2017 Audi A7

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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.

Specs

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.

Price

Pricing remains unchanged for the 2017 model year, meaning that the U.S.-spec A7 will retail from $68,300. 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.