AUDI A7 Sportback Review

Audi brought the A7 Sportback to the world simply because it couldn't ignore the success of Mercedes' CLS. Nevertheless, since following was not an option, Audi decided to lead... its design team, asking them to come up with something similar, but totally different. The solution they found was to add one extra door.

Audi's A7 is defined by its slopping roofline, but this is placed over an elongated hatchback body. This way, the A7 holds a total of five doors, unlike the Mercedes CLS or the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Sure, BMW had already tried this with the 5 Series GT, but its bizarre styling means it doesn't share customers with any of the three aforementioned models.

Audi had already tested its new recipe with the introduction of the A5 Sportback, which had been launched one year before. All the company needed to do next was to go bigger.

For the foundation, the Germans shaped their overly modular MLB architecture into something that could serve an executive class vehicle. To justify the investment, the result would underpin at least two models. The first was the A7, which was followed by a fourth generation for the A6.

There are no past vehicles that sit behind the A7 in Audi's history book, but the German brand has always enjoyed trying out new roads. In fact, this appetite for all things novelty is perhaps the asset that brought the company where it is, so we could say that the Audi A7 has a history after all.

The Audi A7 Sportback's open-minded design means that the model currently sits at the top of the Audi range in terms of "fresh air". We wanted to catch a breath of it ourselves and so we grabbed the keys to an example that used a balanced technical setup.

The car we drove treated us with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, a unit that had made its debut on a performance Audi model, the S4. Audi's ever-present sharp tools were also there, its quattro all-wheel drive and S tronic double clutch gearbox.

We set off willing to find out if the Audi A7 is a car that also feels different or just looks this way. The first impression is that it's very easy to work together with the A7, so it's a good start.

These days, when you see an Audi approaching, it's really not advisable to place a bet with your friends on what exact model is coming towards you. They all look the same, so you have a good chance of loosing your money.

The A7 Sportback does have a strong personality though. The model inspires you to bow in respect when you see it. Its only visual problem lies in the existence of the A5 Sportback, but fortunately the major differences between their faces sets them apart.

We can also look at the A7 Sportback from the perspective of the A6, whom it is closely related to. The A7 imposes its visual aura using its proportions - compared to the A6, the A7 Sportback is lower, wider and longer.

The Audi A7 Sportback starts with a single-frame grille that has six corners like that on the A8. As Audi has accustomed us, the grille is flanked by headlights that express the company's thirst for technology. If you're willing to spend, Audi can gift your A7 with all-LED headlights.

Viewed from the side, the Audi A7 has much more than just its flowing, flat roof arch to impress. The aforementioned roof line flows into the rear shoulders via a C-pillar that features a third side window. This has an upward pointing tip, aiming to remind us of the carmaker's way of being romantic in the late 60s, the Audi 100 Coupe S.

Below the frameless windows, which account to one third of the car's profile, sits the A7's waistline. Audi calls this a tornado line and, along with the fancy name, the company has also offered it a bold appearance.

The rear end of the Audi A7 has a homogenous form, managing to integrate a collection of strong elements. It all starts with the additional brake light. This runs the entire width of the rear window, as if it aims to connect Audi to Bentley's heritage.

As for the window itself, this looks like a natural extension of the roof and flows further down than usual. Only a thin sheet of metal separates the glass from a rear spoiler that performs an automatic reverence once the car goes past 80 mph (130 km/h). If you please, you can also command the move using a dedicated button.

Starting the descend we find a pair of taillights that feature one of the strongest design ever to come out the Audi offices. These rely entirely on LED technology, with the exception of the reversing light. The final distinct element is a diffuser-like area, which marks the end of the rear fascia.

The cabin of the Audi A7 Sportback somehow mirrors the exterior in terms of design language. The interior of the A7 abounds in flowing elements. The most obvious one is an arch that goes from the driver's door panel, throughout the dashboard, to the front passenger's door. This allows the dashboard to seem like it's wrapped around the front passengers.

The driver is treated with an instrument panel that managed to please us all by itself. This offers the impression of a three-dimensional area, with the speedometer and the rev counter being angled towards the driver information display in the center.

The two dials are an example of functionality and they're flanked by curved LED strips that indicate the fuel level and engine temperature. As for the aforementioned display that sits in between, this is huge, going up to 7 inches when you're generous with the options.

And the Audi A7 Sportback has an elegant way of greeting its master - once the ignition is switched on, a 6.5-inch display rises from the middle of the dash. After the drama of the moment is gone, you'll notice that its size and resolution make it extremely pleasant to use, whether for choosing a driving mode or for using the navigation.

The layout is obviously driver-orientated, while the thick center console gives the impression of force even before leaving the parking lot. There are plenty of buttons everywhere, which serves the ergonomics right and there's even a touch pad that has rather entertaining functions.

This pad is placed in the proximity of the elongate-shaped gear shifter. When you're using the radio, it displays a numeric keyboard, so that you can select the stations you had previously saved.

Use the MMI controller in front of the armrest to switch to the navigation and the pad allows you to exercise your handwriting. You can rely on it to "draw" the first letter of your destination. You get used to the interface in no time and then start wondering why you can't find one in every car.

So far, so good, but there's no trick we haven't also seen in the A6. Do not worry though, the A7 has some original moves for its cabin. The car's interior feels more refined than that of the A6 thanks to its layout.

This is a low and long machine and you sense it from the moment you get in. You feel more cocooned than in the A6, both up front and in the back. And while the A6 can seat five, albeit more in theory than in real life, the A7 makes it clear that it only caters to four.

Speaking of the seats, the optional comfort units on our test car were truly impressive. Their appearance didn't offer too many hints about this, but they proved to be one of the most ergonomic and comfortable places we've ever spent a test drive in.

The notion of "coupe" usually comes with a price in terms of luggage space, but comparing the A7 with the A6 proves that this isn't always true. At 18.9 cu. ft. (535 L) the A7 Sportback slightly outperforms the A6. And if we fold the seat backs, the A7 can accommodate 49 cu. ft. (1,390 L) of luggage, a respectable value even when compared to the A6 Avant's 59.3 cu. ft. (1,680 L).

In theory, the Audi A7 isn't exactly what you'd call suitable for urban driving. Not only is it a rather large car, but it also comes in a coupe form that affects visibility. Nevertheless, a single journey through the city reveals that Audi's A7 has other sides that make it a rather good urban partner.

The Audi A7's reaction time is pleasing, with the car responding to your request without hesitation. This is a much needed asset between the borders of the city, where one moment you're cruising along nicely, while the next you're swerving to avoid a car that had just cut you off.

The powertrain of our test car amplified this sensation of swift response. The supercharged engine and the double-clutch gearbox share one key strong point, instant reactions. As you drive along, the immediate response, which doesn't depend on the revs, gives you a sense of total freedom.

And then there's the character of the thing. The A7 Sportback knows how to isolate you form the rush hour frenzy. This way, you can sit back and enjoy the cabin, which has multiple layers of delights to offer.

And the A7 knows how to make use of its charm, even when the city tries to bite. Whenever you're sitting in line, waiting for that stubborn light to turn green, you can admire its harmonious lines in the door mirrors. At the end of these lines, sits an 18.9 cu. ft. (535 L) trunk. The "Sportback" part in the car's designation means that you get to access the boot via a hatch. This has a high opening and proved extremely practical in all kinds of situations.

The Audi A7 Sportback also managed to deal with parking maneuvers in a manner that doesn't require too much effort. First of all, the visibility is above what you'd imagine judging by the exterior lines. In addition, you're assisted by the all-round cameras, so you you'll never look silly when performing such maneuvers.

Placing the aforementioned styling cues of the car among other vehicles on the street does make the Audi A7 stand out. However, the designs says "classy" rather than "opulent", so you'll fit in just fine. Nicely played Audi.

Once you can stretch the Audi's A7 legs out on the open road, you'll notice that this is a car which balances comfort with driving dynamics. However, the ride gets more attention than the handling.

It doesn't matter what you do with the Audi A7 or how your drive it, the vehicle always makes sure that it provides the appropriate level of comfort. We drove a steel spring suspension-fitted model before moving on to the air suspension and even in this basic setup the ride is pleasant. Just make sure to stay away from the optional passive sports suspension.

Whether it was on B-roads or on the highway, the A7 quickly found its place and didn't protest too much when introduced to the unpleasant parts of the road.

Of course, there are also times when you find the exact opposite, a twisty stretch of road that makes you want to step up the game. When this happens, the A7 can keep up with your ambitions in a decent manner.

We've entered a rather long bend a bit too enthusiastic and the vehicle manages to find its balance on the tarmac. Understeer does appear in spite of the all-wheel drive, but only slightly.

The steering provides some feedback, even though it could do with more. Unfortunately, using the wheel is the only way to steer the car. We've tried all sorts of maneuvers that would allow us to steer via the throttle, but the car simply isn't set up to allow this.

The only complain we have is connected with the passive suspension. This doesn't seem to be able to perfectly keep the car in check during repeated direction changes. The ESP takes over quickly though, restoring peace.

In the end, the A7 Sportback doesn't shatter when you start driving hard, but it won't reward you for this kind of behavior either.

As for the supercharged three-liter V6, this works perfectly together with the dual clutch S tronic gearbox. The engine brings noticeable resources, as well as an immediate and liner response, while the transmission's shifts are barely perceptible.

Together, the aforementioned assets offer an agility that brings a smile on your face. This powertrain is more than enough for normal and even mildly spirited driving.

When it came to fuel efficiency, our A7 3.0 TFSI S tronic test car returned an average of 20 mpg (11.8 liters per 100 km). We have to mention that the value climbed as high as 30 mpg (7.8 l/100 km) during a highway cruise at 80 mph (130 km/h).

We took the Audi A7 Sportback by the wheel and threw some B-roads at it in order to compare it to the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe we drove in the past. The Audi has a way of shrinking around you which makes the BMW seems heavy. The Audi is indeed lighter, but the difference is small, approximately accounting to the weight of an extra passenger.

In fact, this is what you'll remember after a drive in the A7- the car is agile, it responds to your inputs without hesitation.

You can also change the personality of the Audi A7 via a dedicated control system, which includes three standard settings. If you gift the A7 with the right optionals, the system alters the powertrain, suspension, steering and the seatbelt tensioner. And if your A7 uses Audi's new BiTDI twin-turbo V6 diesel, you'll also be able to play with the exhaust note.

This may sound like a cliche, but it's best to leave the car in the "Auto" mode. Nevertheless, the "Dynamic" setting is also usable, as it doesn't make the suspension or the powertrain seem to tight. There is one disadvantage we found for this setup though, as it seems to add extra weight to the steering without any benefit in terms of feedback.

Besides Comfort, there's also a wonderful Individual setup, which allows you to play with each of the parameters individually. On many occasions, we found ourselves putting all the settings on “Auto” and the powertrain in “Sport”.