2014 is a busy year for Audi->ke14, with the Germans releasing many of facelifts and updates to existing models. The first refreshed to lose its wraps is the A7->ke1687, a car we've been keeping our eyes on since last November, when we brought the first spy shots depicting the sleek four-door sedan->ke142.

As expected, changes are bland, with only a few details changing the Audi's exterior appearance. The interior has benefited from even less attention, with only a few new colors and inlays added. There is, however, an updated infotainment system with a new, faster processor.

The engine compartment is a bit more interesting. In here, Audi added a dozen more ponies compared to the 2014 model. There will be three diesels units and the two gasoline engines available, but not all of them will make it to the United States.

Updated 04/17/2015: Audi announced prices for the 2016 A7 -- a model that continues unchanged from the previous year. Prices will range from $68,300 for the S7 Premium Plus version up to $82,900 for the S7 Prestige.

What else is new on the 2015 Audi A7? Continue reading to find out more.

2015 - 2016 Audi A7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2016 Audi A7
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 218
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Not much has changed exterior-wise compared with the pre-facelift model, but there are a few new details that make the A7 look a tad fresh. The front grille is more sharp around the edges and has eight horizontal bars instead of seven, while the headlamps have been reshaped and fitted with a new LED pattern. Speaking of LED, this lighting is now standard, with the Matrix LEDs available as an at-cost alternative.

Around back, the five-door coupe gained a taillight update, a slightly changed bumper and a new pair of trapezoid-shaped tailpipes that Audi integrated into the diffuser.

Updated grille and LED-exclusive headlamps

2015 Audi A7 - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

114.7 in.

Overall length

195.6 in.

Overall width with mirrors

84.2 in.

Overall height

55.9 in.

Track (front/rear)

64.7/64.4 in.


Interior

Apart from from the updated infotainment system that supposed to be quicker than its predecessor, the cabin of the facelifted A7 has few changes. The big news comes from the color department, with Audi offering five colors choices for the seats and new materials such as Valcona leather and aluminum or Beaufort walnut inlays. Additionally, the standard MMI radio operating system can be had with an optional heads-up display that projects information onto the windshield.

Drivetrain

All the engines available in the A7 starting with the 2015 model year have received power updates. The base 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel has gained an extra 14 ponies for a new output of 218 horsepower. Moving over to the brawnier diesel units, the uprated Clean Diesel comes with 272 horsepower, while the bi-turbo mill sends 320 horsepower to the wheels.

As far as the supercharged, 3.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine, Audi has increased it from 310 to 333 horsepower. Audi has yet to release the torque figures, but I expect the the improvements to mimic the horsepower ratings. Transmission choices comprise a seven-speed S Tronic and an eight-speed Tiptronic. All models except the base 218-horsepower diesel fitted with quattro all-wheel-drive can be ordered with the optional sport differential.

Type

Output

V6 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel

272 HP

V6 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel

218 HP

3.0 TDI bi-turbo

320 HP


Prices

Model

Premium Plus

Prestige

A7 3.0T quattro Tiptronic

$65,900

$69,750

A7 TDI quattro Tiptronic

$68,300

$72,150


2016 Audi A7 Prices

Model

Premium

Premium Plus

Prestige

A7 3.0T quattro Tiptronic

-

$68,300

$70,950

A7 TDI quattro Tiptronic

-

$70,400

$73,050

S7 4.0T quattro S tronic

-

-

$82,900


Competition

BMW 6 Series GranCoupe

The U.S. market 6 Series Gran Coupe comes in two different version - 640i and 650i, with or without xDrive. The 640i is uses a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that delivers a 315 horsepower at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 pound-feet between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. A 4.4-liter, V-8 engine that generates 445 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm motivates the 650i.

Audi packed both with convenience and safety features, including onboard navigation with traffic alerts, voice command, Bluetooth, and a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system. As far as fuel efficiency goes, the 640i returns 30 mpg on the highway, while the 650i's mileage drops to 25 mpg. The former retails from $77,900, while the latter wears an $89,200 sticker.

Mercedes CLS-Class

Unlike the Audi A7 and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz offer the CLS with only one engine. This standard powerplant is a biturbo, 4.6-liter, V-8 mill that churns out 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The CLS550 needs only 5.1 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph, making it quicker than the base A7, but slower than the 6 Series Gran Coupe.

If money is no object, Mercedes-Benz is also offering a beefed-up AMG version that delivers up to 577 ponies when selected in the S trim. The CLS550 has a starting price set at $72,100, placing it right between its main competitors, with the BMW sitting on top.

Conclusion

We weren't expecting for the A7 to receive a mind-blowing update and it appears we were right on the spot. Apart from the beefed-up engines, nothing is too surprising, although the redesigned headlamps and taillights and the upgraded infotainment system are likely to keep Audi dealerships busy once the car hits U.S. shores. Of course, the vehicle's unusual yet attractive design is difficult to ignore, but its competitors are equally appealing.

Updated History

Updated 07/02/2014: Audi today announced prices for the 2015 A7 which is now on sale. Compared to the 2014 model year, the new year brings a $1,400 price increase, so that for 2015 prices will range from $65,900 to $72,150.

Spy shots

January 21, 2014 - Audi A7 Begins Winter testing

November, 25 2013 - First testing session