Audi has just launched the A7 Sportback, its answer to such premium four-door coupés as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW’s 5 Series GT, on the local market.
Aesthetically the Audi A7 Sportback is more gracefully packaged than its rival from Munich, with a profile that encapsulates a long bonnet flowing into a coupe-like roof that drops off to a sharp tail highlighted by a signature character line running from the brake lamp into the rear flanks – a design cue that pays homage to the company’s 1971 coupe model. The latest iteration of Audi’s single-frame grille, complete with the beveled edges we first encountered on the latest A8, takes pride of place up front and is flanked by gracefully-sculpted headlamps complete with L-shaped LED accents. In keeping with the car’s clean lines, the foglamps have migrated from the front apron and are now integrated into the headlamps, which can be specified as full LED units similar to those found on the R8 V10.
Although Audi’s styling tends to lean towards the clean and conservative, the Audi A7 Sportback’s 4,96 metre length lends the car some serious presence, as well as making provision for a spacious 2+2 cabin (a 5-seater model was not on the cards) and up to 1 390 dm³ of utility space with the split rear seats folded.
Audi has always garnered plaudits for the perceived quality of its car’s cabins, and the A7 Sportback is no exception. Insulated to the point of feeling almost airtight and tastefully appointed with leather, chrome accents and layered wood trim inserts, it’s a serene place to while away the kilometres.
Among the comfort, convenience and safety items on offer are electrically operated front seats as standard, MMI infotainment system, optional head-up display, dual-zone climate control, Audi’s pre-sense safety control system, active lane assist, night vision assistant, speed limit display and park assist system.
The A7 will initially be offered with a pair of V6 engines, both of which are mated with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission sending drive to all corners via the latest version of the company’s well-known Quattro set-up with crown gear centre differential. On the petrol front is Audi’s supercharged 3,0-litre TFSI V6 engine. Developing 220 kW and peak torque of 440 N.m, this unit can propel the Audi A7 Sportback from 0-100 km/h in 5,6 seconds on the way to an electronically-limited 250 km/h top speed. The 3,0 TDI unit develops 180 kW and a handy 500 N.m of torque – enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 6,5 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed. The combined-cycle fuel consumption for this unit is 6,0 litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km. These units will be joined by a 3,0-litre bi-turbo diesel powerplant in November. All of these units feature start/stop technology as standard.
The A7 Sportback is underpinned by a chassis featuring a newly-developed power steering system with electromechanical assistance. The set-up is overseen by Audi’s drive select system, which features presets for throttle response, steering and damper control – an air suspension system can also be specified. The A7 rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a variety of 19-inch items offered as options.
Prices inclusive of VAT and CO2 tax:
Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI R717 000
Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TFSI R728 000
Click on the Documents tab to view full details on the Audi A7 Sportback range in the official press release.