Audi A7 Sportback 2017

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The Audi A7 Sportback represents the new Audi design language to a great extent and delivers on the design promise made by the prologue studies. The four-door coupe sets standards in the luxury class when it comes to progressiveness. It embodies a new style of Gran Turismo, with dynamic lines, systematic digitalization, a sporty driving experience and a versatile space concept.

Dynamics at their most beautiful: the exterior design

The exterior design of the Audi A7 Sportback is an expression of the new design language that Audi introduced with the prologue study and made its production debut in the new Audi A8. With large surfaces, sharp edges and taut, athletic lines, the A7 signals dynamics and progressiveness from every perspective.

Up front, the Singleframe grille - wider and lower than that of the Audi A8 - the narrow headlights, the boldly contoured air inlets and the flat front end convey at a glance the sportiness of the Gran Turismo. The headlights are available in three versions. With the middle and top equipment lines, the light signature takes up the subject of digitalization: 12 adjacent lighting segments separated by narrow intervening spaces evoke associations with the binary digits 0 and 1. The top version is the HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light.

The Audi A7 Sportback is an athletic sculpture with a long engine hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. Pronounced contours emphasize the wheels, which measure up to 21 inches in diameter, and reference Audi's quattro genes. These genes determine the proportions of the vehicle's body. The silhouette is defined by the dynamic roofline, which drops sharply toward the rear. Four figures delineate the sporty character of the large coupe: It is 4,969 millimeters (16.3 ft) long, has a wheelbase of 2,926 millimeters (9.6 ft) and is 1,908 millimeters (6.3 ft) wide, but stands only 1,422 millimeters (4.7 ft) high.

As with the previous model, the rear end is tapered like that of a yacht. The long luggage compartment lid terminates in a pronounced, curved lip from which an integrated spoiler extends automatically at 120 km/h (74.6 mph). A flat light strip - a design feature common to all of Audi's top models - joins the rear lights, whose tail lights are made up of 13 vertical segments. When the doors are unlocked and again when they are locked, fast-moving light animations play in the rear lights and in the headlights, highlighting the big coupe's dynamics while standing still. The progressive exterior design of the new Audi A7 Sportback is largely devoid of chrome. The paint range offers a choice of 15 colors, eight of which are new. The optional S line exterior package further hones the look, with 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.

Show car design comes to production: the interior

The interior fuses design and technology in a unique way. The interior of the new Audi A7 Sportback dazzles with its futuristic lounge atmosphere. Its reduced, clean design language is based in a one-of-a-kind balance of tension and coolness. The horizontal lines and sleek instrument panel provide for a feeling of airy spaciousness. The center console is oriented toward the driver, underscoring the Gran Turismo's sporty character. Four key values characterize the interior concept: progressiveness, sportiness, intuitiveness and sophistication. All colors, upholstery materials and inlays underscore the new aesthetic, from the base version to the design selection, the S line sport package and the particularly sophisticated Valcona leather. The optional contour ambient lighting package traces the contours and subtly highlights the space.

The 10.1-inch upper display (in combination with MMI navigation plus) is tilted toward the driver. With its black panel optics and framed in a graphite gray aluminum clasp, it almost disappears into the dashboard when switched off. The body supporting the clasp is itself a geometric sculpture. The display's user interface appears as soon as the car is opened. In keeping with the interior design, the look is reduced and succinct. All screen content can be quickly registered.

Control at your fingertips: MMI touch response control system and online voice control

The new Audi A7 systematically continues the digitalization strategy of the A8. The interior architecture melds seamlessly with Audi's new MMI touch response operating concept. It replaces the rotary pushbutton and the conventional buttons and controls of the previous model with two large, high-resolution touch displays.

The driver controls the infotainment system from the upper display. Mounted on the asymmetric console of the center tunnel, the 8.6-inch lower display provides access to the climate control system, comfort functions and text input. Drivers can rest their wrist on the automatic transmission's wide selector lever knob.

Audi offers an optional head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield. MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch display.

The MMI touch response operating concept features haptic and acoustic feedback and is as intuitive to use as a smartphone. Users hear and feel a click as confirmation when their finger triggers a function. With its logical and flat menu structure, the system allows fast access to the various vehicle functions, and it can also be personalized thanks to configurable and movable favorites buttons.

The optional voice control in the new Audi A7 Sportback makes operation even more convenient. With MMI navigation plus, the natural speech dialogue system processes questions and commands in two ways - with information stored onboard and at the same time with detailed knowledge from the cloud.

Fully connected for more convenience and safety: infotainment and connect features

With its comprehensive connectivity, the Audi A7 is perfectly equipped for long-distance touring. It offers customers more convenience, safety and customization options. The Gran Turismo features the same infotainment and connectivity range as the Audi A8. Up to seven drivers can store their preferred settings in individual user profiles. As many as 400 parameters can be personalized. The online services from Audi connect have been expanded. Additions include the traffic sign and hazard information Car-to-X services, which utilize the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet.

The new Audi A7 Sportback comes standard with the MMI radio; MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus are available as options. There is a choice of four sound systems. The top version, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, also delivers fascinating 3D sound to the rear seats.

Intelligent and convenient: the Audi AI systems

With the AI button, the driver activates the Audi AI remote parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot, which will be made available at some point in 2018. They autonomously maneuver the A7 Sportback into and out of a parking space or garage. The driver can get out of the car before launching the function via the myAudi app on their smartphone. To monitor the maneuver, the driver presses and holds the Audi AI button the entire time. The central driver assistance controller (zFAS) merges the data from a sophisticated set of sensors to continually compute an image of the surroundings. Depending on the equipment level, there can be as many as five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.

Besides the Audi AI systems, the new Audi A7 Sportback features a total of 39 driver assistance systems to make things easier for the driver. They are split up into three packages: the Audi AI parking package (gradual introduction beginning 2018), the City assist package with the new crossing assist, and the Tour assist package. The latter includes such things as the efficiency assistant, which facilitates a driving style conducive to reducing consumption, and the adaptive driving assistant (ADA), which supplements the adaptive cruise control (ACC) with helpful steering interventions to maintain the lane. All driver assistance systems feature improved control mechanisms.

Handling and long-distance comfort: the chassis

The new A7 further extends its synthesis of sportiness and comfort. The optional dynamic-all-wheel steering, the new electronic chassis program (ECP) - the central controller for the chassis - and the updated air suspension make it even more agile, nimble and comfortable. The A7 is thus the perfect Gran Turismo: dynamic and agile on twisty country roads, yet comfortable on long highway stretches.

Many aspects of the front and rear axles have been developed from scratch. The standard progressive steering, whose generally sporty ratio becomes even more direct the further the steering wheel is turned, features a new concept for intensive road feedback. Mounted behind large wheels - up to 21 inches and 255/35 - with improved rolling comfort are aluminum fixed-caliper brakes with discs up to 400 millimeters (15.7 in) in diameter. Customers can choose between four suspension setups: a conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension that lowers ride height by 10 millimeters (0.4 in), electronically controlled damping and the self-leveling adaptive air suspension.

The top chassis-related innovation is dynamic-all-wheel steering. It combines direct, sporty steering response with unshakable stability, resolving the conflict of aims between agility and comfort. The steering ratio varies as a function of speed between 9.5:1 and 16.5:1 by means of active steering interventions at the front and rear axle. At the front axle, strain wave gearing is used to superimpose these in response to the driver's steering input. At the rear axle, a spindle drive turns the wheels by as much as 5 degrees. At low speed, they steer counter to the front wheels to further increase the agility of the big coupe when parking or driving in urban traffic, for example. This reduces the turning circle at full lock by 1.1 meters (3.6 ft). At 60 km/h (37.3 mph) and above, the rear axle steers in the same direction to increase straight-line stability and facilitate lane changes.

The optional sport differential improves handing even further. It actively distributes drive torque between the rear wheels, complementing quattro all-wheel drive. Like dynamic-all-wheel steering, controlled damping and the adaptive air suspension, the sport differential is integrated into the control function of the electronic chassis platform (ECP). These systems are closely networked for maximum precision. The driver can use the Audi drive select system to activate different ride profiles featuring a more pronounced difference between comfort and sportiness than in the previous model.

Broad-based electrification: mild hybrid system for greater comfort and efficiency

All engines used in the A7 Sportback come standard with a new mild hybrid system (MHEV) for greater comfort and efficiency. With the two V6 engines, this 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 and 160 km/h (34.2 - 99.4 mph), the four-door coupe 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 (13.7 mph). In combination with the standard front camera, the engine is restarted predictively while at a standstill as soon as vehicle ahead begins to move. In real-world driving, the MHEV technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

The new Audi A7 Sportback will initially launch with the 3.0 V6 TFSI. The sonorously understated V6 turbo produces 250 kW (340 hp) and 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft). The four-door coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). In the NEDC, the base version of the Audi A7 55 TFSI consumes 6.8 liters of fuel (34.6 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 154 grams (247.8 g/mi). The 3.0 TFSI is paired with a seven-speed S tronic. Its quattro drivetrain uses the efficient ultra technology that activates rear-wheel drive as needed. Additional six- and four-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel, will follow shortly after the start of production.

The body concept: Coupé, Sedan and Avant in one

The A7 Sportback combines the best of all worlds and is a dynamic all-around talent for business and recreation. It offers the design of a Coupé, the spaciousness of a Sedan and the variability of an Avant. The interior concept of the Audi A7 Sportback impresses with more space and more comfortable seating - and that despite having a dynamic roofline. Compared with the previous model, interior length has increased 21 millimeters (0.8 in), resulting in more rear knee room. Rear passengers also enjoy more head room. The loading width has also increased compared with the previous model and now measures 1,050 millimeters (3.4 ft).

Topping the range of all-new seats are the multi-adjustable, customized contour front seats with ventilation and massage. The configuration with individual rear seats (alternative: 2+1 bench) offers a plenty of space and comfort. New high-tech options make life with the Audi A7 Sportback even more comfortable and convenient. The air quality package improves interior air quality by means of fragrancing with subtle scents, an ionizer and an effective combination filter.

The body, which features steel and aluminum composite construction with large components such as add-on parts made of aluminum, is a key factor in the improved handling and greater comfort. The four-door coupe scores top marks with respect to body stiffness, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. The Gran Turismo spoils its passengers with improved acoustic comfort and - thanks to sophisticated aerodynamics - minimal wind noise.

The improved panoramic glass sunroof with particularly large glass elements lets more light into the cabin. The heated windshield and wipers with integrated nozzles are additional options for more convenience.

Despite the markedly dynamic lines, the luggage compartment has a base capacity of 535 liters (18.9 cu ft). This increases to 1,390 liters (49.1 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. The luggage compartment has been optimized so that two golf bags now fit horizontally - in addition to the optional spare tire. The optional sensor-controlled rear hatch opens and closes automatically in response to a foot motion.

The new Audi A7 Sportback rolls off the assembly line at the Neckarsulm site and will launch on the German market in late February 2018. The base price for the 55 TFSI quattro S tronic is 67,800 euros.

New design language, new design process, new Design Center: radical makeover for Audi design

2017 heralds in a new design era for Audi: The new Audi A7 Sportback is the brand's sporty face in the full-size class and fulfills the design pledge of the prologue studies. The four-door coupé is the classic example of Audi's new full-size class design language. At the same time, the brand with the four rings is establishing an innovative design process in the new Audi Design Center in Ingolstadt: digital design manufactory. It combines state-of-the-art CAD and 3-D visualization with traditional handcrafted modeling. The open concept of the new Design Center forms the basis for integrated, cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The new Audi A7 Sportback impresses with its athletic aesthetics and dynamic body line. The sweeping, taut roof line combines the sporty dimensions of a coupé with the generous space and everyday usability of the tried-and-trusted Sportback concept. "The four-door Gran Turismo with its sculptural design embodies Audi's progressiveness and dynamism," says Marc Lichte, Head of Design at AUDI AG.

The new design language uses large surfaces, sharp edges and minimal trim elements. As such, the Audi A7 uncompromisingly fulfills the design pledge of the prologue studies. Design and technology are fused much more in the automobile's overall design thanks to the new design language. The Audi A7 Sportback is a prime example of how to fulfill the brand pledge "Vorsprung durch Technik" even more intensely as part of the design.

For the design language of the future, Audi is establishing a new, innovative design process in the new Design Center in Ingolstadt: digital design manufactory. It combines the advantages of state-of-the-art 3-D visualization with the strengths of the classic modeler's handcrafted finish. Thanks to powerful computing clusters, the Audi design team can increasingly assess the design digitally. The use of 3-D visualization substantially enhances decision-making reliability when assessing the design.

The continual adjustments between digital CAD model and clay model thus ensure significantly greater process assurance. Design modifications can be visualized in real time and transferred rapidly to a physical 1:1 model.

3-D visualization entails real-time representations where all physical characteristics (reflection, refraction, light and shade effects) can be displayed realistically. The result is coherent design concepts which are convincing thanks to their harmonious proportions and details.

The Audi design process is made up of five key steps: The portfolio phase kicks off the process, followed by the initial design phase. After the draft phase the particular vehicle design is set up fully digitally in the digital design phase and presented as a 1:1-scale clay reference model. In the last stage - the manufacture design phase - clay and CAD modelers create a physical handcrafted clay model with all the details of a possible series-production design.

Individual steps in detail: The design of a new model begins by specifying the portfolio. This represents a possible model family and range of variants for a model line as a scale model. The initial design phase follows where the designers coordinate early on and closely with colleagues from Technical Vehicle Development. Together they compare the technical requirements, such as the position of radar sensors, against the design requirements and check their feasibility. This development stage provides a sound foundation for all subsequent stages. The next work step, the digital design phase, lies at the heart of the new design process - here the designers use the very latest high-end visualization tools and milling machines for modern clay model making. Finally, in the manufacture design phase, the Audi modelers shape together the final surfaces and details of the future series-production design as part of precision analog and digital work.

In addition to wide-ranging visualization methods through to head-mounted displays (HMDs), other digital development tools will make inroads into Audi Design in future, thus further bolstering the knowledge sharing between designers, modelers and technical developers. At the same time, manual work on the model remains an indispensable skill, which lends the Audi design the final level of maturity and coherent overall impression.

Proportions

Audi made a bold statement with the first generation of the A7 Sportback, which appeared in 2010 - the four-door coupé combined elegance and dynamism in a wholly new way. In its second edition, Audi's four-door Gran Turismo is the next, impressive showcase of the new full-size class design language, which made its debut in series production with the new A8. The marked progressiveness of the new A7 comes from reducing the used design elements. The sculptural body defined by striking edges signals sporty elegance from all angles. The result is the consummate expression of the basic values of the brand with the four rings - progressiveness, sportiness and sophistication.

The Audi A7 Sportback is an athletic sculpture with a long engine hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. Thanks to its clear design language, it conveys presence and an alluring appeal. Pronounced contours emphasize the large wheels and reference Audi's quattro genes. These genes determine the proportions of the vehicle's body. All volumes, surfaces and edges have been designed with the utmost precision. The silhouette is defined by the dynamic character of the greenhouse, which drops sharply toward the rear.

All of which combines into the athletic aesthetics that make the four-door Audi coupé so enthralling. Four figures encapsulate the sporty character and the muscular proportions of the large coupé: It is 4,969 millimeters (16.3 ft) long, has a wheelbase of 2,926 millimeters (9.6 ft), 1,908 millimeters (6.3 ft) wide, and stands only 1,422 millimeters (4.7 ft) high.

Exterior design

The hallmark design of each new Audi full-size class model is based on a characteristic leitmotif. While the Audi A8 embodies prestige in its design, the design language of the new A7 stands for pure progressiveness. This is implemented systematically, right down to the smallest detail.

Even more so than on the outgoing model, the Singleframe grille dominates the front-end of the new Audi A7 Sportback. Positioned wider and lower, it expresses the sporty character of the four-door coupé at first glance. All the adjoining surfaces and lines radiate out from the grille, such as the contours on the engine hood and the flat headlights. The calm, horizontally aligned contour of the headlights provides space for a spectacular lighting design.

The outer edges of the vehicle front-end tilt forward, similar to the bow of a yacht. The three air inlets in the front apron - two large outside, one flat in the center - underscore the sporty character of the new Audi A7 Sportback. Strong contours, which are reminiscent of the front splitters on a racing touring car, form the bottom edge of the outside inlets. Two boomerang-shaped bars and a honeycomb grille structure their insides while also reinforcing the impression of three-dimensional depth. The outer edges of the air inlets are cut at an angle, creating presence and visually giving the Gran Turismo its firm stance on the road.

The side view is a dialog of taut lines and convex surfaces. The low-set shoulder line that runs around the entire car lowers the optical center of gravity of the A7 Sportback. Around a hand's width above is the shoulder line, which is hidden above the doors. It extends from the headlight, runs to the corner of the rear light and forms powerful muscles above the wheel arches with a taut edge. They pick up on the classic "blisters" of the Audi Ur-quattro and translate them into the design language of progressive elegance.

The transition of the D-pillar is a force focal point in the design of the new Audi A7 Sportback. The side window area incorporates a third side window that tapers upwards - a throwback to the Audi 100 Coupé S from 1970. The belt rail line that rises toward the rear lends the A7 even more dynamism.

The interplay of the sharp edges and soft lines is continued in the fillet, which adds a pronounced highlight to the lower section of the doors. It starts with a gentle downward sweep, then runs outward in a tight radius, forms a hard contour and is then once again drawn inside sharply. The sill theme is continued in the door design and forms a coherent link to the rear with its lines.

Like on a yacht, the rear of the Audi A7 Sportback tapers in. The classic boat stern motif from the outgoing model is even more pronounced in the new generation: The top rear edge is approximately three centimeters higher than on the predecessor. This measure creates a sportier look as well as enhanced aerodynamics. The tailgate features a spoiler, which extends electrically at high speeds.

The strong play of light and shade underscores the highly contemporary rear section. The lights form part of the sculpture and lend even more width to the rear. In all areas the rear-end has a pronounced three-dimensional shape. The luggage compartment lid ends in a striking, stylishly curved contour, which shades the four Audi rings, the rear lights and the connecting light strip. Elegant chrome elements in the anthracite-colored diffuser also accentuate the rear's sensation of width.

The new Audi A7 Sportback is largely devoid of chrome. The six louvers in the Singleframe grille are painted in high-gloss black; its frame is extremely narrow. The optional S line exterior package hones the sporty look even further - with special solutions for the front bumper, the air inlets, the side sills and the diffuser insert.

The paint range offers a choice of 15 colors, including eight new tones. The "colors-in-between" - mixtures of several colors whose appearance varies depending on how the light strikes them - lend the new Audi A7 Sportback an elegant aura. The two solid paint finishes are ibis white and brilliant black. The metallic and pearl effect colors are Daytona gray, floret silver, glacier white, carat beige, mythos black. New additions to the color palette include Avalon green, firmament blue, Navarra blue, Seville red, Soho brown, typhoon gray, Triton blue and Vesuvius gray. The new Audi A7 Sportback, which comes off the production line in the Audi Neckarsulm plant, is also available optionally with a customized paint finish - here the customer can select the color of their choice.

Lighting design

For Audi, the lighting design is more than just styling, it is the aesthetic expression of the brand values of progressiveness, sophistication and sportiness, in short: "Vorsprung durch Technik." Audi once again underscores its leading role in lighting technology with the striking light signature of the new A7.

The headlights are available in three versions - in LED technology, as HD Matrix LED and as HD Matrix LED with laser high beam. The two Matrix headlight variants stand out with a distinctive horizontal structure. The top section forms the focal point and is character-forming with its innovative daytime running lights and the dipped beam modules as the pupil. The lower section houses other lighting functions, such as the cornering and turning light. With the top-of-the-line version this zone features a laser spot.

An X-shaped, optically focusing metal shutter and a blue-illuminated light guide characterize this laser technology at Audi. With the high-end and HD Matrix LED versions, the daytime running light signature is digital in character: 12 light segments are positioned vertically next to each other here, separated by narrow spaces - conjuring up an association with the symbolic "0" and "1" of the digital world. It is the digital eye of the A7.

At the same time the A7 also heralds a new language in the daytime running light design - from the graphics to the segmented volume. This provides the lighting function with a three-dimensional character and acts as the link between the body shape and state-of-the-art lighting technology. It creates a focused look and unique character.

The principle of segmentation also allows the light to be staged spectacularly: Like a digital awakening, the dynamic turn signal springs to life as soon as the driver unlocks the doors of the new Audi A7 Sportback. This turn signal, which corresponds with the daytime running light signature in a dual function, lights up sequentially twice. Immediately a light point runs quickly from the inside to the outside and back again, which opens the daytime running lights signature in a third movement, like the front curtain on stage. Finally the dipped beam comes on, which also dim up from the inside to the outside. Once the journey is complete and the vehicle door closed, the same light presentation is played out only in reverse order. The Audi A7 thus impressively symbolizes the new era of the Audi lighting design: the aesthetics of movement. Digital. Individual. These striking leaving home and coming home functions are available from the mid headlight version.

The generous taillight on the coupé also appears digital; it is made up of 13 vertical segments on each side. The precise LED lighting strip - typical feature of an Audi top-of-the-line model and at the same time an homage to the Ur-quattro - interconnects them. As on a racing car, the rear fog light is positioned in the center. The leaving home function works with similar semantics and dynamics as at the front-end, however across the entire width of the rear: first with the light strip, then via the light segments.

The interior lighting concept is equally unique: It visualizes and underscores in the dark the interior architecture and emphasizes the interior's clear design language through the longitudinal arrangement of the lighting elements. Audi offers two lighting packages in the new Audi A7 Sportback: the contour and the contour ambient lighting package. Both present the space, the volume and the materials in a subtle, special way. The ambient light in the dashboard and center console makes the architecture volumes "float"; this creates a greater sense of space in the door. Precise contour lights run across the center console and adorn the door trim; the quattro badge in the instrument panel is also illuminated.

The tight and precise fit of the light guides trace the entire architecture of the interior, thus underscoring decisively the entire interior concept. The contour lighting can be adjusted in 30 colors and follows the color profiles in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. If the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System is installed, white light accents on the woofers in the door also add to the light show. Illuminated door sill trims (standard for the design selection and the S line sport package) round off the interior lighting lineup. The interior lighting design ensures a high level of customization, while also reducing the driver's workload and enhancing the passengers' sense of well-being.

Interior design

The interior of the new Audi A7 Sportback fascinates with its futuristic lounge atmosphere and transfers the show-car design of the prologue studies to volume production. Four key values characterize the interior concept: progressiveness, sportiness, intuitiveness and sophistication. The defining design theme, which transfers the show car DNA into the interior of the A7, is reduction - reduction as a design tool.

Its reduced, clean design language combines muscular taut surfaces with clear, almost crystalline contours. The pronounced driver orientation underscores the Gran Turismo's sporty character. All the design motifs are logically connected. Driver and front passenger experience a large space in which the architecture fuses seamlessly with the new operating concept. Two large touch displays replace the numerous buttons and controls. The result is a digital driving experiential space.

With its strictly horizontal orientation, the instrument panel appears light and sleek. Its strong three-dimensional structure reinforces this impression and is based on a logical structure of various elements; the low upright section houses the air vents, with extensive decorative surfaces constituting the flat surface underneath. The focus is on the "black-panel architecture" which faces the driver and into which the top MMI touch response display is integrated fully and almost seamlessly. A narrow decorative trim together with the quattro badge lends structure. This corporeal sculpture is surrounded by an aluminum-look frame. As a result, form and function fuse in the interior of the new Audi A7 in a unique way, the kind of marriage you would otherwise usually only find on show cars.

To the left of the steering wheel is a second, smaller operating panel which includes all the controls for the lighting functions. Optionally, Audi can supply an entirely black area; it provides the user with tactile and acoustic feedback, just like a conventional switch. The asymmetrically shaped console in the center tunnel also stands out with its black-panel look; this is home to a second MMI touch response display with 8.6-inch screen diagonal. The adjacent row of buttons can also be finished as an option with the same black look and sensory features.

On the center console, all the other buttons have been arranged with meticulous attention to detail into logical control units, such as the standard-fit shift-by-wire lever. This arrangement emphasizes the interior's sportiness. The head-up display, which Audi supplies as an option, is fitted almost invisibly into the surface of the instrument panel.

The door trim surrounds the instrument panel with a large gesture and appears to literally support it. This progressive reinterpretation of the hallmark Audi wrap around visually creates a self-conscious connection to the hood's swept lines. The doors also feature pronounced three-dimensional styling. The armrest and the pull handle flow into an elongated, three-dimensionally shaped aluminum panel, which gives the entire area the feel of a wing.

A wide range of seat options is available, aimed at the very sporty and the comfortable side of the Gran Turismo spectrum. The sleekly styled, contoured seats stand out with their superb workmanship. One innovation is the laser-controlled perforation of the seat leather - a powerful example of how Audi harmonizes technology and aesthetics.

Color and trim

In the new A7 Sportback, Audi provides a wide range of upholstery materials, inlays and interior colors to choose from. They underscore the futuristic technology atmosphere in the four-door coupé and stand for a new, contemporary type of sporty luxury. With the fine wood inlays, the natural open-pore finish contrasts enticingly with the interior's reduced, cool look.

The range is structured in various levels of equipment: standard, design selection and S line sport package. The standard equipment includes five interior colors: black, okapi brown, granite gray/pearl beige and metropolis gray. They represent an elegant, sporty or technical look. The design selection comes with a two-tier structure; the top level provides the colors sard brown and juniper gray. The likewise two-tier S line sport package features the color rotor gray in the top-of-the-line version. With the top levels, contrasting stitching adds highlights, while the design selection includes piping.

Effect cloth in combination with artificial leather is the basic upholstery; upscale options include a combination of leather and artificial leather as well as Milano leather. The two most sophisticated upholstery materials - pearl Nappa/Alcantara and Valcona leather - are reserved for the optional sport seats and S sport seats with their rhombus patterns.

The customized contour seats are exclusively available with Valcona leather (optionally with perforation), a high-quality leather that is not embossed mechanically. A minimal lacquer coat is applied to the hide structure, allowing the leather to breathe. In addition, Audi offers several equipment packages with artificial and full leather.

The large inlays in the new Audi A7 Sportback on the instrument panel, on the center-tunnel console and in the door panels come as standard with a graphite gray fine paint finish. Optional inlays also come in aluminum fragment and in fine grain ash, natural gray brown and walnut natural veneers. The design selection also includes fine grain birch, natural agate gray, while the S line sport package offers the option of matt brushed aluminum, dark. The Audi exclusive range provides a wide range of options for customers looking to add an even more customized look to their car.

The finish in the new Audi A7 Sportback is consummate precision. The materials have been selected with the utmost care, with a handmade quality finish. The joints are even and tight, just a few tenths of a millimeter wide in certain areas.

GUI design: digital user interfaces

The two MMI touch response displays transport Audi's uncompromising quality aspirations into the digital age: Whenever the driver activates a function, they feel a pulsation on their finger. The pulsation is generated by an electromagnet moving the display to the side by roughly the width of a human hair. At the same time, a small loudspeaker emits a click sound. The tactile and acoustic feedback ensures high operating reliability and at the same time transfers Audi's quality aspirations with the firmly engaging switches and the "Audi click" to a fully digital operating system.

Both displays present the images and information on a black background. The graphical user interface (GUI) on the displays and in the Audi virtual cockpit is consciously reduced so that information can be assimilated very quickly. All pictograms are proportioned precisely, some are subtly animated to visualize certain technical highlights and to enable the customer to experience them.

 

Audi

 

 

A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e

 

 

 

Press Release TFSI e:

 

Cita

• 367 hp system output, 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque and quattro drive
• Electric range of over 40 km (24.9 mi), electric-only driving at up to 135 km/h (83.9 mph)
• Sportily equipped: S line, privacy glazing and sport suspension
• Convenient charging with the Audi e-tron Charging Service and myAudi app

 

 

Audi is systematically pursuing its electrification strategy and is now offering its large four-door coupe as a powerful and efficient PHEV. Intelligent drive management with a predictive operating strategy enables high electric range, low fuel consumption and dynamic performance. The new Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro combines all of that with a system output of 270 kW (367 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 2.1 – 1.9 (112.0 – 123.8 US mpg); combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 18.1 – 17.5; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 48 – 44 (77.2 – 70.8 g/mi)). A comprehensive list of standard equipment with S line exterior package and sport suspension round out the sporty look.

 

* Angaben zu den Kraftstoff-/Stromverbräuchen und CO₂-Emissionen bei Spannbreiten in Abhängigkeit vom verwendeten Reifen-/Rädersatz sowie von der gewählten Ausstattung.

The drivetrain of the new plug-in hybrid Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro comprises a turbocharged 2-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 185 kW (252 PS) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque and an electric motor (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 2.1 – 1.9 (112.0 – 123.8 US mpg); combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 18.1 – 17.5; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 48 – 44 (77.2 – 70.8 g/mi)). The permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) has a peak output of 105 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). Together with the separating clutch, it is integrated into the seven-speed S tronic, which uses ultra technology to transfer the drive torque to a quattro ultra drivetrain. Total system output is 270 kW (367 PS); the maximum torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) is already available at just 1,250 rpm. The A7 PHEV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). As a company car, the plug-in hybrid model is subject to a lower tax rate in Germany because its electric range in the WLTP cycle is more than 40 kilometers (24.9 mi). The A7 Sportback can drive at up to 135 km/h (83.9 mph) in electric-only mode, making emissions-free highway driving easy.

Comprising 104 pouch cells, the lithium-ion battery stores 14.1 kWh of energy at a rated voltage of 381 volts beneath the luggage compartment floor. For optimal temperature control, its cooling loop is connected to both the coolant loop for the climate control system and the low-temperature cooling loop into which the electric motor and power electronics are also integrated.

The lithium-ion battery is integrated into the rear of the vehicle below the luggage compartment floor in such as way that there is no step in the luggage compartment. Maximum usable stowage capacity with the rear seat folded down is thus 1,235 liters (43.6 cu ft).

quattro all-wheel drive in a plug-in hybrid

Typically Audi, the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e** is also equipped with quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology. The rear axle is activated lightning fast and predictively as needed. Recuperation of electrical energy is always via the front axle. The quattro all-wheel drive concept and the overall concept of the A7 PHEV thus stand equally for performance and efficiency. With the four-door Gran Turismo, Audi is the only premium manufacturer in the direct competitive environment to offer a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive.

Easy operation with three driving modes

The drive concept of the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro is designed so that customers can do the most of their daily driving electrically. Whether with zero local emissions in the city or with high range on long trips. The combination of electric motor and internal combustion engine provides for a sportily dynamic driving experience. With its three different driving modes, the plug-in hybrid is easy to operate in everyday use.

The A7 PHEV starts by default in EV mode. This means the car is driven exclusively electrically as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variable, perceptible pressure point. EV mode is the base setting each time the vehicle is started. In the second driving mode, Battery Hold mode, the drive management system holds battery capacity at the current level so that a defined distance can later be covered fully electrically, for instance.

The Hybrid mode is activated either automatically together with route guidance in the navigation system or by the driver using the operating mode button. In this mode, the A7 PHEV uses the interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to complete as many driving segments as possible electrically so that overall fuel consumption at the end of the trip is as low as possible. For instance, stop-and-go traffic in cities can be driven electrically for the most part. Depending on the situation, the system chooses between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation. Up to 35 kW of power can be recovered with the latter. The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1 g, i.e. the majority of braking in everyday driving. A maximum of 80 kW of electrical energy are generated via braking recuperation at a deceleration of up to 0.2 g.

Predictive operating strategy and predictive efficiency assist

For maximum efficiency the A7 uses predictive drive management – the predictive operating strategy. It uses information from the predictive efficiency assist also found in other Audi mid- and full-size class models to control the electric motor, lithium-ion battery and the internal combustion engine.

If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy controls the drivetrain so that the last urban section of the route can be driven exclusively electrically and the Audi A7 PHEV arrives at the destination with the drive battery nearly empty. If the A7 Sportback TFSI e approaches a town, the drive management charges the battery so that the last urban section can be driven electrically. The driver can thus use all of the electric energy to drive with zero local emissions upon entering a town.

Drive management is controlled on the basis of a large amount of data. The predictive operating strategy uses two types of data, near field and route information, for rough and precision planning of the route. The rough planning is based on online traffic information, distance to the destination, the route profile of the chosen route, precise information about immediate surroundings from the navigation data, such as speed limits, types of roads,
uphill and downhill slopes and the latest data from the onboard sensors. The drive controller’s rough planning is therefore based primarily on route information along the driven route, such as traffic flow, topography and road type. Precision planning, with which the A7 manages the drive controller in the current driving situation, is performed by the predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) found in other Audi mid- and large-size class models.

The predictive efficiency assistant adjusts coasting recuperation behavior to the driving situation at hand. It uses the predictable route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy. When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort.

A haptic pulse from the active accelerator pedal and an optical signal in the driver information system display as well as the optional head-up display provide additional support for the greatest possible efficiency. The active accelerator pedal has both a haptic pressure point that signals the end of electric-only driving and haptic feedback that signals the driver to take their foot off of the accelerator.

Convenient: fast charging in a short time

The charging system compact comes standard with the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro**. A Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public charging terminals is available as an option. The charging system compact comprises cables for household and industrial outlets plus a control unit. The system features an LED status display and safety functions such as temperature and residual current monitoring. Audi offers the clip wall mount, a lockable holder for the charging system, as an option.

A full charge at a three-phase CEE industrial outlet with 400 volts and 16 amperes per phase takes just approximately 2.5 hours. The vehicle charges with a maximum of 7.4 kW. Even a 230 volt household outlet can recharge an empty battery fully and conveniently overnight in approximately seven hours. Convenient recharging is also possible on the road. The proprietary Audi e-tron Charging Service provides access to more than 100,000 charging points in Europe. A single card is sufficient to start charging, regardless of the provider.

A constant eye on the state of charge: the myAudi app

The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones, which is particularly practical with electrified models. The app can be used to check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. Furthermore, the route planners in both the app and the MMI navigation in the car show charging stations.

Another function of the myAudi app is pre-entry climate control before setting off. The air conditioning compressor and the auxiliary heater in the car are electrically powered. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the battery is being charged. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, the same applies to the seat and steering wheel heating, heating of the windshield, rear window and mirrors, and the seat cooling.

Clever thermal management

The air conditioning works together with a highly efficient heat pump, enabling the car to make good use of the waste heat from the electric drive train. This is particularly economical and not only enables the interior to be heated or cooled quickly, but also a high electric range even at particularly high or low outdoor temperatures.

Sporty appearance and comprehensively equipped

The Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e** not only scores points against its direct competitors with sporty performance, but also with a correspondingly dynamic appearance package and comprehensive list of standard equipment. The standard S line exterior package combined with the black styling package and the privacy glazing underscore the sporty overall impression of the four-door Gran Turismo even when standing still.

HD Matrix LED headlights, sport seats, four-zone automatic air conditioning, convenience key, Audi virtual cockpit, PHEV-specific displays, 19-inch, multi-spoke wheels and red brake calipers front and rear are standard.

Orders are now being accepted for the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro** at a base price in Germany of 77.850 euros. Market introduction begins in the third quarter of 2019.

 

Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 2.1 – 1.9 (112.0 – 123.8 US mpg); Combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 18.1 – 17.5; Combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 48 – 44 (77.2 – 70.8 g/mi).

Audi

 

 

Topic Spy: ▶️ Audi A7 II 2017 (Spy)

 

 

Edited May 20 by Cole_90
Primo Messaggio Aggiornato

[NikoBellic]

Bella! Mi piace, molto hi-tech style

Sarei curioso di vederla con proporzioni da TP

[Davialfa]

mi gusta assai e finalmente hanno abbandonato il tablettone attaccato.

Interni belli curati e hi tech, esterni niente di rivoluzionario ma comunque belli

[__P]

Piacevolmente sorpreso!

La trovo veramente molto bella; hanno evoluto in modo perfetto il design dell’attuale che non mi aveva mai convinto del tutto... bravi!

[MotorPassion]

Veramente molto bella, nutrivo qualche dubbio su come avrebbero risolto la fanaleria posteriore ma non sembra male (molto scenica l'accensione).

Bella la zona bassa della fiancata (zona brancardo) ed anche la nervatura che percorre il padiglione e va a "morire" sul montante posteriore (soluzione già presente in modi differenti su molte delle ultime realizzazioni del gruppo VW).

Internamente è molto interessante come soluzioni tecniche e di stile utilizzate, notare il richiamo al single frame nella zona dello schermo a centro plancia.

 

 

 

Edited October 19, 2017 by MotorPassion

[Tommy99]

La trovo veramente molto bella. Il frontale mi pare molto ben proporzionato, tra fari e calandra ci sono le dimensioni giuste. Lateralemente si discosta poco dalla precedente, avrei preferito la zona bassa più lineare e semplice. Posteriormente mi piace moltissimo, mi piace la nervatura che racchiude i fanali, mi piacciono i fanali. Sa molto di high tech. Internamente mi piace la zona bocchette verticale, meno tutti gli schermi e schermetti. Sicuramente però la comprerei come auto. 

[MotorPassion]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dallebu]

Interni proprio belli e nuovi.

[Lagarith]

Migliora come proporzioni, ma non convincono al 100% il posteriore e soprattutto l'anteriore nel disegno del cancello che ok andava ridimensionato ma senza creare questa boccona difficile da digerire. non condivido nemmeno il trattamento iso-mondeo del cofano anteriore (perplessità ereditata dalla sorella a5 SPB)

Ok gli interni finalmente senza tablet

A mio parere questa concept:

 

 

era straordinaria. Peccato che ai tempi non sono riusciti ad applicare al 100% questi stilemi sul modello di serie, nè tantomeno quella nuova riesce ad avere la stessa presenza scenica

Edited October 19, 2017 by Lagarith

[GL91]

Mi piace molto davanti, il frontale non è originalissimo ma non è cascante come sulla A5. Non mi piace invece dietro, soprattutto la forma dei fari, e la fiancata, un po' pesante e identica a quella della versione precedente. Insomma, un Audi che mi piace tutta ancora non l' ho trovata. Molto bene il 48v su tutta la gamma, meno bene il clima touch.