Introduced in 2010 as a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the A7 was a significant departure from Audi's usual lineup. Essentially an A6 with a fastback-like roof and a hatchback- type tailgate, the A7 was Audi's first liftback model since the 1970s. Praised for its appealing design and comprehensive engine lineup, which also included the V-8-powered S7 and RS7 models, the A7 became pretty popular in its niche, forcing BMW to launch its very own four-door coupe -- the 6 Series Gran Coupe. Updated twice since its introduction, the A7 has received yet another upgrade for the 2017 model year.

Arguably the only luxury model to have gained no fewer than three facelifts in only six years, the A7 carries over into 2017 with new exterior paints, new wheels, and extra interior features. Styling-wise, the A7 remains unchanged, but that's far from being an issue given that the exterior was updated in 2014.

The updated A7 lineup will go on sale in the second quarter of 2016. To find our more about the A7's mild facelift and how the German sedan stacks against competition from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, check out the full review below.

Updated 07/18/2016: Audi dropped a new video for us in which A7's off-road capabilities are being put to the test in the deserts of the Dubai. Hit "play" to see if it was up for the challenge.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Audi A7.

2017 Audi A7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Audi A7
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 333
  • Torque: 325
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Design-wise, the A7 carries over unchanged compared to last years model. However, the sedan gains three new alloy wheel designs and three new colors. Customers can now have their Audi liftback painted in Matador Red, Gotland Green, and Java Brown. The latter is offered for the first time on models other than the A6 Allroad. The hotter S7 and RS7 versions also get new exterior colors, with Sepang Blue, Nardo Grey, Glacier White, and Floret Silver joining the palette.

Despite the lack of actual updates to the body work, the A7 Sportback continues to be one of the most appealing models in this segment due to its 2014 facelift, which added more angular elements to the exterior and a sportier stance.

Interior

The interior of the A7 received far more attention for 2017. Although Audi doesn't offer new leather options or new upholstery colors, the facelift comes with new inlays in Aluminum Ellipse silver and fine grain birch Natural Agate gray. The A7 also gains Apple Car Play and Android Auto, while the phone box feature has been update to include inductive charging. Rear-seat entertainment is provided by a pair of detachable tablets. New convenience features also include LED interior lighting, front seat heating, and electric lumbar adjustment.

Drivetrain

Last year's engines carry over unchanged for the 2017 model year, meaning that the U.S.-spec model gets its juice from the same supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine enables the A7 to hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 mph, while returning 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. If 333 horses aren't enough for you, you can always upgrade to the S7 and its 450-horsepower V-8 or the RS7 and the 560-horsepower V-8 under its hood. For the ultimate A7 experience there's the RS7 Performance, equipped with the same V-8 but rated at 605 horses.

While not available in North America, the A7 also comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel in three flavors. The entry-level unit cranks out 218 horsepower, while the mid-range powerplant churns 271 horses. Finally, the range-topping oil burner sends 320 horsepower to the wheels.

European markets also get an entry-level 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower and the best fuel economy ratings outside the diesel lineup.

As usual, the engines mate to either a seven-speed S Tronic or an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Depending on the model, the Quattro all-wheel drive system is either standard or optional.

Safety

One of the safest luxury cars out there, the Audi A7 is equipped with numerous standard features. The sedan comes with driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, front thorax side airbags, knee airbags, and Sideguard head curtain airbags, plus front passenger detection. Also standard are the safety belt reminder, power locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy, and lower anchors and tethers for children. Driver assisting features include an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and electronic stability control with traction control.

Prices

Pricing remains unchanged for the 2017 model year, meaning that the U.S.-spec A7 will retail from $68,800. In Germany, the sedan starts from €52.650, while U.K. customers will need to pay at least £46,415 to get their hands on one.

2018 Audi A7 Prices

Audi A7 Sedan 3.0T quattro Tiptronic Premium Plus

$69,700

Audi A7 Sedan 3.0T quattro Tiptronic Prestige

$72,400

Audi S7 Sedan 4.0T quattro Tiptronic Premium Plus

$81,200

Audi S7 Sedan 4.0T quattro Tiptronic Prestige

$83,150


Audi A7 Premium Plus

3.0T Tiptronic q

$68,800

Audi A7 Prestige

3.0T Tiptronic q

$71,350

Audi A7 Competition

3.0T Tiptronic q

$76,550

Audi S7 Premium Plus

4.0T S tronic q

$79,900

Audi S7 Premium Plus

4.0T S tronic q

$82,900


Competition

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Launched in 2004, the CLS pioneered the four-door coupe segment and its the main reason why Audi created the A7. Although many argue that the second-generation had lost the innovative design of the original car, the CLS remains the most appealing four-door coupe on the market as far as styling is concerned. Available with an array of four-cylinder, V-6, and V-8 engines globally, the CLS is sold with just two gasoline powerplants in the U.S. The entry-level model features a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 329 horsepower, while the more powerful version has a 4.7-liter V-8 that cranks out 402 horses. Both feature automatic transmissions, and the 4Matic all-wheel drive system is optional. Pricing starts from $66,900.

Find our more about the Mercedes-Benz CLS here.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

Like the A7, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is pretty new to the market, having been launched in 2011. As the name suggests, it's a four-door version of the 6 Series Coupe with enhanced room for rear-seat passengers and a bigger trunk. In the U.S., it comes with a choice of two drivetrains. There's the 640i model with a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder that delivers 315 horsepower and the 650i with a 4.4-liter V-8 that generates 445 horses. Both models are packed with convenience and safety features, including onboard navigation with traffic alerts, voice command, Bluetooth, and a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system. Pricing for the 6 Series Gran Coupe starts from $79,500, making it significantly more expensive than the A7 and CLS.

Read more about the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe here.

Conclusion

Granted, this new update is rather mild for a car this expensive, but the fact that the pricing will carry over unchanged for 2017 makes it a pretty good deal, especially when compared with the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. The upgrade is also supposed to keep the A7 fresh for at least two more years as Audi seems to be in no hurry to launch a second-generation model. Thankfully, the A7's design is still great to look at after six years, and the fact that the sedan drives as good as it looks, and provides a lot of fun for its size, makes it a strong proposition even for the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Updated History

Updated 05/17/2017: Audi announced prices for the entire A7 family. Check the "Prices" section for the full details.