- Plug-in hybrid dropped
- More standard driver assists
The 2023 Audi A7 remains one of the sharpest-looking sedans on the road. The fact that it’s not technically a sedan at all, but a versatile hatchback, makes it even better. Pricing starts at $69,200.
The 2023 Audi A7 is the sleeker, sportier sibling to the more traditional A6 sedan. It features a more powerful base engine, and its hatchback design provides superior cargo flexibility.
With 335 horsepower, a quick-shifting transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD), the 2023 A7 can take you from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 5.2 seconds. If that’s not fast enough, you’ll be more interested in the high-performance S7 and RS 7 variants.
2023 Audi A7 pricing
The 2023 Audi A7 Sportback has a starting price of $69,200. This is a luxurious sedan that, as you’d expect, comes with a long lineup of comfort, safety, and tech features as standard equipment.
This includes a dual-screen infotainment display, smartphone connectivity, tri-zone climate control, navigation, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker audio system. The A7 comes in three main trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
Stepping up to the performance models adds significantly to the A7’s price tag. The 2023 S7 starts at $82,500, while the tire-burning RS 7 rings in at a cool $118,500.
Before buying, be sure to check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to find out what others in your area are paying for their new A7 sedan. Resale values have been a strength of this elegant Audi, a point driven home by its 2019 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards trophy for the luxury car class.
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Driving the 2023 Audi A7
The 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 in the 2023 Audi S7 is a delight, and the 591-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in the RS 7 delivers outrageous speed and acceleration. But if we’re being more practical-minded, the 335-horsepower V6 and AWD hardware found in the standard A7 is more than enough for the vast majority of luxury sedan shoppers.
The ride and handling are nicely tuned for any type of driving scenario, be it dicing with city traffic or hours-long road trips. Having AWD as standard also helps the A7 cope with inclement weather, making this Audi a smart choice if heavy rain or snow factor into your yearly driving routine.
Audi dropped an available plug-in hybrid powertrain from the A7 lineup for the 2023 model year. However, the base turbo V6 delivers reasonable fuel mileage with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway.
Also read: What California’s ban on gas cars could mean for you—even if you don’t live there
Interior comfort
First, the bad news. While we love the shape of the A7 Sportback, the flowing roofline takes a slight toll on available rear headroom and legroom. There’s still plenty of room for average-sized adults, however, and the cabin’s ambiance remains one of the classiest you’ll find in a luxury vehicle.
All major controls are within easy reach, and the quality of the materials used is exemplary. Granted, the dual-screen infotainment system takes a little practice, though the Virtual Cockpit digital display in front of the driver remains one of our favorite features of the A7.
If you want to load up on more interior luxury touches, extras like heated and ventilated front seats, massage front seats, heated rear seats, quad-zone climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, and the Bang & Olufsen
BGOUF,
audio system are available.
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Exterior styling
The Audi A7 Sportback
Audi
While the A7 Sportback shares mechanical DNA with its more soberly-designed sibling, the A6 sedan, it’s easy to see why the A7 still turns heads. Thanks to its tapering roofline, the A7 looks like it’s in motion even when parked.
Even better is the fact that the rear liftgate is so practical, opening wide to reveal an extremely roomy trunk. The taillights run the full width of the A7’s tail, which adds an extra element of design panache. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22-inches in diameter.
Beefier wheels with red brake calipers peeking out from behind mark the S7 and RS 7 as being something extra special. Each rides on a slightly lower sport suspension and comes with a unique exhaust layout, not to mention subtle aerodynamic tweaks (including larger front air intakes) that give this performance duo an extra degree of sophisticated sportiness.
Favorite features
1. Standard all-wheel drive
Having AWD gives the A7 an excellent purchase on the road, even when Mother Nature is feeling especially grumpy. Many luxury car shoppers will automatically put a bevy of SUVs on their shopping list, but the A7 is certainly worth cross-shopping, thanks to its all-weather capability and performance.
2. Large cargo hold
We know Audi would prefer we use the term Sportback and not hatchback, but the fact remains that the hatchback opening in the A7 is extremely handy when it’s time to load up with cargo. Behind the rear seat, there is a spacious 24.9 cubic feet of capacity. Better still, the 40/20/40 split-folding seatback adds more load-lugging versatility.
3. Strong V-6 engine
The power-hungry among us will gravitate toward the S7 and RS 7 performance models, though we consider the standard 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 the smartest (not to mention much less expensive) choice in the lineup.
4. Audi Virtual Cockpit
It’s not brand new technology anymore, but Audi’s Virtual Cockpit still impresses with its clarity and ease of use. This digital driver information display has incredibly sharp graphics and, despite having a wealth of available information, doesn’t require hours of practice to master.
5. S-Line and Black Optic package
For the 2023 model year, Audi has combined the S-Line and Black Optic design packages. This amps up the styling of the already seductive A7 with features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, S-Line badging, and a sport suspension.
6. Incredible performance of RS 7
Granted, the RS 7 costs nearly $120,000, or about $50,000 above the base price of the regular A7. Yet there is no arguing the performance of the 591-horsepower Audi RS 7 puts it in a rarefied league of roomy sedans with neck-straining speed. Keep the pedal down, and the RS 7 is capable of reaching 190 mph.
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Engine and transmission
The 2023 Audi A7 Sportback is fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Audi’s quattro AWD system is standard, and power is routed to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Stepping up to the S7 brings with it a 2.9-liter V6 that churns out 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. That’s pretty strong, though the lineup has an even wilder variant.
The top-of-the-line RS 7 squeezes a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 under its hood. This bellowing engine produces a staggering 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Both the S7 and RS 7 come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. As you might have guessed, premium gasoline is recommended for all three engines.
3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (A7)
335 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg
2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (S7)
444 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 2,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (RS 7)
591 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,050 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg
See KBB’s car review methodology.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
