available throughout the model series.
What to watch out for
Report of problems with 2013 ex-demo Audi S7 bought at 4 months old and now at 35,000 miles. The car has been off the road for repair for several months in total. Failures include a suspension arm (under warranty), complete air suspension failure rendering the car undrivable, and engine failure. Suspension failure in May 2017, cost £2,000 all in, including being charged £1,200 for a replacement air compressor. Owner approached Audi Customer Services by email as they required and they they failed to get back to him. Owner then phoned several times without satisfactory conclusion. Owner then wrote to Audi's UK HQ and was finally contacted by a customer services person offering a £400 voucher. The most recent failure in June 2018 resulted in a final bill of £8,000 to rectify a double turbocharger failure. Owner informed at dealership that turbocharger failure is a known feature in the S7, but apparently unacknowledged by the manufacturer. Dealership told him they had approached Audi for goodwill towards the cost of repair. Owner wrote again to Audi UK HQ. Was eventually contacted and asked what he was hoping for. Owner replied a "substantial contribution towards the repair cost". Audi repiled. "We don't do that". Essentially the car is out of warranty so they are not interested. Owner sought legal advice but was told that the cost to me would likely exceed any outcome.
