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Do you have too much money for an Audi A5 and is an Audi A6 too plain for you? Don’t want a CLS that is rusting out of the factory gate? Then the Audi A7 4G is the answer for you.

In 2010 the Audi A6 C6 gets a cosmetic treatment to take on the Mercedes CLS, the first coupe-saloon-not-quite-coupe-not-even-saloon. They took the Mercedes recipe and took all the small engines out of the lineup, came up with a look that reminds everyone exactly what car you drive and what social status you have, and so the Audi A7 4G became the true successor to the Audi A6 C6. A car adored by everyone who wants to show off their worth and for whom a poor Audi A5 is insufficient. In fact, legend has it that the Audi A7 4G came from the factory with russian techno music put on repeat so you don’t have to search for your favourite singers.

 It doesn’t take a lifetime of schooling to realise that the Audi A7 4G looks a lot like the Audi A6. And you’d be right because the Audi A7 4G is built on the same platform. The question is whether it even resembles it in terms of worth.

Audi A7 4G Engines

Petrol

• 2.0 TFSI of 252 horsepower  – Launched in 2014 with the facelift, the folks at Audi were aware that some people want an Audi A7 4G but can’t afford it, so they released this entry-level engine. The notorious oil consumption issue would be said to have been largely solved, but it’s good to check the oil level every once in a while.


• 2.8 FSI of 204 hp  – The last hurrah of the naturally aspirated engine, the 2.8 FSI was retired in 2014. Lacking any notable issues, and 100% incompatible with an LPG setup, this engine is for people who don’t want to overcomplicate and don’t want to be serviced too often. They’ll just spend alot of time at the gas station.


• 3.0 TFSI of 300 and 310 horsepower – As I said in the Audi A6 C7 article, this is a fair engine that gets 3 of “YES”. Because an Audi A7 4G is an expensive car any way you look at it.


• 4.0 TFSI of 420 and 560 horsepower – Coming to liven up the Audi S7 and RS7, this behemoth will also liven up your soul, organs, underpants and budget. So you don’t feel bad about it, the engine comes with low-load cylinder deactivation technology to help you consume less fuel. Ha, ha. You don’t have to be a genius to realise that in an RS7 the last thing you need to worry about is fuel consumption.

Diesel

• 3.0 TDI with 204 and 245 horsepower – That’s all the Audi A7 4G gets, a 3-litre diesel with one or two turbos.  The single-turbo variant has powered just about everything from the Audi A4 to the Audi Q7, so this engine has a proven track record and proven reliability. Some engines can have issues with the timing chain tensioner, a issue that was fully resolved in 2016 when new tensioners were introduced.


• 3.0 BiTDI 313-horsepower – A more exotic engine than Zanzibar, the twin-turbo variant of the 3-litre diesel comes with a dubious reliability history. The fact is that if the twin-turbo system breaks down, you can consider selling the car.

Audi A7 4G General Issues

• Petrol engines that potter about using the power of a turbo also need extra oil. Just like a rural citizen drinking water, the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI can’t run without taking a gulp. The 2014 facelift significantly reduced the issue and it doesn’t wear out like it used to. Now the 2.0 TFSI is a serious boy. Like the 3.0 TFSI, oil consumption is your last expense.


• For those who chose air suspension, I hope they know what they are getting into. Audi has a famous history with air suspension, especially the original Allroad. However, in the case of the Audi A7 4G and A6 C7 the issue is only with the bushings which have a lifespan equivalent to Geo da Silva’s musical career. They wear out and will wear out the arms accordingly.


• The automatic gearbox comes back into focus. All automatic gearboxes need an oil and filter change every 60,000 km, except the Multitronic CVT, which is worth throwing in the bin.


• The tank cap is electronically operated, it breaks down and you can’t refuel. If you have a 2.0 TFSI or a 3.0 TDI you can quickly drive to the petrol station, but from 3.0 TFSI upwards you need the AA. Or you can jump into your other, back-up Audi A7. because you can afford an Audi A7 4G 3.0 TFSI. Or an Audi RS7.


• The MMI system locks up when you slide. There’s a cookbook of meat dishes you can read while the mini TV breaks down.


• The standard electric brake comes with a famous motor that breaks down and locks the brake. Yet another reason to buy a cookbook.


• The headlights are the standard LED type. Not that they have a particular issue, but the moment they break, it’s going to cost you. But you’ve got an Audi A7 4G, you can afford it.


• Electric power steering…well, electric comes standard on the A7, so if you’ve never driven a car with electric power steering before, it’s best to do a rigorous test drive first.

Audi A7 4G Verdict

The natural follow-up to the Audi A6 C6 comes with the classic recipe to appeal to that customer who wants to show off. It’s not one of my favourite cars, but surely citizens who aren’t happy with the tiny A5 because they could only buy it with the money they’d get if they pawned their chains, for them the Audi A7 4G is just right.

Which engine do you recommend? With this money, this size and this performance, I can only recommend the 300 or 310 horsepower 3.0 TFSI. You don’t need more, you’re not allowed less.