Audi’s lifted the wraps off the facelifted A7 Sportback, with which the company’s new Matrix Beam LED headlamp system will also be available. Due to go on sale in Europe in the next month or two, the first updated A7s will probably be available in South Africa by the end of the year.
The updates start right up front on the A7’s nose, where the company’s single-frame grille has been mildly redesigned, while the Matrix LED system (an option) adds a sleeker look to the headlamp styling and also comes with dynamic turn signals like the bigger A8 grand saloon. At the rear, there’s also a minor revision to the bumper, with new tailpipes jutting out underneath.
In the cabin, the A7’s received new materials like Aluminium and Beaufort walnut trim, as well as Valcona leather upholstery and five new colours for the seats. The MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system has also been upgraded with an Nvidia graphics chip and LTE-enabled Internet connectivity. Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control with stop/start, active lane assist and night vision.
There’s no word on the powertrains that will make it to our local market, but the A7 facelift is being launched with an updated 3,0-litre bi-turbo TDI that now makes 235 kW, while the entry-level 3,0 TDI will be made available in 200 kW or 160 kW “ultra” guise – the latter of which is reportedly capable of averaging 4,7 litres/100 km and emits just 122 g/km of CO2.
