• Fuel economy better than you might expect
• Plug-in hybrid system most efficient
• Diesels engines cheapest to run

What are the running costs?

The 45 TDI diesel is the one to go for if you want to keep visits to the filling station infrequent. Official ratings can vary on trim levels and wheel sizes, but you should expect to do around 45-50mpg in the real-world with this engine.

As you’d expect, the petrol is a little way behind, but is still reasonably impressive when you consider how quick it is and how much it has to carry. Again, mpg scores have a few variables, but you should see between 35-40mpg.

The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid is the most efficient – assuming you remember to plug it in. Official mpg is rated at 134, and the battery power will take the Audi around 25 miles on a charge, depending greatly on how fast you’re going. During our testing at 70(ish)mph, it lasted around 20 miles.

This hybrid system is smooth and powerful but has the same problems as every other plug-in. The chief of which is long journeys. After you’ve depleted the battery, you’re essentially just lugging it around, which can reduce mpg. So while 134mpg is maybe achievable on short journeys, on longer ones, expect more like 40-50mpg.

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Servicing and warranty

The A7 comes with Audi’s standard fit three-year unlimited mileage (with a 60,000-mile limit in the third year) warranty. This is broadly the same as BMW and Mercedes. Audi also allows you to upgrade it to a four or five-year warranty for an additional fee.

Audi offers a range of fixed price servicing options, some of which come with 0% APR, meaning you can spread the cost without paying any interest rates.

Reliability

• Shouldn’t be too much to worry about
• A lot of new technology on board, though
• Some electrical glitches in our experience

Audi’s built a reputation for building high quality cars with beautifully rendered interiors and an overall feel of solidity, and the A7 fits this, at least on a superficial level. It feels substantial and secure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be without fault.

There’s an awful lot of electronic trickery going on beneath the surface, and we’ve experienced a couple of warning lights regarding the Pre-Sense crash detection system and the adaptive lights. Similarly, we’ve tested the larger A8 with all the same systems and a series of warning lights for the safety systems has flashed up.

However, teething problems like this aren’t uncommon in a car with so much new tech, and an Audi dealer will sort out any issues like this under the car’s warranty. The core mechanical components are used elsewhere in the Audi range, and should last well without concern.

The A7 has been subject to several recalls in its time. They have mainly been concerning airbags, locks and fuel gauges.