2015 Audi A7
New for 2015
There aren’t any significant changes for the 2015 model year, but Audi did add more standard equipment to most trim levels.
A New Kind of Luxury Car
Audi may have created a new category of car with the 2015 A7. The four doors and generous rear cargo area say practical luxury sedan, but the sloping roofline says sleek coupe. The A7 actually combines the best qualities of both, providing performance and style as well as luxury and practicality.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2015 Audi A7 is available with an impressive array of powertrains that help provide the performance to match its good looks. Note that in the A7 lineup, different powertrains correspond to different sub-models.
The A7 3.0 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 producing 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and, as with all A7 models, Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive.
This version of the A7 will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. According to the EPA, it can also achieve 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
Alternatively, there’s also an A7 3.0 TDI with a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 producing 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic.
This is obviously the most economical option, with EPA-rated fuel economy of 29 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 38 mpg highway).* However, it’s no slouch either, as the diesel can also haul this A7 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and on to the same 130 mph top speed as the gasoline V6.
Shifting to more of a focus on performance is the S7. This version comes with a 4.0-liter V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces a muscular 420 hp and 406 lb-ft, enough to get the S7 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 155 mph. It also achieves EPA-rated fuel economy of 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*
A further step up the performance ladder from the S7 is the RS 7. It comes not only with an extra letter, but also a souped-up version of the 4.0-liter V8 with 560 hp and 516 lb-ft. Teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it launches the RS 7 from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 174 mph.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the RS 7 is 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2015 Audi A7 is only available as a five-door hatchback with seating for up to five, although it shares most of its design with the A6 four-door sedan. There are two A7 trim levels, as well as the sportier S7 and RS 7, with prices starting at $65,900.**
Starting with the A7 Premium Plus, standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, power-adjustable and folding heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors, four-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, leather seats, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system with a seven-inch display screen, among many other features.
The A7 Prestige includes all of the standard features from the Premium Plus, and also includes ventilated 12-way power front seats, a 14-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio system, LED interior ambient lighting, and other features.
Moving up to the S7 brings all of the applicable standard features from the A7 models, as well as the 4.0-liter V8 engine, driver seat memory, leather door armrests, and model-specific front and rear fasciae and side sills.
Finally, the RS 7 includes the more powerful V8 engine, model-specific exterior styling and 20-inch alloy wheels, matte aluminum exterior mirror caps, carbon fiber interior trim, and performance-oriented mechanical upgrades.
Exterior/Interior
The 2015 Audi A7 blazes a new styling trail, combining the appearance of a two-door fastback coupe with the functionality of four doors and a tailgate. It’s part of a new wave of “four-door coupes,” from luxury carmakers, and probably the best looking of the bunch.
In addition to that sleek roofline, the A7 features Audi-signature styling cues like LED headlights and a bold shield-shaped single-frame grille. The S7 and RS 7 models add their own unique styling elements for a sportier appearance.
The interior features a clean yet attractive design, with wood or carbon-fiber trim and a thick-rimmed multifunction steering wheel. Audi’s MMI infotainment system comes with a seven-inch screen and a controller that recognizes handwritten inputs.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Audi A7 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, front thorax, knee, and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags and a Driver Assistance package with corner view cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and other electronic aids are also available as options.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Audi A7 proves that style doesn’t have to come at the expense of practicality.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Audi Silver Spring to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.
Image: Audi