Full details on new Audi A7
Latest luxury hatch takes design and tech from A8 as it targets Mercedes CLS
Evolutionary looks, raft of new tech and 48V mild hybrid power
New model goes on sale next year, but UK prices not revealed yet
AUDI has finally taken the covers off the new A7 Sportback. Set to go on sale early next year, the Mercedes CLS rival has an evolved exterior look, a raft of new tech inside and mild hybrid powertrains.
The latest A7 Sportback follows on from the new A8 by adopting Audi’s MLB Evo platform. At 4,969mm it’s actually slightly shorter than the outgoing model, but it’s nearly identical in terms of width and height. The wheelbase is 10mm longer in a bid to deliver more cabin space.
The design is a familiar evolution of the previous version, but a number of detail changes are evident. At the front the car borrows heavily from the new A8, although the grille is wider and lower, and the headlamps are narrower. Three lighting systems are offered, with the flagship Matrix LED set-up using Audi’s laser light tech.
While the side profile and plunging roofline are carried over largely unchanged, the rear now boasts a full-width LED taillight. Audi promises it produces “fastmoving light animations” when the doors are unlocked. The rear spoiler, which rises at speeds above 75mph, is retained, while eight new colours complete the redesign.
An optional S line styling pack brings a gloss black grille, plus sportier gloss black front and rear diffusers and sills. Advanced
Inside, a lot more A8 influence is apparent; the A7 inherits Audi’s most advanced MMI Touch Response infotainment system.
Two screens control most of the car’s functions, with a 10.1-inch upper display handling the infotainment and navigation, and an 8.6-inch unit below for the climate and comfort settings. Both screens use haptic and acoustic feedback to allow users to feel and hear a confirmation ‘click’ when a button is pressed. You’ll have to pay extra for sat-nav in basic cars, however.
Personal user profiles can be created with up to 400 different parameters, while there’s now increased hazard information tech that can communicate with other Audis. A total of 39 driver assistance systems are available, with phone-operated autonomous remote parking due in 2018.
The cabin introduces what Audi calls a “futuristic lounge atmosphere”, designed to create a feeling of airiness and space. More headroom is promised in the rear, although the 535-litre boot remains unchanged.
The new A7 launches with onee engine: a 335bhp 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol unit – badged 55 TFSI under Audi’s neww naming
“Cabin introduces what Audi calls a ‘futuristic ic lounge atmosphere’,’, to create a sense of space” ace”
strategy – producing 500Nm of torque. That translates to a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, while Audi claims CO2 emissions of 154g/km and 41mpg. Additional six and four-cylinder engines will be added to the range later on.
The V6 engine features mild hybrid tech in the shape of a 48V electrical system. Regenerative braking feeds a lithium-ion battery and a starter generator, allowing the car to coast with the engine off whenever practical between 34mph and 99mph. Stop/start now activates below 14mph, and fires the engine automatically when the traffic moves off. Audi claims this improves fuel economy by around 10 per cent.
All A7 Sportbacks are rear-wheel drive, with the optional quattro four-wheel-drive system sending power to the fronts when required. Four-wheel steering is available to boost agility, plus a new electronic chassis control system makes its debut.
Four suspension set-ups can be chosen: standard steel springs, sports suspension that’s lowered by 10mm, an adaptive damper system or self-levelling air suspension. A rear limited-slip differential can also be specified.
The new A7 Sportback goes on sale early next year, with deliveries in the spring. It’ll cost 67,800 Euros (£61,000) in Germany, with UK prices set to be revealed later.