Head to Head: Audi A7 vs. Porsche Panamera

Audi A7 vs. Porsche Panamera

The Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera are both large luxury sedans made by German manufacturers best known for smaller, sportier cars. But that isn’t to say these cars are out of place in their lineups or can’t compete with manufacturers better known for long and comfortable luxury cars.

The 2016 Audi A7 ranked second in our list of luxury large cars, while the 2016 Porsche Panamera ranked second among super luxury cars. The difference is that while versions of both vehicles can be had for less than $80,000, A7 pricing tops out at a little under $110,000, and the Panamera can reach to over $260,000.  

So which car should you buy? Let’s take a look. 

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Pricing

Winner: 2016 Audi A7

At both the low and high ends of their respective price ranges, the Audi A7 is the more affordable vehicle. It starts at $68,300, which undercuts the Panamera by $9,800. Further, a fully optioned Panamera goes for $263,900, placing it in a totally different price bracket than the top-of-the-line A7, which goes for $108,900.

The most expensive version of the A7 is the RS7 Prestige package, which is of limited availability and comes equipped with the most powerful engine available, a V8 making 560 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of torque. To get more than 500 horsepower in a Panamera, you’ll have to pay over $140,000.

Reviewers say the Audi has one of the nicest interiors in its class as well as a long list of standard features, so if price is a sticking point, buyers shouldn’t feel they’re sacrificing much by choosing the A7 over the Panamera. 

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Safety

Winner: Tie

Neither vehicle has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but both vehicles have identical lists of safety features.

These include brake assist, auto-on headlights, night vision, integrated turn signal mirrors, adjustable pedals, traction control, blind spot monitoring, auto-leveling headlights, and lane departure warning. 

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Seat Comfort and Interior Refinement

Winner: 2016 Audi A7

Some test drivers say there isn’t a single interior in the world nicer than the Audi A7’s, regardless of price. They noted the quality materials and minimalist, thoughtful design, pointing out that even things like the steering wheel and dials were pleasurable to the touch. The front seats are leather, heated, and power adjustable. Ventilation can be added to the front and heat to the rear.

Critics liked the Panamera interior as well, calling it both “surprisingly roomy” and comfortable. Partial leather comes standard, as does heat and power-adjustability. Porsche buyers can upgrade to full leather, a heated steering wheel, eight-way adjustable rear seats, and power rear sunshades. Some critics said the rear seats were a little cramped, and rear visibility is an issue, though many said the same of the A7.

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Interior Technology

Winner: Audi A7

Both vehicles have zoned climate control, Bluetooth, USB ports, an infotainment system, HD radio, satellite radio, and front and rear parking sensors. This is the basic suite of interior technology you expect out of a luxury car in 2016.

But there is one big difference.

Audi offers a Wi-Fi hotspot as part of the standard Audi Connect system, Porsche doesn’t.  

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Cargo Space

Winner: Audi A7

With the rear seats folded down, the Audi A7 has 49.1 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 44.6 in the Porsche Panamera. With the rear seats up, the only vehicle in the class that offers more room than the A7’s 24.5 cubic feet is the Tesla Model S. This is owed to the hatchback-style liftgate on the A7, which allows cargo to be stacked higher than a regular trunk does.

The Panamera also has a hatchback-style liftgate, but doesn’t get as much out of it. With the rear seats up, the Panamera has just 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space, substandard for the class. 

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Fuel Efficiency

Winner: Audi A7

If fuel efficiency is a priority, Audi’s twin-turbocharged diesel V6 is the engine for you. When equipped, the A7 will get 25 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. This engine makes 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, so it still has plenty of low-end grunt, though highway passes and spirited driving will be less thrilling.

Most American buyers prefer gasoline engines, and if that’s the case for you the A7 is still the better choice from a fuel-economy perspective. With a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, the A7 gets 30 mpg highway (20 city) while still making 333 horsepower. The most fuel-efficient Panamera has 23 fewer horsepower and gets just 18 mpg city and 28 on the highway. 

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Performance

Winner: 2016 Porsche Panamera

In terms of raw numbers, there isn’t a lot that separates the Panamera and A7 once you get above the base models. Both vehicles offer engines that go from a little more than 300 horsepower to a little less than 600, and both cars are made by manufacturers who place a lot of emphasis on cornering and stability.

But it was the overall impression that left critics awed by the Panamera, which some say bares the standard for overall driving performance in this class. Its combination of cornering, acceleration, and feedback are second to none among large luxury sedans. 

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Reliability

Winner: Porsche Panamera

J.D. Power & Associates gives the Panamera a 4.5 out of five score for predicted reliability, putting it squarely between “better than most” and “among the best” on J.D. Power’s scale. The A7 scores four out of five. Both cars come with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, and neither has any recalls. 

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The Winner Is...

Audi A7

Don’t be fooled by the Porsche Panamera’s lofty asking prices. The Audi A7 is more efficient, more spacious, just as powerful, and just as luxurious for less money. The Panamera is the better choice for someone who wants a pure performance car (like a Porsche 911) but can’t justify having just two doors. For everyone else, the A7 is just as much car. Plus, it can seat three in the back.  

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