Audi A7 Sportback (2011 – 2018) Review

July 2010

Audi unveiled the A7 Sportback

A model described as a four-door coupe designed to be a more practical alternative to the Audi A8 and a rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS. 4,970mm long x 1,910mm wide. Up to 1,390 litres luggage capacity.

The new A7 Sportback will initially offer a choice of four FSI petrol and TDI engines delivering strong pulling power with limousine-like polish. The naturally aspirated 204bhp 2.8-litre FSI and supercharged 300bhp 3.0-litre TFSI petrol units will be complemented by two versions of the acclaimed 3.0-litre TDI in 204bhp and 245bhp .

For the first time in Audi models at this level, these will be combined with the rapid-shifting seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission (on quattro models). The all-wheel-drive system appears in latest generation form with a 40/60 rear bias and featuring the crown gear differential first seen in the RS 5, which can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles even more widely for even greater agility.

With the added benefit of new engine load-reducing electromechanical power steering, and the fuel-sparing, torque converter-free Audi multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission fitted as standard to front-wheel-drive versions, fuel economy of up to 53.3mpg, and CO2of as little as 139g/km is possible if the 3.0 TDI (204bhp) is specified.

Economy can also be further optimized when the standard satellite navigation system is upgraded to MMI navigation plus, the detailed route data from which can be used to factor corners into the automatic transmission’s shift strategy and avoid unnecessary, fuel-sapping gear changes. The optional adaptive cruise control and adaptive light swivelling cornering light systems are also influenced by feedback from the navigation unit.

In terms of size the new A7 Sportback stands almost toe to toe with the current A6 Saloon with a length of 4.97m and width of 1,91m, although its elegantly tapered coupe roofline ensures that it sits even more purposefully on the road. The executive class dimensions are reflected in executive class interior space for up to four adults, and when luggage takes precedence up to 1390 litres of capacity can be made available and is easily accessible via the long tailgate with its standard motorized operation, which also enables the precise opening angle to be set via buttons on the hatch.

The ‘hub’ of the interior is the advanced Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with retractable 6.5-inch monitor, which with its large central control knob and reduced number of buttons is now even more intuitive to use when operating the standard high end audio and navigation systems and the Bluetooth phone interface.

MMI will be upgradeable at extra cost to MMI Touch with its 8-inch monitor and fingertip sensitive touch pad as seen first in the new A8. As well as ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can store audio tracks and telephone data on its sizeable hard disk. To enter a destination or phone number, the driver need only draw the required letters or numbers with their index finger on the touch pad.

For the first time in a production Audi, a ‘head-up’ display will be available at extra cost in the A7 Sportback. The sophisticated system will project key information, including economy and speed data and navigation routing onto the windscreen so that it appears to float at a distance of around 2.5 metres ahead of the driver.

July 2011

More A7 quattro models launched

New 3.0-litre TDI quattro 204PS models will be available to order early next month to coincide with a new Standard trim level that will be available exclusively with this engine. In new Standard form the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI will lower the range entry price to £39,995 OTR, with the new A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro just above at £41,675 OTR.

The ‘entry level’ V6 TDI engine has until now been offered only in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and the eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission. In this form it powers the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 204PS to 62mph from rest in 7.4 seconds and on to a 146mph top speed, while at the same time offering the potential for 55.4mpg fuel economy with low 135g/km CO2 emissions.

This configuration, which is now available from £39,995 OTR, will continue alongside the new quattro all-wheel-drive version. Equipped with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS covers the 0-62mph sprint a fraction more quickly at 7.2 seconds, matches the 146mph top speed and offers up to 48.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 152g/km.

January 2012

New 313PS Biturbo TDI engine now available

Available now in A6 models priced from £43,810 OTR, and from £51,645 OTR in the A7 Sportback, it combines trademark Audi TDI refinement with an exhaust-mounted sound actuator that enables it to deliver its mighty 650Nm output to the tune of a distinctly sporting soundtrack.

Slotting in above the single-turbo 204PS and 245PS versions of the 3.0 TDI that already feature in the A6 and A7 Sportback ranges, the latest V6 has a two-stage turbocharger group that delivers a maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar, helping the A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro Saloon to lunge at the horizon and pass the 62mph marker in as little as 5.1 seconds, and the A6 Avant and A7 Sportback to do the same in just 5.3 seconds. An electronically limited top speed of 155mph is common to all versions.

Like the existing TDI engines, the new star performer is backed up by technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, including start-stop and recuperation systems and the innovative thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and oil up to their operating temperatures. With their help, combined economy in A6 and A7 Sportback models is on an equal footing at 44.1mpg – an impressive figure given the high outputs and low acceleration times involved.

Thanks to an innovative actuator in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system, the BiTDI A6 and A7 Sportback models don’t sound like they should be capable of such level-headed economy figures. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

November 2012

Black Edition A7 Sportback launched

Priced from £50,575 OTR to £56,785 OTR, the Black Edition distinguishing features start from the ground up with 21-inch rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish and lowered S line sports suspension. There is also a black finish for the grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, plus privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards.

Inside, the scene is set by distinctive Piano Black inlays which complement the sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather and the black headlining. The A7 Sportback Black Edition gains the BOSE upgrade, and already features DAB radio and AMI as standard from SE specification and above.

The new Black Edition specification is an ideal accompaniment to the formidable 3.0-litre BiTDI unit with its 313PS and 650Nm of torque. It's also available in all versions bar the front-wheel-drive 3.0-litre TDI 204PS and the S7 Sportback.

May 2014

Revised A7 Sportback revealed

Exterior changes to the A7 Sportback and S7 Sportback are limited, with just a new hexagonal grille and restyled bumpers to tell it apart. However, Audi has added LED headlamps as standard and Matrix LED headlights will be available as an option to reduce glare to oncoming vehicles by dimming individual diodes to oncoming traffic.

Inside the A7 Sportback is almost identical to the outgoing model, but Audi has added its latest infotainment system, with revised interface and MMI touch, which enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad. Audi has also introduced new interior materials to the A7 Sportback, with five new colour options, including Valcona leather, Lunar silver and aluminium/Beaufort walnut inlays. However, the overall layout remains unchanged and boot space is the same 535 litres, which increases to 1390 litres with the rear seats down.

Under the bonnet buyers can choose from five engines - two petrol and three diesel units – with outputs ranging from 218PS to 333PS. The only new powerplant in the range is the 218PS 3.0 TDI, which returns a claimed 60.1mpg and produces 122g/km of CO2.

The V6 diesel is linked to a front-wheel drive layout, with a redeveloped seven-speed automatic ‘box. The 3.0 TDI biturbo tops the diesel range, delivering 320PS with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The S7 Sportback gets the familiar 4.0-litre TFSI, which delivers 450PS and uses Audi's cylinder on demand technology to deactivate four-cylinders at cruising speed or low revs. Audi tell us s ome engine configurations will equipped with new lightweight brake and power steering system, with electromechanical drive for improved fuel economy. Goes on sale in November 2014.

August 2014

Audi A7 TDI Ultra launched

Priced from £45,875 OTR, the latest, simplified A7 Sportback line-up combines enhanced EU6-compliant engines with styling revisions, new LED headlights and tail lights including ‘sweeping’ indicators, further improved interior decor and upgraded infotainment. The first examples are set to arrive with UK customers in the last quarter of 2014.

A particular highlight in the new line-up will undoubtedly be the A7 Sportback ultra, the first in this new range of overtly efficiency focused models to combine frugality worthy of the ultra badge with six cylinder power.

The heavily modified single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 is capable of returning an outstanding 60.1mpg, corresponding to 122g/km of CO2 and a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission newly developed specifically for front-wheel-drive applications helps to maximise its 400Nm peak torque output and delivers keener response than the multitronic CVT transmission used by its closest predecessor. In the TDI ultra the 0-62mph sprint takes just 7.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 149mph.

The 218PS V6 TDI engine is also available in the new range in conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive and seven-speed S tronic transmission, a configuration that is shared by the 272PS single-turbo V6 which slots in above it in the range. In the top TDI tier, the mighty 320PS twin turbo BiTDI channels its 650Nm via the eight-speed tiptronic automatic. As an alternative to diesel power, a supercharged six-cylinder petrol unit delivering 333PS and linked to the seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive is also available.

First in line in the new order for the latest A7 Sportback is SE Executive specification, which replaces the Standard and SE options in the outgoing range. Highlights which elevate this comprehensive new trim level above its predecessors 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, to name but a small proportion of the features.

S line specification is next in line, and is enhanced in the latest range by larger 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 19 inches), sweeping function indicators at the front and rear and Matrix LED headlights. Each of these advanced units features 25 separate LED bulbs which are individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic to automatically divert light around obstacles without the need to deactivate the high beam setting.

In a new departure for the A7 Sportback range, the sports suspension that is included as part of the S line specification can be ‘deselected’ in favour of standard suspension at no extra cost if required, and for an even greater focus on comfort the wheel size in this version can be dropped down to 19-inch, also at no cost. Inside, in another break with tradition, the normally black S line colour scheme can also now be replaced by a new Lunar silver colour option.

At the upper end of the range, Black Edition, S7 Sportback and RS 7 Sportback models also of course benefit from all the relevant styling and equipment enhancements.