New Audi A7 Sportback: at the forefront of technology

It was in 2010 that the Audi A7 began production. The four-door coupé craze was sweeping our market and people loved it. Seven years later, the most stylish saloon from the brand of the four rings is being renewed and arrives fresher than ever.

We must admit that the previous generation of the Audi A7 was crying out for a change, and the Germans have responded to our pleas in the best possible way. Following the success the German saloon enjoyed, the engineers at Audi have taken everything the previous A7 stood for up to now and reinterpreted it.

We can see how the new A7 inherits elements directly from its big brother, the Audi A8. Both vehicles are based on the concept car they presented a few years ago, the Audi Prologue. The designers have shaped the prototype until adjusting it to the needs and tastes of today’s public.

The concept of the four-ring saloon maintains the same philosophy, and we can see it reflected in its lines. The saloon has a slim, elongated design that expresses dynamism across the whole of its body. It features an aggressive yet elegant nose. The extension of its figure culminates at the rear, which tapers into a slim, polished tail. This helps give the new A7 the look of a coupé.

In terms of dimensions, it does not differ much from the previous model. It measures 4.97 metres long, 1.91 wide and 1.42 high. To further the sporty character of the A7, Audi optionally includes the S-line pack, which modifies some exterior elements such as the radiator grille, the sill panels and the front and rear diffusers.

In the German saloon, technology is present everywhere but, above all, in the interior. In the cabin we can find great similarities with the recently renewed Audi A8. The Virtual Cockpit is now part of the A7, and two large touchscreens – of 10.1 and 8.1 inches – govern the dashboard and centre console. All these technological elements come with the MMI navigation plus, which also includes voice control. The A7 relatively sacrifices the rear third seat, although a 2+1 configuration remains available as an option.

As with the Audi A8, the A7 will also feature the Audi AI remote parking pilot and Audi AI remote garage pilot systems, which allow the vehicle to enter and exit a parking space autonomously. Furthermore, depending on the equipment level chosen, our A7 can be fitted with up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.

But technology is not limited to the interior. The four-wheel dynamic steering (optional) and the new electronic chassis platform (ECP) make the new A7 Sportback much more stable. The four-wheel dynamic steering includes a steerable rear axle – and, as an option, a rear sports differential – and drivers of the new A7 can choose between four different suspension configurations: conventional steel springs, the sport suspension that lowers the body height by 10 mm, electronically controlled damping and adaptive air suspension.

The V6 engines that will take centre stage in the new A7 will feature mild-hybrid technology, which includes a 48-volt battery and works as a belt-driven starter generator (BAS), performing the function of the starter motor together with a lithium-ion battery. The A7 debuts with a 3.0 V6 engine producing 340 CV – more diesel and petrol engines will be added throughout the year – and is paired with a 7-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. The price of the A7 with this engine starts from €67,800, but it will not reach our market until February.