What is it?
The Audi A7 Sportback has undergone an update in line with Audi’s new styling for 2024. The luxurious model sports a new look and new technology, bringing with it a host of innovations which aim to bring a blend of both sporty and comfortable driving characteristics.
If you’re after a big, luxurious car that is capable of conquering big-mileage journeys, then Audi has always been a go-to brand. More recently, it is this car - the A7 - which has been reintroduced to deliver that all-encompassing experience, bringing with it a host of innovations which aim to bring a blend of both sporty and comfortable driving characteristics.
What’s new?
The A7 offers a slightly different take on the traditional executive design. The popular A6 has a more recognisable design, whereas the A7 takes a far more coupe-inspired appearance but with an opulent, spacious interior. For 2024, the Audi A7 has newly design trim levels, a brand-new front honeycomb grille and rear design and upgraded standard equipment. Audi’s standard alloys have also been overhauled for the new version and bold exterior colours and interior features have also been added to the lineup.
Electrification has also formed a core part of the A7 range, too, with a petrol plug-in hybrid version being included in the range. This helps to make the A7 more efficient while boosting the number of miles you’ll get from a full tank.
What’s under the bonnet?
Outside of performance ‘S’ and ‘RS’ models, there are three engines to choose from with the A7. There’s are two litre diesel engine with an output of 204 PS which is paired with the smooth S tronic, automatic gearbox and Audi’s famous quattro four-wheel drive. This engine variant delivers a 0-62 mph time of seven seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
There’s also a two litre petrol option which brings 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. It’s more than enough performance for most occasions and Audi claims that you should get up to 34.0 mpg as well.
The Audi A7 TFSI e variant combines the petrol engine with a 17.9 kWh battery. This plug-in option offers up to 41 miles of pure electric range.
What’s it like to drive?
If you’ve got a long, stretching section of road ahead of you then there are few cars you’d rather be in than the A7. It’s superb at whisking away the miles, so for big-distance drivers - or those who really like a road trip - it makes for a great choice. Well-judged suspension takes the worst out of the road imperfections, too.
It’s still plenty of fun through the bends, mind you. Sure, it’s a big car and you can, at times, feel the A7’s weight, but it’s still more than rewarding enough through twisty sections.
How does it look?
The A7 has quite a curious design, in truth. It’s not an out-and-out saloon, nor is it an estate. It’s got Audi’s now quite well-defined Sportback stance which brings a combination of the two with its long, sweeping roofline and quite sharp boot section. It does look well judged, however, and there is, of course, a very large grille which has now become a must-have in any new Audi model.
We also like the distinctive lights at the front and rear, Audi have made the striking Matrix LED headlights standard on all trim levels while at the back of the A7 you’ve also got a full-width light bar for a particularly futuristic appearance.
What’s it like inside?
The A7 has the excellent level of build quality that we’ve come to expect from Audi models with great materials used throughout. Most importantly, it’s all screwed together impressively well and when you’re driving there are no squeaks or rattles to be heard.
A long wheelbase means that the A7 is able to give rear-seat passengers loads of space, though headroom might be a little bit tight for taller occupants. The A7’s 535-litre boot is also well-sized and easy to access, while the hatchback boot makes getting larger items into the load area really easy.
What’s the spec like?
All versions of the A7 get loads of equipment, with even entry-level Sport models gaining 19-inch alloy wheels and HD Matrix headlights alongside Audi’s full dual-screen infotainment system which remains one of the most intuitive in the business.
S Line versions get a sportier exterior bodykit and larger alloy wheels for a more distinctive appearance while range-topping Black Edition cars come with - as you might expect - plenty of gloss black sections, plus carbon fibre accents inside and a leather-trimmed sport multifunction steering wheel.
Verdict
The A7 brings a great combination of comfort, performance and space. As a result, it could prove to be a good fit for a variety of drivers, particularly those who like to do long-distance trips without breaking a sweat.
The three powertrains on offer both bring decent efficiency, too, but it’s the A7’s real all-rounder ability which makes it one of the stand-out choices on the market today.