New Audi A7
Mild-hybrid tech, four-wheel steering and 335bhp V6 enhance latest liftback’s appeal
Sharp new look for the luxury liftback
The second-generation Audi A7 has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show next month.
Sporting a sharp new exterior design, the luxury liftback is due to reach the UK during the first quarter of 2018. It comes with a 48-volt electric system, new engines with mildhybrid properties for added fuel savings, as well as a steel and aluminium body structure. As part of a complete engineering overhaul, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo and Mercedesbenz CLS rival also gets a reworked chassis featuring four-wheel steering and a raft of digital interior functions.
Along with the latest A8, the 2018-model-year A7 represents a significant step forward for Audi. As with its larger upper luxury saloon sibling, though, Audi is determined that the A7 should set new class standards, most notably in refinement, which it said provides it with outstanding long-distance ability. However, the firm is also flagging up the digital interior as being central to its appeal.
With just one derivative planned for production from the outset – namely, the A7 55 TFSI pictured here officially for the first time – it also appears Audi is taking necessary steps to ensure top-notch quality during the initial build phase.
At 4969mm in length, 1908mm in width and 1422mm in height, the new Audi is 14mm shorter, a scant 3mm wider and just 2mm higher than the first generation A7 introduced back in 2010. Based around the latest evolution of Audi’s MLB platform, it also adopts a 13mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor at 2923mm, providing it with a larger footprint that will be shared with the new A6 due in 2018.
The A7 will be launched with just a single engine, although others, including both four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, are planned to be added to the line-up as production of the new four-door ramps up at Neckarsulm, Germany.
The turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit comes as standard with a new belt drive alternator, lithium ion battery and 48-volt electric architecture to provide it with mild hybrid properties. At speeds between 34mph and 99mph, it can coast with the combustion process idled for added fuel savings on extended periods of trailing throttle. It also uses a stop/start function that shuts down the engine below 14mph as you roll up to traffic lights. In combination with a front camera, the engine is then restarted as soon as the car ahead begins to move or, alternatively, when the driver activates the throttle again.
The engine produces 335bhp and 369lb ft. Drive is channelled through a standard seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox and the latest iteration of quattro four-wheel drive that only activates the rear wheels when it detects added traction is required.
The new engine provides the A7 55 TFSI with a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.3sec and limited top speed of 155mph, with fuel consumption and
emissions put at 41.5mpg and 154g/km respectively.
Audi is talking up the dynamic qualities of the A7, which follows the trend towards the adoption of four-wheel steering. At speeds below 37mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to those at the front in a bid to imbue the new Audi with added low speed manoeuvrability and a claimed 1.1 metre reduction in the turning circle compared with its predecessor. Above 37mph, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as those at the front in a move Audi says contributes to increased straight line stability and improved highspeed lane change properties.
Stylistically, the five-door layout remains; the cabin doors are frameless like its predecessor’s and the large tailgate hinges from above the rear window to provide unimpeded access to the luggage compartment.
The front end is dominated by the latest evolution of Audi’s single frame grille, which is bookmarked by angular headlights sporting distinctive LED graphics that taper back within the leading part of the front wings. At the rear is an active spoiler. Integrated into the trailing edge of the tailgate, it deploys at speeds above 75mph to increase downforce on the rear axle for added high speed stability.
Audi is talking up the dynamic qualities of the A7, which features four-wheel steering