The Enduring Appeal of the A7

The Audi "A7 Sportback" shines with its unique styling, skillfully balancing practicality and status. A minor change in April 2015 expanded the lineup, making it more accessible, and some models saw power increases, enhancing its appeal. This is clearly good news for those interested.

The new A7 Sportback. Notably, an A7 2.0 TFSI quattro with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine (¥7.16 million) has been added. The existing A7 3.0 TFSI quattro (¥9.24 million) continues to be sold, but its engine power has been increased by 23 horsepower to 333ps (245kW).

The impression upon seeing it is not much different from before; the line from the roof to the hatch gate, continuing to the rear end with its exquisite curve, remains stylish and attractive. However, upon closer inspection, changes are noticeable. The front grille features more pronounced hexagonal edges, and the headlamps are a matrix type using 19 LEDs. The bumper and hood have also been reshaped.

Audi's infotainment system, known as MMI (Multi Media Interface), is also the latest generation. It can connect to a network via a mobile phone, and the navigation system allows the use of Google Earth and Google Voice Search.

The advancements in safety and communication technology are remarkable, and the new A7 Sportback has certainly kept pace. Most impressively, in addition to its excellent driving performance, the new model offers significantly improved quietness. Even four years after its debut, its appeal has not diminished. This is my impression after the test drive.

An Audi That Suits Everyone

My acquaintance with the A7 3.0 TFSI quattro goes back to an international test drive event in Sardinia. I've always been impressed by its functional fastback design, the appropriately snug and personal interior space, including the rear seats, and its all-weather stable driving performance.

Even in the new model, the overall impression remains unchanged. Simply sitting in the spacious seats and gripping the smooth-feeling steering wheel evokes a sense of joy in encountering a fine automobile. The fact that the instrument panel is still analog, rather than LCD, is also a comforting detail for me.

The 3-liter V6 engine with a supercharger is set up to start delivering its maximum torque of 440Nm from 2,900rpm, resulting in effortless starts and excellent acceleration. It offers a balanced sense of moderate power and a supple, comfort-oriented ride.

Its handling is precise, and because it's not excessively tuned for sportiness, it appeals to a wide range of drivers. Even if chosen for its rear seating, one would never regret the decision. Incidentally, the rear seats, previously individual for two passengers, are now a bench type for three. This should be welcome news for owners with children.

What was most impressive about the new model was its quietness while driving. The noise from the hatch area, which was particularly noticeable when it first debuted, has been eliminated, significantly enhancing the sense of luxury through sound insulation. Generally, the rear of the roof is difficult to manage aerodynamically, leading to wind noise. Whether due to aerodynamic revisions or effective soundproofing measures, the result is superb.




The adoption of matrix headlamps, which avoid shining light on preceding or oncoming vehicles even when using high beams, is also welcome news. It leaves the impression of a model that perfectly embodies Audi's image as a luxury car equipped with the latest technology.

The 2-liter version is scheduled for release in August 2015, so it was not available for this test. Nowadays, even Jaguar and Land Rover are offering 2-liter four-cylinder engines. Those who prioritize efficiency will surely be interested.

The RS7 is in a Class of Its Own

Simultaneously released were the "S7" (¥13.44 million) with a 331kW 4-liter V8 engine, and the "RS7" (¥17.72 million), based on the same engine but producing 412kW. The fact that three models—A7, S7, and RS7—are available from the outset, catering to those wanting faster models beyond the already high-performing A7, and those seeking the ultimate special model, speaks to Audi's status as a specialty brand.

Having the opportunity to test drive all three models at once, the increasing intensity of acceleration and handling stimuli as one moves from the A7 to the S7 and then to the RS7 can make sportiness seem like the sole criterion for choosing a car. However, this is clearly an illusion; unless one intends to spend significantly more, there should be no regrets in choosing a model that suits one's preferences.

The S7 features stiffer suspension, and its torque of 550Nm is available from 1,400rpm, providing strong acceleration and a distinctly sporty character. The steering feels weighted, and the car's response to steering inputs suggests a focus on agility in the setup of the steering and suspension.

Audi drive select, standard on all models, offers four modes ranging from "Dynamic" to "Efficiency." Even in the inherently powerful RS7, performance is simply outstanding in any mode. Developed by quattro GmbH, responsible for sporty model development under Audi, it brilliantly embodies the concept of being capable on both public roads and race tracks. The RS7 truly feels like something else entirely.

Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro
Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TFSI quattro
Body Dimensions | Length 4,990 x Width 1,910 x Height 1,430 mm
Wheelbase | 2,915 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,900 kg
Engine | 3.0-liter V6 DOHC Supercharged
Transmission | 7-speed S tronic
Max Output | 245 kW (333 ps) / 5,500-6,500 rpm
Max Torque | 440 Nm / 2,900-5,300 rpm
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 12.6 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 184 g/km
Price | ¥9.24 million

Audi S7 Sportback
Body Dimensions | Length 4,990 x Width 1,910 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase | 2,915 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,050 kg
Engine | 4.0-liter V8 DOHC Twin-turbo
Transmission | 7-speed S tronic
Max Output | 331 kW (450 ps) / 5,800-6,400 rpm
Max Torque | 550 Nm / 1,400-5,700 rpm
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 10.1 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 230 g/km
Price | ¥13.44 million

Audi RS 7 Sportback
Body Dimensions | Length 5,010 x Width 1,910 x Height 1,425 mm
Wheelbase | 2,915 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,050 kg
Engine | 4.0-liter V8 DOHC Twin-turbo
Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic
Max Output | 412 kW (560 ps) / 5,700-6,600 rpm
Max Torque | 700 Nm / 1,750-5,500 rpm
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 10.3 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 225 g/km
Price | ¥17.72 million

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