A7 vs 5 Series
The A7 and the 5 Series land in the same midsize luxury car category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. The choice here comes down to priorities: engine & performance favors the A7, while fuel economy & range favors the 5 Series.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A7 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 5 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range3.4
- Engine & Performance0.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The A7 has 80 hp more power
The A7 clearly leads on total system output, and 335 hp versus 255 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 5 Series has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the 5 Series posts 31 mpg against 25 mpg for the A7, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The A7 has 74 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 369 lb-ft for the A7 versus 295 lb-ft for the 5 Series. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The 5 Series has better city fuel economy
The A7 lists 22 mpg; the 5 Series comes in at 28 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 5 Series has the better rating here.
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The 5 Series has better highway fuel economy
At 35 mpg versus 30 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the 5 Series, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A7 leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the A7. The A7 answers with 80 hp more power. The A7’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the A7.
Total system output
A7: 335 hp 5 Series: 255 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A7: 369 lb-ft 5 Series: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
5 Series leads
The 5 Series dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The 5 Series steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. In short, the 5 Series is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
A7: 25 mpg 5 Series: 31 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
A7: 22 mpg 5 Series: 28 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 5 Series starts from a better baseline.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A7 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A7 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 30 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A7 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A7 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A7 | 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A7 if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (369 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other Audi products
Choose the 5 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 25 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 30 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A7 or the 5 Series?
It depends on your priorities: the A7 is stronger on engine & performance, while the 5 Series leads on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the A7 versus the 5 Series shows that nicely. Practically speaking, the A7’s biggest advantage is 80 hp more power. Credit where it’s due: the 5 Series offers better fuel economy.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the A7, fuel economy & range for the 5 Series), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: I’d go with the A7 if I cared most about engine & performance, and the 5 Series if fuel economy & range mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.