[1][2][3]The A7 is in essence a four-door fastback version of the C7-series Audi A6, based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform.

[7] Both cars share the same core structure, drivetrain, chassis, dashboard and interior, whilst the A7 has its own unique exterior panelwork.

Full LED headlamps with Automatic high beam switching or Audi adaptive light (Xenon) with variable headlight range control.

[clarification needed] Early models include 3.0 TFSI quattro (310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp)) with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

[14][15] The S7 is a version of the A7 with a 4.0 litres (3,993 cc) biturbo TFSI V8 engine rated at 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp) and 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) of torque, as well as a quattro four wheel drive system and 7-speed S–tronic gearbox.

[18] Reviewers have cited the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as the inspiration to the Audi A7 in the four-door executive sedan market.

[30] The US market A7 3.0 TDI 'clean diesel' quattro was unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and went on sale in Fall 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle.

[31][32] The A7 Sportback Black Edition is a version of the A7 (excluding 3.0 TDI (204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)), S7) for the UK market.

It includes 21-inch rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish with further lowered S line sports suspension, black grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, and by privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards; Piano Black inlays, sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather, black headlining, BOSE audio system with DAB radio and AMI from SE specification and above, S line equipment package (satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, Xenon all-weather headlights and LED rear lights, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, Audi parking system plus, and keyless go), powered tailgate operation, electrically adjustable front seats and a powered retractable rear spoiler.

[33] At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi showcased the A7 Sportback h-tron Concept, which is a modified A7 with a hydrogen-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The hydrogen tanks, which have a carbon fiber exterior and aluminium shell, can hold 5 kg (11 lb) of fuel at a pressure of 700 bar (10,150 psi), which is enough to power the vehicle for 500 km (311 mi), and the battery has a range of 50 km (31 mi).

The engine is paired to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, which transmits power to the wheels via a torque vectoring quattro all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and oil cooler; an upgraded sport differential with two superposition gears is optional.

Exterior changes include a gloss black honeycomb grille and several matte aluminium or carbon fiber accents depending on the selected package.

These can be replaced with optional power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function upholstered in honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver.

[38] Changes include: The second generation A7 was revealed in October 2017, officially launching in Germany in February 2018, and has been on sale in Europe since late 2017.

[53] In April 2021, an additional extended wheelbase three box sedan variant, called the A7L, was launched in China.