DecodedCars2016 Audi A7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sportback 3.0 Tfsi Quattro/Tdi Quattro
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 25 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,211 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Audi A7 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,211 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (25 city / 38 highway), 15% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 A7 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 A7 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sportback 3.0 Tfsi Quattro/Tdi Quattro | 195.7 in | 75.2 in | 55.9 in | 114.6 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,211 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A7 quattro Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 38 / 30 | +15% | $3,200 | 343 |
| A7 quattro | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | -8% | $3,400 | 375 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Audi A7.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A7 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · 74,881 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V370000 · 139,249 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
- Risk
- If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Air Bags › Side/Window · May 1, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V293000 · 17,694 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have head curtain air bags that may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- If the head curtain airbag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger has an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected head curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 29, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 69R2.
Not every 2016 Audi A7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Audi A7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Audi A7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A7 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 A7 | 25 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A7 | 25 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 A7 | 24 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 A7 | 27 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 0 |
| 2021 A7 | 29 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 8 |
| 2020 A7 | 24 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 2 |
| 2019 A7 | 25 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 43 |
| 2018 A7 | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2017 A7 | 24 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2015 A7 | 29 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 2014 A7 | 29 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2013 A7 | 21 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 15 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →