What Oil Does an Audi A7 Take?

An Audi A7 typically requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW (Volkswagen Group) approvals—most commonly VW 504 00 / 507 00 in viscosity grades like 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40, depending on engine and market. The exact oil specification, grade, and capacity vary by model year, engine (gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid), and region, so the owner’s manual or service booklet is the final authority.

Why Oil Specification Matters for the Audi A7

The Audi A7 is a high-performance premium fastback built on advanced engines that run hot, use tight tolerances, and often include turbocharging and hybrid systems. Using the correct oil isn’t just a technicality—it directly affects engine longevity, fuel economy, emissions system health, and warranty coverage.

Core Oil Requirements: Approvals and Viscosity

Key VW Oil Approvals for the Audi A7

Before examining specific engines, it is helpful to understand the core VW oil standards, which Audi requires to ensure proper protection, long-life service intervals, and compatibility with emissions systems like gasoline particulate filters (GPF) and diesel particulate filters (DPF).

• VW 504 00 – Long-life, low-ash oil for modern gasoline engines, compatible with extended drain intervals and emissions systems.
• VW 507 00 – Long-life, low-SAPS oil for most modern diesel engines with DPF; often paired with 504 00 on many labels.
• VW 502 00 – High-performance gasoline engine oil for many turbocharged and non-turbo engines; used where 504 00 is not specified.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01 – Older diesel engine approvals, sometimes seen on earlier European A7 diesels and PD (pumpe-düse) units.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Newer ultra-low viscosity oils (often 0W-20) for select newer engines aimed at maximum efficiency (more common on latest-gen EA888 and some hybrid powertrains, where specified).

In practice, most recent Audi A7 models in Europe and North America use oils labeled “VW 504 00 / 507 00” or, on some newest engines, VW 508 00 / 509 00. Oils with these approvals are specifically engineered for the long service intervals Audi uses and for protecting turbochargers and emissions hardware.

Common Viscosity Grades Used in the Audi A7

While the VW approval is non-negotiable, the viscosity grade (0W-30, 5W-30, etc.) can vary with climate and model year. Audi’s recommendations are framed around ensuring proper cold-start protection and high-temperature stability.

• 0W-30 – Increasingly common in many European-delivered A7 models, especially with 504 00 / 507 00 or 508 00 / 509 00 approvals; good for cold climates and efficiency.
• 5W-30 – Widely used for both gasoline and diesel engines in many markets; a typical choice for North America when 504 00 / 507 00 is specified.
• 0W-40 / 5W-40 – Sometimes recommended or allowed for hotter climates or more demanding use, provided the oil still carries the correct VW approval (often 502 00 for gasoline or 505 00/505 01/507 00 for diesel).
• 0W-20 – Found on some latest-generation engines (especially mild hybrids or certain U.S. gasoline versions) where Audi adopts VW 508 00 / 509 00 for maximum fuel economy.

Although viscosity is popularly discussed, an Audi A7 owner should treat it as secondary to the official VW approval code. The safest approach is to choose an oil that meets both the specified VW standard and the viscosity grade given in the car’s manual or service sticker.

By Generation and Engine: Typical Oil Requirements

First-Generation Audi A7 (C7; Approx. 2010–2017/2018)

The first-generation A7 offered a broad mix of supercharged gasoline V6s, turbocharged gasoline inline-fours, and V6/V8 diesels, with regional differences between Europe, North America, and other markets.

• 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged gasoline) – Most markets: fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (and in some cases 504 00) with common viscosities of 5W-30 or 5W-40.
• 2.0 TFSI gasoline – Typically VW 502 00 in 5W-30 or 5W-40, sometimes 504 00 in Europe where long-life service intervals were used.
• 3.0 TDI V6 diesel – Most commonly requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 long-life oil (usually 5W-30), especially on models with a DPF.
• Bi-TDI and higher-output diesels – Also generally VW 507 00 (often combined 504 00/507 00) oils, usually 5W-30.
• Early regional variants or special cases – Some European diesels may reference VW 505 01 or 505 00 for fixed-interval servicing, though by this era 507 00 is far more typical.

Overall, the C7 A7 largely relies on fully synthetic 5W-30 oils with VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 approvals, with minor regional deviations. Checking the service booklet is crucial for these older models, many of which may have been switched between long-life and fixed-interval regimes by previous owners or dealers.

Second-Generation Audi A7 (C8; Approx. 2018–Present)

The current-generation A7 moves decisively toward smaller-displacement turbocharged engines with mild-hybrid technology, plug-in hybrids, and updated diesels. Oil technology has evolved in parallel, with more emphasis on low-viscosity, low-SAPS oils.

• 2.0 TFSI / 45 TFSI (gasoline) – Typically uses fully synthetic oil meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00 or, on some latest units, VW 508 00 / 509 00; viscosity often 0W-30 or 0W-20 depending on market and year.
• 3.0 TFSI / 55 TFSI (V6 gasoline, mild hybrid) – Often specified for VW 504 00 / 507 00, commonly in 0W-30 or 5W-30, though some North American manuals may permit 0W-40/5W-40 alternatives under high-load or high-temperature use.
• 3.0 TDI and 50/55 TDI (diesel, mild hybrid) – Generally require VW 504 00 / 507 00 (low-SAPS, long-life) oils, usually 0W-30 or 5W-30; designed for compatibility with DPFs and AdBlue SCR systems.
• A7 TFSI e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – Uses a turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an electric unit; typical requirement is VW 508 00 / 509 00 or 504 00/507 00, often 0W-20 or 0W-30 for maximum efficiency, depending on exact engine code and market.
• RS7 and high-performance variants (4.0 TFSI V8) – High-output V8s frequently call for a more robust viscosity such as 0W-40 or 5W-40 with VW 502 00 or in some cases newer approvals; exact spec must be taken from the RS7-specific manual due to the extreme operating conditions.

Where the C7 generation often revolved around 5W-30 504 00/507 00 oils, the C8 generation increasingly adopts 0W-20 or 0W-30 oils under 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 approvals, particularly in Europe. Performance models remain the outliers, typically needing thicker grades.

Typical Oil Capacities and Service Intervals

Oil Capacity Ranges for the Audi A7

Beyond the oil type, owners and technicians need to know roughly how much oil the A7 will take during a change. Exact values vary slightly by engine code, oil filter size, and whether all oil is fully drained.

• Four-cylinder gasoline (2.0 TFSI) – Typically in the range of 4.5–5.5 liters (about 4.7–5.8 quarts).
• V6 gasoline (3.0 TFSI) – Usually around 6.5–7.5 liters (about 6.9–7.9 quarts).
• V6 diesel (3.0 TDI) – Commonly 6.5–7.5 liters, depending on variant and sump design.
• V8 gasoline (4.0 TFSI in S7/RS7) – Often in the region of 8–9 liters (8.5–9.5 quarts), reflecting the engine’s size and cooling needs.
• Plug-in hybrid (TFSI e) – Capacity similar to equivalent gasoline four-cylinder units, in the 4.5–5.5 liter band.

Because these are general ranges, the dipstick (or electronic oil level display, where fitted) and the owner’s manual should always be consulted during a change. Overfilling can be as damaging as underfilling, especially on turbocharged and hybrid powertrains.

Long-Life vs Fixed-Interval Service

Audi structures oil-change schedules either as “long-life” flexible intervals or fixed intervals, depending on region, engine, and driving style.

• Long-life (variable) intervals – Often up to around 30,000 km or 18,000–20,000 miles, or about 2 years, enabled by 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 oils and onboard monitoring of driving conditions.
• Fixed intervals – Typically every 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, especially in North America or on vehicles operated under severe conditions (short trips, heavy towing, very dusty environments).
• Diesel and performance variants – Though they may technically allow long-life intervals, many specialists advise more frequent changes (e.g., every 10,000 miles or annually) for DPF-equipped diesels and RS models to mitigate soot and thermal stress.

Regardless of official maximum intervals, more frequent oil changes with the correct specification are widely considered cheap insurance on expensive A7 powertrains, especially as mileage climbs and turbochargers and hybrids age.

How to Choose the Right Oil in Practice

Step-by-Step Approach for Owners

Given the variety of A7 engines and global specifications, a systematic approach helps avoid guesswork and mistakes when buying oil.

1. Identify your exact engine and model year – Use the VIN, registration, or under-hood label to determine whether you have, for example, a 45 TFSI, 55 TFSI, 50 TDI, RS7, or TFSI e.
2. Consult the owner’s manual – Look for a table listing recommended oil standards, often under “Engine Oil” or “Technical Data.” The manual will state the required VW approval (e.g., 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00) and acceptable viscosity grades.
3. Match the VW approval first – When shopping, verify that the oil canister explicitly states the required VW standard. This matters more than brand or minor viscosity differences within the approved range.
4. Select appropriate viscosity for your climate – If the manual lists multiple viscosities (e.g., 0W-30 and 5W-30), choose based on climate and usage: lower “0W” for very cold starts, slightly thicker “5W” for moderate to hot climates if allowed.
5. Use fully synthetic oil – Modern A7 engines are designed for full synthetics; semi-synthetic or conventional oils are not recommended and will rarely carry the correct VW approvals anyway.

Following this method anchors the decision in Audi’s engineering data rather than marketing or hearsay. It also reduces the risk of warranty disputes if the car is still under factory or extended coverage.

Common Brands and Labeling

Owners often ask which brand is “best,” but for the Audi A7, conformity to VW’s specifications is more critical than a specific logo on the bottle.

• OEM-branded oils – Audi/VW-branded oils sold at dealerships are guaranteed to meet the correct approvals and are a straightforward, if sometimes pricier, choice.
• Major European and global brands – Producers such as Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, Motul, and TotalEnergies all sell oils certified to VW 504 00/507 00 and, increasingly, 508 00/509 00.
• Look for explicit VW approval – The label should say “VW 504 00/507 00” or “VW 508 00/509 00” rather than generic statements like “suitable for use where VW 504 00 is recommended.” The former denotes formal approval testing.
• Avoid unapproved “universal” oils – Some multi-vehicle oils claim broad compatibility but lack formal VW certification; these are risky choices for an A7, particularly under warranty.

Choosing a well-known brand with the exact VW approval on the label offers a strong balance of quality, availability, and compliance, whether the oil comes from an Audi dealer, an independent shop, or a retail outlet.

Regional Differences and Special Considerations

North America vs Europe

Policy, climate, and emissions regulations create subtle differences between recommendations for Audi A7 models in North America and Europe.

• North America – Owner’s manuals often emphasize fixed 10,000-mile intervals, and in some cases may permit a slightly broader range of viscosities (e.g., 0W-40 and 5W-40) for hotter regions while still requiring VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00.
• Europe – LongLife Service is common, with up to 2-year intervals using 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 oils; 0W-30 or 0W-20 viscosities are especially prevalent in the C8 generation.
• Other markets – Regions with extreme heat or dust may see local dealer recommendations for slightly thicker grades within the approved specs to cope with severe conditions.

Owners importing vehicles or buying used A7s that were previously in another region should verify the current service regime, as a European long-life setup may not align with typical U.S. service practices and vice versa.

Hybrids, Start-Stop, and Short-Trip Driving

Modern A7s with mild-hybrid (MHEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems and aggressive start-stop strategies place unique demands on oil.

• Frequent engine restarts – Start-stop systems increase the number of cold and warm starts, rewarding oils with strong film strength and stable viscosity at low temperatures.
• Short urban trips – Hybrids often run the engine intermittently, which can limit oil temperature and promote condensation and fuel dilution in the sump, making high-quality, approved oils essential.
• DPF and GPF compatibility – Low-SAPS formulations under 504 00/507 00 and 508 00/509 00 protect both diesel and gasoline particulate filters, preventing premature clogging and expensive replacements.

For these advanced powertrains, deviating from Audi’s specified oil—especially by using high-ash or non-approved formulations—can undermine the longevity advantages of the hybrid system and emissions components.

Summary

An Audi A7 does not have a single universal oil but instead relies on fully synthetic lubricants that meet strict VW Group approvals tailored to its specific engine and generation. Most modern A7 gasoline and diesel models use oils meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00, often in 0W-30 or 5W-30 grades, while the newest efficiency-focused engines can require VW 508 00 / 509 00 oils, frequently in 0W-20. High-performance variants like the RS7 may specify thicker oils such as 0W-40 under VW 502 00 or related standards. The precise combination of approval and viscosity is listed in the owner’s manual and should be followed strictly, as it underpins engine durability, emissions-system health, and warranty compliance.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Audi A7 take?

2016-2018: The recommended oil types for Audi A7s from 2016 to 2018 are 0W-30 and, occasionally, 5W-40, which are adaptable to colder climates.

What kind of oil does a 2019 Audi A7 take?

The 2019 Audi A7 uses 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil that meets the VW 508 00 specification. The engine capacity is approximately 8 quarts, including the filter. 

• Oil Type: Full synthetic
• Viscosity: 0W-20
• Specification: VW 508 00
• Capacity: Approximately 8 quarts (with filter)

Can I use 5W-30 in my Audi?

The recommended oil type is 5w-40 synthetic. While 5w-30 can work in a pinch, it’s best to use 5w-40 if you have it available. Yes, using Mobile One is perfectly acceptable.

What oil does the Audi A7 take?

Mobil 1 – Extended Performance 5W-30 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart (Part No. 15021)