Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI S line 2018 first drive

This is the first petrol-engined version of the second generation Audi A7 Sportsback, which represents Audi’s latest attempt to topple the Mercedes-Benz CLS for honours in the tricky luxury grand touring coupe market.

Sharing the latest evolution of Audi’s MLB platform with the forthcoming A6 due later this year, the grand tourer is 5mm shorter than the previous model, albeit with a wheelbase that is 12mm longer.

While the 50 TDI we’ve also reviewed is expected to be the bigger seller of the two early engine options, the 55 TFSI seen here will be the first to go on sale (with the diesel following quickly after). As fans of Audi’s recently introduced new model naming system will know, the 55 designation indicates that car’s powertrain produces between 328 and 468bhp. In the case of this car we’re talking 354bhp, from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. As with the diesel, the engine (previously seen on the new Audi A8) is complemented by a 48-volt belt alternator starter mild hybrid system, which can recover up to 12kW of energy (enough for 16bhp) when braking or coasting (it will automatically disengage the engine when coasting at speeds between 34 and 99mph).

The powertrain, which uses a 7-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, produces 369lb ft of torque at 1370-4500rpm. The engine also features a multi-plate clutch in place of a limited slip differential, and runs in two-wheel drive during standard running, switching on when the car’s various high-tech sensors and systems detect it’s necessary – or going to be necessary.

The new A7 Sportback has had a makeover to follow Audi’s new design language – it’s sleek and attractive, if not a revolutionary departure from what went before. Our test car came in top-level S line trim, which adds to special front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a few S line logos. It also adds HD Matrix LED headlights at the front, and ‘dynamic’ LED rear lights that run across the length of the boot.

Inside, the dashboard is dominated by the twin touchscreen MMI system – featuring 10.1in and 8.6in displays – and the 12.3in Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display. On top of the features covered in our review of the 50 TDI sport model here, S line trim interiors feature leather and Alcantara-covered sports seats.

The A7 Sportback takes much of the technology recently introduced on the flagship Audi A8, including a raft of driver assistance features. And, as is customary with Audi, the optional equipment kit is extensive. Some of those fitted to our test car included the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, a smartphone interface, phone charging box and a night vision display.