The yachting design theme introduced by the previous model continues with the new Audi A7 Sportback where the reat tapers like that of a yacht and, instead of a hydrofoil to lift it up, an integrated spoiler emerges from 120 km/h to keep it firmly down.

The exterior of the A7 Sportback moves Audi’s new design cues forward with large surfaces, sharp edges and taut lines.

The silhouette is defined by the dynamic roofline, which drops sharply toward the rear of the large coupé that is 4 969 millimetres long, has a wheelbase of 2 926 millimetres and is 1 908 millimetres wide, but stands only 1 422 millimetres high.

The optional S line exterior package offers modifications to the radiator grille and the front air inlets, the sills and the front and rear diffusers. They are trimmed in gloss black and more strongly sculpted.

 The interior of the new Audi A7 Sportback has a reduced, clean design where the centre console is oriented toward the driver.

Standard seats are available in Milano leather with an upgrade to a Sport seat or a S Sport seat that comes fitted with the sophisticated Valcona leather or the S embossing as part of the S line Sports package.

The 4-zone comfort automatic air-conditioning system is another standard feature on the Audi A7 Sportback. The deluxe automatic air-conditioning ensures optimum temperatures with a simultaneous increase in the feeling of space and fresh air. A defroster nozzle for windscreen and side mirrors is also included.

The new Audi A7 systematically continues Audi’s digitalization strategy of the Q8 and the driver controls the infotainment system from the upper display. Mounted on the asymmetric console of the centre tunnel, the 8,6-inch lower display provides access to the climate control system, comfort functions and text input.

The optional voice control in the new A7 Sportback makes operation even more convenient. With MMI navigation plus, the natural speech dialogue system processes questions and commands with information stored on-board.

The A7 Sportback comes standard with the MMI radio plus and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch response. The standard Audi phone box offers inductive charging for driver convenience and the Audi smartphone interface (also standard on the vehicle), allows for easy connectivity to Apple Car play and Android Auto. The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System is a standard feature on the new A7 and delivers 3D sound to the interior of the cabin.

 Safety systems include adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist and turn assist, 360 degree camera, lane departure warning, night vision assistant and park assist.

The standard progressive steering features a new concept for intensive road feedback. Mounted behind large wheels with improved rolling comfort are aluminium fixed-calliper brakes with discs up to 400 millimetres in diameter. Customers can choose between four suspension setups: a conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension that lowers ride height by 10 millimetres, electronically controlled damping and the self-levelling adaptive air suspension.

Power comes from a 3,0-litre turb-ocharged V6 engine with 250 kW and a 48V mild-hybrid system that uses a 48-volt primary electrical system. A belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery and achieves a recuperation performance of up to 12 kW when braking. At speeds between 55 km/h and 160 km/h, the four-door coupé can coast in freewheeling mode with the engine deactivated and then restarted comfortably via the BAS.

The start-stop function has been significantly expanded and now activates at 22 km/h. In combination with the standard front camera, the engine is restarted predictively while at a standstill as soon as vehicle ahead begins to move. The four-door coupé sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds and is paired with a seven-speed S tronic. Its quattro drivetrain uses the efficient ultra-technology that activates rear-wheel drive as needed.

 The new Audi A7 55 TFSI Sportback quattro S tronic is priced at R 1 250 000 and comes standard with the 5 year / 100 000 km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes.