Audi has taken the wraps off the second generation Audi A7 Sportback. Here’s how the 2018 Audi A7 Sportback compares with the 2014 Audi A7 Sportback.
The original Audi A7 Sportback, introduced in July 2010, was Audi’s first attempt at filling the white space between the Audi A6 and the Audi A8. With time, the executive coupe has evolved to look sharper and classier, first with the mid-cycle refresh in 2014 and then with the lifecycle makeover. Like the fifth-gen Audi A8, second-gen Audi A7 Sportback embodies the brand’s new design language from the Audi prologue concept. The new Singleframe grille, HD Matrix LED headlights with laser high beam, 21-inch wheels, full-width LED tail lights and active rear spoiler are the 2018 Audi A7 Sportback’s exterior highlights.
The second generation Audi A7 Sportback is 4,969 mm long, 1,908 mm wide and 1,422 mm tall. The four-door coupe’s wheelbase spans a length of 2,926 mm. The first generation Audi A7 Sportback is 4,974 mm long, 1,911 mm wide and 1,420 mm tall. It has a 2,914 mm wheelbase. The car’s height has increased by 2 mm, but its length and width have decreased by 5 mm and 3 mm respectively. The wheelbase sees a substantial improvement of 12 mm. The interior length has increased 21 mm, and so, there’s more knee room and headroom than the old model.
Inside, the 2018 Audi A7 Sportback’s three-spoke steering wheel, dashboard, centre console, door panels and instrument cluster are new making the cabin clean and premium. Here too, Audi has borrowed cues from the Audi prologue studies. The company has equipped the car with all the latest technologies, including the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, Audi AI systems, 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.6-inch touch display for accessing the climate control system, comfort functions and text input. The centre console is tilted towards the driver seat for accessing both central displays easily.
The 2010 Audi A7 Sportback sits on the MLB platform. The 2018 Audi A7 Sportback uses the MLB Evo platform. A new mild hybrid system is standard in the all-new A7, which can coast in freewheeling mode at speeds between 55 km/h and 160 km/h. The old Audi A7 Sportback is available with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, with displacements as small as 2.0-litre.
The 2018 Audi A7 Sportback has a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine as standard. This turbocharged V6 mill develops 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque. More engine options (four- and six-cylinder) will follow after the production commences. The 3.0-litre TFSI engine is linked to the 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. The quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, while a sport differential is available as an option.
Audi builds the 2018 Audi A7 Sportback in Neckarsulm, Germany. The new generation A7 Sportback’s launch in Germany will take place in late February 2018. The Mercedes CLS rival will retail at €67,800 in the brand’s home market.
2018 Audi A7 Sportback vs. 2014 Audi A7 Sportback - Dimensions
| Dimensions |
2014 Audi A7 Sportback | 2018 Audi A7 Sportback |
| Length | 4,974 mm | 4,969 mm |
| Width | 1,911 mm | 1,908 mm |
| Height | 1,420 mm | 1,422 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,914 mm | 2,926 mm |
