“The car is absolutely fun and delightful to drive. MPG is not great and the fact that the car requires premium gas makes it an expensive to own car overall. Replacement parts are not cheap either. Overall the car is awesome and a delight to own, as long as you're financially able to own it.”
Audi A7: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Audi A7 is a midsize luxury liftback with a sleek, coupe-like profile and a large rear hatch. It is known for blending strong V6 power, standard all-wheel drive, a modern cabin, and useful cargo space.
Since its 2012 U.S. debut, the A7 has been Audi’s style-first alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. Its defining feature is the Sportback shape, which pairs a low, flowing roofline with the easier cargo access of a rear hatch. Across two generations, it has kept the same basic character: comfortable enough for long trips, confident on winding roads, and practical enough for everyday use.
Strengths
- The large rear hatch makes bulky cargo easier to load than it would be in a traditional sedan.
- The cabin has consistently put modern displays and technology at the center of the experience.
- Standard all-wheel drive gives the A7 useful confidence in changing weather.
- Strong V6 power and a balanced ride make it comfortable on long trips without feeling clumsy on winding roads.
- The 2025 A7 provides a generous 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear hatch.
Who it's for
The A7 fits someone who wants a luxury car with more visual character and cargo flexibility than a conventional sedan. It makes particular sense as an upscale daily driver or long-distance car for shoppers who value all-weather confidence but do not want the shape of an SUV.
Audi A7 lineup
On used A7s, Premium is the straightforward entry point and suits shoppers who mainly want the model’s core design, V6 performance, and all-wheel drive. Premium Plus is the middle trim to target when added cabin comfort, technology, and driver-assistance equipment matter. Prestige sits at the top, with the richest luxury and convenience treatment. Equipment varies by year, but that basic step-up structure has defined much of the lineup.
Audi A7 generations
From 2012 to 2025, the A7 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — C8 arrived for 2019, following the 1st Generation — C7/4G (2012–2018).
2nd Generation — C8 (2019–2025)
The second-generation A7 kept the five-door liftback shape but brought sharper styling, more rear-seat room, a turbocharged V6 with mild-hybrid assistance, and a dual-touchscreen dashboard. A 2024 refresh revised the grille, bumpers, and other exterior details without changing the core powertrain.
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2025
Equipment was reshuffled. Premium Plus gained the former Executive package as standard, while Prestige gained the former Luxury package as standard.
2024Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling brought a honeycomb-style grille, revised front and rear bumpers, and updated wheel and design details.
2023Trim changes
Driver-assistance coverage expanded on upper trims, and the plug-in-hybrid A7 left the U.S. lineup.
2022Trim changes
The base Premium gained a digital instrument cluster, a larger 10.1-inch upper touchscreen, rear side airbags, and direct tire-pressure monitoring as standard.
2021Trim changes
The A7 plug-in hybrid arrived in the U.S., while the regular V6 model received light equipment changes.
2020
More safety and convenience features became standard, including automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and Amazon Alexa integration.
2019New generation
The redesigned A7 gained a 335-hp turbocharged V6 with mild-hybrid assistance, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, a dual-touchscreen dashboard, and more rear-seat room.
1st Generation — C7/4G (2012–2018)
The first A7 introduced Audi’s five-door luxury liftback to the U.S., combining coupe-like styling with a flexible cargo area and standard all-wheel drive. It launched with a supercharged V6 and eight-speed automatic, then received refreshed styling and technology for 2016.
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2018Trim changes
The regular A7 received a stronger 340-hp version of its supercharged V6, along with small equipment updates by trim.
2017Trim changes
The new Competition Prestige trim joined the lineup. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bose audio became standard, while the diesel model was dropped.
2016Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrived with standard LED headlights, updated infotainment hardware, and a 333-hp gas V6.
2015
Premium Plus and Prestige gained more standard comfort, safety, and lighting equipment.
2014Trim changes
The diesel A7 joined the lineup, the regular Premium trim was dropped, and a five-seat rear bench became standard.
2013Trim changes
A start-stop efficiency system became standard, while a five-seat rear bench and more driver-assistance features were added as options.
2012New generation
The all-new A7 launched in the U.S. as a five-door luxury liftback with a 310-hp supercharged V6, an eight-speed automatic, and standard all-wheel drive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi A7.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A7 a sedan or a hatchback?
The Audi A7 is a five-door luxury liftback, often called a Sportback. It has a sleek sedan-like profile, but its rear glass and cargo lid rise together like a hatchback, creating a larger opening for luggage.
Does every Audi A7 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. U.S.-market A7 models use Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, including the regular gas, diesel, and plug-in-hybrid versions covered here. The transmission and engine design vary by era, but all-wheel drive is a consistent part of the A7 formula.
Does the Audi A7 come as a hybrid?
Yes, in two forms. Gas A7s from the second generation use mild-hybrid assist with their turbo V6. A true plug-in hybrid was sold for 2021 and 2022, pairing a turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor for some electric-only driving.
How useful is the Audi A7's cargo area?
It is more useful than a typical luxury sedan trunk. The large liftback opening makes bulky items easier to load, and the rear seats fold for added flexibility. The latest A7 holds 24.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Does the Audi A7 seat four or five people?
Most A7s seat five, but not every used example does. Early first-generation cars began with a four-seat layout, a five-person rear bench became standard for 2014, and the 2017 Competition Prestige returned to a four-seat cabin.
How many generations of the Audi A7 are there?
There are two U.S. generations in this history. The first ran from 2012 through 2018, with a refresh for 2016. The second ran from 2019 through 2025, introduced a dual-touchscreen cabin, and received refreshed styling for 2024.
Who is the Audi A7 a good fit for?
The A7 suits someone who wants luxury-sedan comfort and confident road manners but needs easier cargo access. Its standard all-wheel drive also makes sense for drivers facing changing weather, while its low roofline favors style over a traditional upright shape.
Audi A7 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi A7.
4.3
Audi A7
(323 reviews)
“Be aware that the MMI multi screen system is difficult to operate and requires way too much time with eyes off the road to complete most any function. If it fails, you are very limited in what you can control. I consider it to be dangerous, and a true Achilles of an otherwise excellent car.”
“The vehicle is nice looking and drives great. It is a little complicated to operate though.”
“High tech cockpit and driving features. Great looks. High quality manufacturing and reliability. Great driving performance. Great combination of comfort and sportiness.”
“It is a solid car that is fun to drive. Only negative is no hands-free trunk. A/C system is spotty, sometimes too cold and sometimes too hot.”
“Audi is a quality auto which checks all the boxes for me. Dependability and the latest bells and whistles are very important to me and this auto provides that.”