A Fastback Body with a Hatchgate

The Audi A7 Sportbackis a new model that "offers new value in the premium large segment" (Audi Japan). Premium large refers to large luxury cars. With a body nearly five meters long, its platform is shared withAudi's flagship, the A8,but the era of large cars being synonymous with conservatism is over. Just as theMercedes CLS, also a four-door coupe,is setting new standards, the A7 Sportback aims to do the same.

The Audi A7 Sportback (¥8.79 million) shines with several distinctive features. One is its coupe-like design, with a greenhouse that appears compact. Another is its fastback style with a hatchback, unusual for the large luxury car segment. Furthermore, its performance has improved despite a smaller engine displacement.

Visually, as Audi promotes, it's a successful blend of sportiness and elegance. Particularly striking are the strongly accented surfaces. Even the car's sides feature a combination of powerful bulges and bold, deep creases, completely eschewing any conservative feel. It projects a strong sense of dynamism.

The rear tapers elegantly towards the bottom, a style that instantly identifies it as a new Audi. It's large and bold. Rather than compromising with the notion that luxury car buyers are conservative, Audi's willingness to challenge the market is its greatest appeal. The A7 Sportback will undoubtedly play a role in driving forward Audi's image.

A V6 with Power Rivaling a V8

Once settled in the cockpit, the surprising delight is that it doesn't feel as large as its exterior suggests. It even gives the impression of driving a much more compact car. This is likely due to the car's responsiveness when turning the wheel, its excellent body control. The steering is also precise. While the steering itself is set to be light, the car reacts quickly to inputs even around the center. Another interesting aspect of the steering is its 'tuning.' When cornering, the wheel seems to want to continue turning as if carrying momentum. This might be due to the front wheels having a slightly aggressive camber angle, designed to make cornering more enjoyable. It's a sensation that sporty car enthusiasts will welcome.

The engine is a 3-liter V6. "There were discussions before its introduction about whether buyers of luxury cars would be satisfied with a V6," saysAudiJapan, but the trend among German automakers is to reduce displacement. Instead, to increase engine output, they've installed a mechanical supercharger that operates from low RPMs to force air into the cylinders, enhancing combustion efficiency. Maximum output is 300 ps.

According to Audi Japan, it "delivers performance comparable to a conventional V8." This is combined with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The smaller engine also contributes to reduced inertial mass at the front, offering the significant bonus of more agile handling.

Driving the 1,900kg vehicle, one is hardly aware of its weight. If anything, its comfortable ride on highways suggests the benefit of its substantial mass. The maximum torque of 440Nm is available from 2,900rpm, providing ample acceleration even during high-speed driving. Furthermore, the engine's responsiveness as revs climb, delivering increasing power, is a joy for driving enthusiasts. The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch system is also finely tuned, instantly selecting the optimal gear for the driver's intentions. For instance, a slight press of the accelerator can result in an immediate downshift of two gears to access usable torque. It's a car that truly caters to the driver.

Suspension Setup for a Refined Ride

Another impressive aspect of the A7 Sportback is its ride comfort. Previously,Audicars often had overly stiff rear suspension, resulting in a 'bumpy' ride over even minor road imperfections. The A7 Sportback, however, offers a smooth experience. Former Audi owners should definitely experience this ride quality. It's supple and moves fluidly, yet effectively absorbs shocks.

Noise transmitted from the engine bay is minimal, making the front cabin exceptionally comfortable. At the rear, wind noise can be heard around the hatch opening, an inherent characteristic of a fastback. The rear seat cushions are also flat, which can feel less supportive. This flatness is likely to allow for increased cargo space by folding down the rear seatbacks. "From the outset, even as a four-door, it was designed with a coupe-like style, prioritizing the two occupants in the front," explains Audi Japan, suggesting this is its intended nature.

The cargo space is generous, and the tailgate is power-operated. It opens from bumper height, making it convenient for loading heavy items. Initially, the design prioritized trunk depth for vertically loading golf bags, but at Audi Japan's strong request, it was redesigned to offer more horizontal space. As a result, golf bags can now be loaded horizontally.

Although not tested during this drive, the safety features are likely to pique the interest of potential owners. The A7 Sportback incorporates numerous new technologies. One is the 'Driver Assistance System,' specifically the adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts the distance to the vehicle ahead based on speed and braking. If the preceding vehicle stops, the A7 Sportback will also stop up to 4 meters before it. This system works effectively in conjunction with the 'Audi pre sense' and 'Audi pre sense plus' automatic systems designed to prevent frontal and rear collisions. The system's name, 'pre sense,' combines 'pre' (in advance) and 'sense' (to perceive).

Features like 'Night Vision,' which detects pedestrians in the dark, and the 'Audi Parking System' with a rearview camera, act as the driver's 'eyes.' The A7 Sportback's characteristic is its ability to help prevent accidents by functioning as a comprehensive sensory organ.

Elegant aesthetics, driving enjoyment, and the ability to detect (and avoid) danger—the A7 Sportback can be described as a new generation of luxury car that emphasizes human senses in various ways.

Audi A7 Sportback
Body Dimensions | Length 4,990 x Width 1,910 x Height 1,430mm
Wheelbase | 2,915mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,900kg
Engine | 3.0-liter V6 Supercharged DOHC
Transmission | 7-speed S tronic
Maximum Output | 220kW (300ps) / 5,250-6,500rpm
Maximum Torque | 440Nm (44.9kgm) / 2,900-4,500rpm
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy | 10.2km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 228g/km
Price | ¥8.79 million