The Luxurious Audi A7 Car Alternative That's $40,000 Cheaper

The 2025 Audi A7 Premium starts at an MSRP of $72,000, per Edmunds, and comes standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 paired to a seven-speed automatic mild-hybrid transmission, so you get both a smooth power delivery and up to 335 horsepower. It also gets 25 miles per gallon combined (22 city and 30 highway), balancing performance with fuel economy. Inside, you'll find high-grade materials, seating for five in a spacious fastback cabin, and the latest driver-assist technology. However, $72,000 for all of this may be beyond most consumers' budgets.

Instead, the 2023 Kia Stinger GT-Line starts at $36,690 for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model, and $38,890 for the all-wheel-drive model (AWD), according to Cars.com. It is powered by a 2.5-liter Smart Stream turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission with RWD standard, and AWD optional. Edmunds notes a combined EPA rating of 24 miles per gallon (21 city and 29 highway).

The Stinger's design, performance, and carefully chosen features meet luxury standards even without a German brand name attached. It is available in GT Line and GT2 trims, giving buyers multiple choices, and top-tier value, at a fraction of the usual cost. This lineup shows that you can enjoy prestige without overspending, a trend you can similarly find in other areas of your life — such as finding luxury Christian Dior alternatives or luxury Rolex alternatives without breaking the bank.

Much like looking for cheap BMW alternatives, comparing both vehicles can be key. Audi's official specifications say that the 2025 Audi A7 Premium can go from zero to 60 in about 5.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the 2023 Kia Stinger GT-Line, reaches 60 in around 5.9 seconds. While the Audi is quicker, the Stinger's performance still feels fast. A bigger difference between the two shows up in terms of maintenance. RepairPal estimates the A7 costs about $1,251 a year to maintain, while the general average cost to maintain a Kia model is around $474 annually. 

On depreciation, iSeeCars finds that a new Audi A7 sheds 59.4% of its value over five years, leaving it worth only about $29,223 from its original $72,000 retail price. Meanwhile, the Kia Stinger loses 47% in the same timeframe, retaining about $19,432 of its original price. This makes the Kia the stronger choice for long-term value. Also, insuring a 2025 Audi A7 Sportback runs about $4,046 per year on average, per CarEdge, while a 2023 Kia Stinger carries annual premiums around $1,588, per CarInsurance.org.

Both models offer comprehensive safety packages; the A7 Premium includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and a head-up display projecting speed and turn-by-turn directions. While the Stinger GT-Line has a 14 advanced driver-assist systems, forward-collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, and driver-attention warning. In essence, you can enjoy similar features as the Audi but at a significantly more accessible price.

Plus, the 2023 Kia Stinger GT-Line features a 10.25-inch touchscreen with connectivity. It includes built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger as part of its standard package. A digital instrument display provides speed, directions, and safety alerts at a glance. A nine-speaker audio system delivers clear, full sound through leather-trimmed seats. Meanwhile, voice recognition and Bluetooth features let you manage calls and music without taking your hands off the wheel.