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Photo of a Audi A7

Audi A7

A6 bones, four frameless doors, and RS 7 Performance muscle: 621 hp.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 36 sources

At a glance

0400800
187–621 hpPower
0510
3.4–8.5 s0–100 km/h
0175350
210–305 km/hTop speed
05001,000
250–850 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,705–2,150 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1256

Engine
1.8–4.0 L gas I4/V6/V8; 2.0/3.0 L diesel; C8 mild/plug-in hybrids16
Layout
Front-engine; front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive1
Gearbox
7-speed S tronic dual-clutch; 8-speed Tiptronic auto; early multitronic CVT1
Built at
Neckarsulm, Germany; A7L: SAIC-VW Anting, China1

The story

Created to combine coupe style, sedan comfort and wagon utility, the original A7 wrapped the A6's core structure in unique fastback bodywork, with four frameless doors and a lifting tailgate.13

2009: Diesel-powered Sportback concept20092010: C7 launches in Munich20102012: S7 adds a twin-turbo V820122013: RS 7 arrives with 552 hp20132014: 444 hp for the S7 facelift20142018: C8: twin touchscreens and laser lights20182021: China gets the long-wheelbase A7L20212025: Sportback production ends2025 Audi 100 Coupé S: 1969–1976Audi Sportback concept: 2009Audi A7 (C7) (4G8): 2010–20184G8Audi A7L: 2021–present 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1520
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1969–1976Audi 100 Coupé S
2009Audi Sportback concept
2010–2018Audi A7 (C7) (4G8)
2021–presentAudi A7L
2009Diesel-powered Sportback concept
2010C7 launches in Munich
2012S7 adds a twin-turbo V8
2013RS 7 arrives with 552 hp
2014444 hp for the S7 facelift
2018C8: twin touchscreens and laser lights
2021China gets the long-wheelbase A7L
2025Sportback production ends
  1. 2009

    Diesel-powered Sportback concept

    Audi shows a 3.0 L V6 diesel concept with quattro and seven-speed S tronic at Detroit.1

  2. 2010

    C7 launches in Munich

    The A6-based A7 reaches dealers that fall; folding the rear seats expands its cargo bay from 535 to 1,390 L.13

  3. 2012

    S7 adds a twin-turbo V8

    Spring deliveries bring a 4.0 L twin-turbo V8: 414 hp, quattro, seven-speed S tronic and 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.1

  4. 2013

    RS 7 arrives with 552 hp

    Detroit introduces the twin-turbo V8 RS 7: 700 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and up to 305 km/h with Dynamic Package Plus.1

  5. 2014

    444 hp for the S7 facelift

    For 2015, the facelift gives the S7 444 hp and offers Matrix LEDs; front-drive A7s replace multitronic with seven-speed S tronic.145

  6. 2018

    C8: twin touchscreens and laser lights

    C8 production begins at Neckarsulm; two haptic touchscreens join Virtual Cockpit, while optional HD Matrix LEDs add laser lighting.1678

  7. 2021

    China gets the long-wheelbase A7L

    The A7L turns the fastback formula into a longer-wheelbase, four-door sedan for China, built by SAIC-VW at Anting.16

  8. 2025

    Sportback production ends

    The Sportback's 2010–2025 production run closes; China's A7L sedan continues.1

Every generation

  • Audi 100 Coupé S
    Audi 100 Coupé S1969–1976
  • Audi Sportback concept
    Audi Sportback concept2009
  • Audi A7 (C7)
    4G82010–2018
  • Audi A7L
    Audi A7L2021–present

Power over the years

From 296 hp to 621 hp in 14 years.

0200400600800 20102012201420162018202020222024 hp 2010 · 296 hp · 3.0 TFSI quattro2011 · 309 hp · 3.0 BiTDI quattro2012 · 414 hp · S7 4.0 V82013 · 552 hp · RS 7 4.0 V82015 · 597 hp · RS 7 Performance2018 · 282 hp · UK 50 TDI mild hybrid2018 · 335 hp · UK 55 TFSI mild hybrid2019 · 345 hp · UK S7 TDI 3.0 V62019 · 362 hp · 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid2020 · 591 hp · UK RS 7 4.0 V82024 · 621 hp · RS7 Sportback Performance 621 hp RS7 Sportback Performance 296 hp 3.0 TFSI quattro
12589
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20102963.0 TFSI quattro
20113093.0 BiTDI quattro
2012414S7 4.0 V8
2013552RS 7 4.0 V8
2015597RS 7 Performance
2018282UK 50 TDI mild hybrid
2018335UK 55 TFSI mild hybrid
2019345UK S7 TDI 3.0 V6
201936255 TFSI e plug-in hybrid
2020591UK RS 7 4.0 V8
2024621RS7 Sportback Performance

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    A7 SE / SE Executive

  • Standard

    A7 Premium Plus / Prestige (US)

    2012

  • A7 S line (Mk1)

    Standard

    A7 S line (Mk1)

  • Standard

    A7 Sportback Black Edition (first generation)

  • Performance

    A7 Competition (US)

    2017

    340 hp
  • S7 Sportback

    Performance

    S7 Sportback

    2012–2014

    414 hp
  • RS 7 (first generation)

    Performance

    RS 7 (first generation)

    2013–2019

    552 hp

  • Performance

    RS7 Performance (US)

    2016

    605 hp

  • Performance

    RS7 Sportback Performance

    2024

    621 hp

  • Limited

    RS7 Performance Bronze Edition (US)

    2024

    621 hp

  • Limited

    RS7 Exclusive Edition (US)

    2022

    591 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Sportback: a low roof flows into a steep rear window and lifting tail; all four doors are frameless.1
  • Original Sportback: one long crease runs above the door handles and wheel arches.18
  • A rear spoiler can rise from the hatch on both generations.18
  • First-generation RS 7: gloss-black honeycomb grille and two oval exhaust outlets.1

Year by year

  1. 2014 / 2015 model year

    Narrower LED headlights, a wider grille and revised bumpers arrive; rectangular exhaust trims replace round ones.15

  2. 2014 / 2015 model year

    Rear indicators gain a dynamic display; the cabin adds new materials, extra chrome and a new automatic gear selector.15

  3. 2017 (US)

    Competition adds 20-inch wheels and matte-black grille, window and mirror trim; the regular A7 carries over.15

  4. 2019 model year

    Sharper creases and full-width rear lighting mark the new generation; twin touchscreens replace the pop-up display and rotary controller.7

  5. 2024 (UK)

    Honeycomb grilles arrive, S line gains chrome grille inserts, and Matrix LEDs become standard; wheel designs and colors also change.19

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Audi A7
    A7
    Photo of a Mercedes CLS
    Mercedes CLS

    Mercedes CLS

    Look at the tail: the CLS has a separate trunk lid, while the A7 Sportback uses a hatch.10

  • Photo of a Audi A7
    A7
    Photo of a Audi A5 Sportback
    Audi A5 Sportback

    Audi A5 Sportback

    The A5 Sportback is the smaller relation; the A7 has the larger body.10

  • Photo of a Audi A7
    A7
    Photo of a Audi A6 (C7)
    Audi A6 (C7)

    Audi A6 (C7)

    The C7 A7 has a lower, wider fastback body; the related A6 uses conventional sedan or wagon bodywork.111

Against its rivals

  • Subaru STI

    A7 vs Subaru STI

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    A713.8 s
    Subaru STI13.8 s
    21

  • A7 vs Mercedes-Benz CLS550 (2012)

    0–60 mph lower is better

    A75.1 s
    Mercedes-Benz CLS550 (2012)4.2 s
    12

Prices

Value today $12.8K–$120.0K3031

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K$200K 201520202025 Value today: $12,750–$120,000 2012 · $60,125 · US base, A72012 · $80,130 · US as tested, A72016 · $129,925 · US base, RS7 Performance2017 · $69,750 · US base, A7 Premium Plus2017 · $72,300 · US base, A7 Prestige2017 · $77,500 · US base, A7 Competition2022 · $119,595 · US base, RS72022 · $166,495 · US base, RS7 Exclusive Edition2024 · $128,895 · US base, RS7 Sportback Performance 2012 · $60,125 · US base price, 2012 model year 2025 · $120,000 · 2024 RS7 Performance Bronze Edition, 4,300 miles, BaT2025 · $71,000 · 2023 S7 Prestige, 1,100 miles, BaT2026 · $12,750 · 2012 A7 Prestige, 73k miles, BaT2026 · $62,500 · 2018 RS7 Performance, 42k miles, BaT2026 · $90,000 · 2021 RS7, 8k miles, BaT2026 · $31,000 · 2019 A7 3.0T Premium Plus, tuned, 38k miles, BaT2026 · $13,650 · 2015 S7, 118k miles, BaT $120.0K BaT, 2025
2111516172130313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2012Launch price$60,125US base price, 2012 model year
2012Price when new$60,125US base, A7
2012Price when new$80,130US as tested, A7
2016Price when new$129,925US base, RS7 Performance
2017Price when new$69,750US base, A7 Premium Plus
2017Price when new$72,300US base, A7 Prestige
2017Price when new$77,500US base, A7 Competition
2022Price when new$119,595US base, RS7
2022Price when new$166,495US base, RS7 Exclusive Edition
2024Price when new$128,895US base, RS7 Sportback Performance
2025Auction sale$120,0002024 RS7 Performance Bronze Edition, 4,300 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$71,0002023 S7 Prestige, 1,100 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,7502012 A7 Prestige, 73k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$62,5002018 RS7 Performance, 42k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$90,0002021 RS7, 8k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$31,0002019 A7 3.0T Premium Plus, tuned, 38k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,6502015 S7, 118k miles, BaT
2026Value today$12,750–$120,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “190 km/h through VIR's esses”
    • “Agent 47's red RS7”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. Audi A7 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2024 Audi RS6 and RS7 Arrive Decked Out in Bronze caranddriver.com
  3. Audi in neuer Bestform – der Audi A7 Sportback | Audi Medienportal audipress.ch
  4. New Audi A7 Sportback prices | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  5. Audi A7 C7 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  6. Audi A7 C8 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  7. 2019 Audi A7 First Drive | Review | Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  8. Facts and figures | audi.com audi.com
  9. Used Audi A7 (Mk2, 2018-2024) review: a classy and comfortable motorway cruiser | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. Used Audi A7 Sportback review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. 2012 Audi A7 3.0T Quattro Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  12. 2012 Audi A7 3.0T Quattro vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 caranddriver.com
  13. 2012 Audi A7 - Four Seasons Update - July 2012 - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  14. Audi celebrates TDI's 25th | News | Audi | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  15. Tested: 2017 Audi A7 caranddriver.com
  16. 2016 Audi RS7 Performance First Drive caranddriver.com
  17. 2022 Audi RS7 Exclusive Edition Limited to 23 Fully Loaded Copies caranddriver.com
  18. 8 Ways the New Audi A7 Looks Better Than the Old One motortrend.com
  19. Auto International autointernational.com.my
  20. Audi 100 Coupé S - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. 2012 Audi A7 First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  22. Audi Design�s secret project: creation of the A7 Sportback inspires advertising | WebWire webwire.com
  23. Der Audi A7 Sportback h-tron quattro | Audi Medienportal audipress.ch
  24. This Audi RS7 did a 2 minute, 1 second lap at Sonoma...without a driver autoweek.com
  25. Lightning Lap 2014: Audi RS7 caranddriver.com
  26. El Audi RS7 protagonista del tráiler de 'Hitman: Agente 47' autobild.es
  27. Screen presence | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  28. Forza Horizon 5 Confirmed Car List | Forza forza.net
  29. Drive Through All Kinds of Roads on the Horizon Road Trip! forza.net
  30. No Reserve: 2012 Audi A7 Prestige for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,750 on August 31, 2026 (Lot #260,670) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2024 Audi RS7 Performance Bronze Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $120,000 on January 23, 2025 (Lot #178,101) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2018 Audi RS7 Performance for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $62,500 on August 19, 2026 (Lot #258,589) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 8k-Mile 2021 Audi RS7 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $90,000 on August 12, 2026 (Lot #257,314) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2019 Audi A7 Quattro 3.0T Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $31,000 on May 30, 2026 (Lot #245,254) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2015 Audi S7 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,650 on April 6, 2026 (Lot #236,585) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 1k-Mile 2023 Audi S7 Prestige for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $71,000 on January 9, 2025 (Lot #176,646) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • audipress.ch
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • audi.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • carenthusiast.com
  • autointernational.com.my
  • webwire.com
  • autoweek.com
  • autobild.es
  • magazine.audi.com.au

Photo credits

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