What is it?
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.
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Looks great in blue!
Makes a change from the usual boring Audi grey....
Different Audi same verdict.
Image over substance ??
I thought much the same like you, it was called ignorance, however having owned a A6 ulltra Avant for nearly four years the spread of ability this car has makes it hard for me to look at anyother marque. It does sound like you've never actually owned one otherwise you would be lording over its reliability, efficiency (over 600 miles to a tank on a run), speed and quality. The fact of the matter is most people who buy this class of car couldn't give a rats arse about handling finese or steering feedback. Of course their are times I wished I could get the tail out or feel the size of the tar granules through my steering wheel, but for most of the time, say 95% I couldn't fopr anything else. Commentators on here who do complain probably will never get in to one of these cars unless they have a well healed uncle whos taken them out to lunch. Yes perhaps not XF levels of ride quality but I have to say it is better then any M sport that I have previously owned and at least my head does not bounce off the headrests like it did in my previous M sport 5 and the new gen audi interiors really do knock socks off of anything else, this side of a Range Rover.
V12smig wrote:
I chose both a 3 Series and a Merc C class over an A4 in the past. No difference in reliability and the other 2 were nicer to drive and more comfortable. Audi's are dull and as you state driven by people who don't care about driving. You boast about a long range (you are aware any fuel efficient car with a large tank can do that) and a nice interior .... fair enough. But you can get that from a Passat estate or a Skoda Superb estate. Yet you spent shed loads more. Image over substance is choosing the much more expensive Audi over equally capable VAG cars. I chose mine because I like driving and not feeling smug!
Get your facts right..not just this report but so many are wrong
Dear Autocar,
Your accuracy regarding factual information and poor proof-reading continues to annoy...and if anything, is actually getting worse!!
Regarding this single article alone:
- "five-door coupe market": hmm, the Audi's two main protaganists, the 6 Gran Coupe and CLS, are actually four-door 'coupes'
- "20-inch tyres": think you might mean 20-inch wheels...
- "S line trim also features sport suspension (10mm lower than standard) and 20in tyres (the lower sport trim has 19in as standard), although our test car was also fitted with adaptive air suspension and 20in tyres.": I assume you mean that the model tested actually had optional 21" rims as you later refer to the TDI model as having a smoother ride on its 20" rims...
Quite appalling to find so many mistakes in a single, short article...
And, subjectively, the Audi A7, despite generally liking their design ethos, has never been one of my favourite, because of that 'droopy' rear end, which continues with the new version. Despite not being a particular fan of BMW, I think the 6 Gran Coupe is a masterpiece of design, although spec has to be carefully considered to ensure it does not come across as 'bling' which, unfortunately, many do...
DuncB
Hi Dunc,
Hi Dunc,
Thanks for the comments. Yes, some errors missed in there, which have now been cleaned up, so thanks for raising. Never our intent, and always annoying when silly little errors get through.
BOTH Autocar's A7 articles...
...list the BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo as a rival (not - as you say Dunc - the Gran Coupe).