“Drive it and make your decision. Consider the utility of the bells and whistles that are possible to option; in particular the distraction potential.”
2016 Audi A7: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Audi A7 gets a mid-cycle refresh, led by sharper front and rear styling. It is a meaningful update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2016 Audi A7
1st generation (C7, 2012-2018), mid-cycle refresh year for the U.S. A7.
Audi positions the A7 as the stylish alternative to a traditional midsize luxury sedan: a sleek four-door fastback with a large liftback opening, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a driver-focused cabin. Its core appeal is blending coupe-like shape with real everyday usefulness, long-distance comfort, and upscale technology. In Audi’s lineup, it sits between the more conventional A6 sedan and the higher-performance S7/RS 7.
The 2016 A7 is a sleek luxury fastback with standard all-wheel drive and either a 333-hp supercharged gas V6 or a torque-rich 240-hp diesel V6. Premium Plus centers on navigation, blind-spot monitoring, parking aids, and heated front seats, while Prestige adds Bose audio, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and ambient cabin lighting.
What changed, by category
Styling
Audi revises the front end, grille, taillights, and rear bumper, which gains integrated trapezoidal exhaust outlets.
Powertrain
The supercharged 3.0-liter gas V6 increases from 310 to 333 horsepower. The 240-hp diesel V6 carries over.
Safety
LED headlights become standard across the A7 lineup. No major new driver-assistance suite is introduced.
Tech
Audi updates the infotainment hardware and adds USB audio connectivity. A power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column becomes standard, and Prestige receives upgraded ventilated front seats with passenger lumbar support.
2016 Audi A7 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Sprchgd, 3.0L | V6, Sprchgd, 3.0L | V6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L | V6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Diesel |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 333 hp | 333 hp | 240 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 24.5 cu-ft | 24.5 cu-ft | 24.5 cu-ft | 24.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in | 37 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Night Vision System | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi A7 a redesign?
No. The 2016 Audi A7 is a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation model, with revised styling, lighting, equipment, and infotainment rather than a new body structure or platform.
What changed on the 2016 Audi A7 compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 Audi A7 receives refreshed front and rear styling, standard LED headlights across the lineup, updated infotainment hardware with USB audio, and a standard power-adjustable steering column. Gas models also gain a stronger 333-hp V6.
Does the 2016 Audi A7 have more horsepower than the 2015 model?
Yes. The 2016 A7's supercharged 3.0-liter gas V6 makes 333 horsepower, up from 310 horsepower in 2015. The diesel V6 remains at 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque.
Are LED headlights standard on the 2016 Audi A7?
Yes. LED headlights are standard across the 2016 Audi A7 lineup; they had been optional on the 2015 Premium Plus gas and diesel trims.
Did the 2016 Audi A7 TDI receive the stronger 333-hp engine?
No. The 333-hp increase applies only to the gasoline A7. The 2016 A7 TDI keeps its 240-hp turbo-diesel V6 with 428 lb-ft of torque and all-wheel drive.
2016 Audi A7 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi A7.
4.4
2016 Audi A7
(80 reviews)
“The A7 is a wonderful vehicle to drive, but it has chronic issues with the cooling system. We had to replace the water pump and thermostat as well as other parts of the cooling system at just over 60,000 miles. Auto start/stop function is terrible, jerks to a stop at stop lights when it shuts off. Quick and agile, but not sure the reliability warrants the cost of the vehicle.”
“Problem with the car is the nav system does not pick up traffic issues. I was told the problem is not with the car but a sever Audi uses.”