The new Audi A7 Sportback promises space, luxury and a sporty drive. Geraldine Herbert travelled to Copenhagen to tell us whether this new model can deliver on all these fronts and more.
What is it?
Due here at the end of the year the refreshed model combines performance with impressive economy. Along with new engine configurations the A7 benefits from new transmissions, new headlights and tail lights and an enhanced infotainment system.
First impressions of the new Audi A7?
Visual changes to the front grille, bumpers and the lighting are striking differences but over all it looks a much more sleeker package with sharper almost angular lines.
What about the interior?
Slip behind the wheel and instantly subtle changes to the interior enhance the luxury feel and echo the sleek elegance of the exterior. Typically in this sector, the options list is long and includes aluminium/Beaufort walnut inlays, contrasting stitching, black door trims and a new high-grade Valcona leather finish.
Audi A7 on the road:
It’s a super smooth to drive and will waft sumptuously along motorways. While it is no sports car, its sheer bulk is hard to disguise, it handles back roads and corners well. Replacing the old eight speed automatic is a much slicker seven-speed S-tronic gear box.
How Much?
The “ultra” version with 218bhp, front-wheel drive and a 3.0-litre V6 engine is capable of returning a very frugal 60mpg and an impressive 122 grams per kilometre for CO2 emissions. The entry price in the UK for the A7 will be £45,875 with the S7 Sportback priced at £63,375 and the RS7 at £84,480.
How Safe? The Audi A7 comes with an array of passive and active safety features. It has not however been crash tested by the EuroNcap
What are my options?
From launch, the new generation A7 Sportback will be available with a choice of four engines. Power outputs range from 218bhp to 320bhp. There is also a fifth engine option in the range topping S7 with a seriously fast 450bhp of power and if that is not enough the RS 7 Sportback boasts 560bhp. There is also a new SE Executive specification, which replaces the Standard and SE options in the outgoing range. Highlights include all-weather LED headlights, sweeping rear indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels and deluxe four-zone automatic air conditioning. It also includes comforts such as heated and Milano leather-upholstered seats with electric adjustment, MMI navigation, Audi Music Interface, front and rear acoustic parking sensors and a powered tailgate.
3 words to describe the A7 Sportback:
Sophisticated; Super-frugal; Smooth
The new Audi A7 Sportback UK OTR pricing
SE Executive
3.0 TDI ultra 218PS 7 speed S tronic £45,875.00
3.0 TDI quattro 218PS 7 speed S tronic £47,630.00
3.0 TDI quattro 272PS 7 speed S tronic £50,215.00
S line
3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS 7 speed S tronic £53,000.00
3.0 TDI ultra 218PS 7 speed S tronic £48,665.00
3.0 TDI quattro 218PS 7 speed S tronic £50,425.00
3.0 TDI quattro 272PS 7 speed S tronic £53,005.00
3.0 BiTDI quattro 320PS 8 speed tiptronic £56,575.00
Black Edition
3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS 7 speed S tronic £55,350.00
3.0 TDI quattro 218PS 7 speed S tronic £52,775.00
3.0 TDI quattro 272PS 7 speed S tronic £55,355.00
3.0 BiTDI quattro 320PS 8 speed tiptronic £58,925.00
S7 Sportback
4.0 TFSI quattro 450PS 7 speed S tronic £63,375.00
RS 7 Sportback
4.0 TFSI quattro 560PS 8 speed tiptronic £84,480.00
For more information check out the Audi UK website
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