Audi A7 Sportback facelift unveiled, India launch early next year

Audi is calling the new A7 Sportback a new generation car, but it isn’t. It is a mid-life facelift for Audi’s four door coupe which was launched in 2010 and goes up against the likes of the BMW Gran Coupe and the car that started it all – the Mercedes-Benz CLS. All three cars are available in India and the revised A7 Sportback will be heading to our shores as well.

As is true for any facelift, new A7 Sportback too sports a new grille (which adopts Audi’s latest hexagonal theme) and new bumpers at the front; re-profiled bumper and tail pipes at the rear; and of course, new LED head lamps. The head lamps can also be specified with Audi’s latest Matrix LED lighting as in the new A8 which further enhances the new A7 Sportback’s demeanour. According to Audi, the new Matrix LED lighting forms a beam using a matrix of individual Light Emitting Diodes. These advanced units can provide optimal lighting by dimming specific individual diodes to divert their pool of light around oncoming and following traffic without reducing their intensity in other areas. Dynamic indicators with a sweeping function in the direction of the turn are also standard.

Inside, though the design - for the dashboard, vents, central console and what have you - remains the same, Audi has employed new materials like aluminium and Beaufort walnut for inlays. It has also introduced new colour palettes and equipped the front seats with ventilation and massage functions. A head-up display makes it to the optional list on the new car as well. A head-up display or HUD projects all important information like speed, navigation and various modes onto the windscreen making it safer and convenient.

The Audi A7 Sportback is only available with one engine in India – a 3-litre, V6 diesel that’s mated to a dual clutch automatic and has its power sent to all four wheels. Internationally, the new A7 will come with five engines. The two petrol and three diesel units offer power outputs ranging from 218PS to 333PS, and comply with stringent EU6 emissions legislation, says Audi. The engine that concerns us the most - the 3.0 TDI diesel develops 272PS has been heavily revised according to Audi. A lower powered version of the same engine also makes its debut on the A7 this time round. Called the Ultra version, it develops 218PS but only drives the front wheels. And these changes, says Audi, has made the 3.0-litre V6 capable of returning 25.5kmpl – in test condition, mind.  The other engines for the new A7 Sportback include a 450PS, 4.0-litre TFSI petrol with COD (cylinder on demand), and a 320PS 3.0 TDI biturbo which works via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The new A7 Sportback like the current model sold in India, will continue to come with Audi drive select which allows three modes – Dynamic, Comfort and Individual – which changes the car’s steering, suspension and gear shift characteristics. The MMI system for the new car will see an upgrade as well with a powerful new graphics processor and inclusion of MMI touch. The latter enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad.

The new A7 Sportback goes on sale internationally by the end of the year. So, expect the upgraded A7 Sportback to make it to India early next calendar.