After a long wait, Audi has finally revealed the second-generation A7 Sportback. The four-door coupe is now more advanced in terms of powertrain, technology and features compared to the outgoing car.
The second-generation A7 carries an evolutionary design of first-gen A7 introduced back in 2007. The fascia is cued from the new A8, with cascading grille and sleek headlamps. Staying true to the Audi Prologue Concept, the A7 boasts of Matrix-LED headlights with Audi laser unit. It measures 4969x1908x1422mm with a wheelbase of 2926mm and sits on 21-inch wheels.
The slopping silhouette is unmistakably that of the A7. There is an integrated spoiler which automatically deploys at 120kmph. At the rear, the A7 now carries the design feature which will be common to all Audi’s top models – flat light strip tail lights. The LED strip is made up of 13 vertical segments with dynamic lighting signatures. There are 15 colours to choose from, eight of which are all-new. The S-trim of the Sportback gets a remodelled grille and air dams with rear diffusers to lend it a sportier stance.
On the inside, the clean cabin is scrounged from the A8 flagship. The centre console is oriented towards the driver and is dominated by two screens. The upper screen is for infotainment while lower screen is used for climate control, comfort functions and text inputs. There’s a heads-up display as well. There is a mixture of black panels, graphite grey aluminium inlays and beige all around the cabin. The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit. The A7 comes with a long list of connectivity features as well.
Audi has also provided the A7 with AI features for remote parking like in the A8. There are no less than 39 driver assistance systems with improved control mechanics. The A7 also boasts of rear-wheel steering for the first time.
Under the creased bonnet is a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol engine for now. The turbocharged motor produces 340bhp and 500N with a 0-100kmph time of 5.3seconds and a top speed of 250kmph. Transmission is a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch unit. The 48-volt mild hybrid system from A8 also comes as standard. More four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options will surely follow later.
The new-gen A7 will be produced at the Neckarsulm facility in Germany. The order books will open in early 2018 with an estimated price of 62,225 euros.
