Audi A7 Sportback

Overview:

Audi, the brand name needs no description, the company has a legacy of producing elite range sedans packed with amazing features packed with raw power. If you are ready to spend big bucks for an all sports drive mixed with amazing designing and authenticity, Audi A7 is your go-to drive. Audi A7 is not an all-style no substance drive, it is also indeed a very practical car with utility kept in mind by providing a total storage space of 535-litres (seats up). The massive 3-litre V6 petrol engine comes as a blessing, pulling out a heavy 310 hp maximum power output alongside an electronically limited maximum speed measuring 250 kmph. As such, Audi A7 just takes round about 5.6 seconds to reach the 100 kmph mark. This 5-door Sportsback is based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform and comes with the trademark Audi quattro 4 wheel drive. When it comes to fuel-consumption rate, Audi A7 Sportsback a little low on fuel efficiency churning out around 12 kmpl but that's a given, and indeed decent considering the massive 310 horsepower that it churns out. This mid-sized executive luxury car is increasingly becoming the choice of many tycoons due to its executive class looks, utility and raw sports design. Audi A7 also gets hold of some broad 255mm wide, 19” wheels that always keeps it glued to the ground and never allows any sort of lack of friction. The interiors are classy, as expected from a top-end Audi and the use of leather is evident in pretty much every corner of the A7. Basically the A7 will feel good both inside and out. All-in-all Audi A7, despite its price tag, is a value for money drive for the people who are executives on weekdays and party freaks on weekends.

Mileage and Fuel Economy:

The mileage of Audi A7 is a little low in conventional terms but considering the 3.0-litre 310 hp engine, the 12kmpl mileage is justifiable. The emissions are higher than many other new Audi variants clocking in at 199g/km, but still, for an engine of this size, these are more than just decent.

Power:

The 3-litre TFSI engine churns out an astonishing 310 horse power at 5,500-6,500 rpm that makes the Sportsback an absolute beast on roads. Audi has mastered the art of efficient power delivery owing to its efficient Energy Recovery system that transfers the kinetic energy of the A7 when you apply brakes into electrical energy when the car accelerates again relieving the load from the engine and thus improves efficiency.

Acceleration and Pick up:

Audi A7, as it is meant to do, rides considerably low on grounds and sticks to the ground at high speeds which makes it aerodynamically superior to Mercs and Porsches in the same segment and gives it an high acceleration, enabling it to reach the 100kmph mark in a mere 5.6 seconds. The top speed however is electronically limited to 250 kmph which will leave us wondering how fast it really is.

Exterior:

The overall aesthetics of the A7 is very unique. Audi A7 might call it a sportsback but it is actually just a 5-door sedan disguised as a coupe. This unique design has proved to be a boon for the company, since it gives the A7 a distinct appeal. The sharp curves are all distinct and reminds us that it has the sporting spirit in its soul. The trademark Audi headlights are Xenon along with the LED daytime running lights, which makes it look as if it is on a hunt. The tail lamps also get LEDs along with the headlight washers. The rear spoiler is show stealer as it comes into play automatically at high speeds. The hatchback boot lid makes the big boot very easily accessible and also carries with it an aesthetic appeal, justifying the Audi's claim of A7 being a practical car. The exteriors come as a blessing when all the Audi started to look the same. It provides you with all the required business class curves along with a sincerity that won't term you as flashy.

Exterior Measurements:

The A7 is based on the same platform as its small sibling A6 but we witness a serious difference in the dimensions. The overall length of the A7 is a long 4969mm, whereas the width including the side rear view mirrors is 2139mm. The low height of 1420mm makes it super stable even on the trickiest of corners and does not let it experience any body roll even at high speeds. This can also be attributed to the 2914mm wheelbase of the car. The track of the car is 1635mm which makes it roomy on the interior.

Interior:

Just like all the Audi's around, the cabin of Audi A7 is a show stopper. It is so alluring that you would be forced to make the driver sit on the rear seat. The excessive use of leather imparts it a plush feel and keeps your mood lifted. Audi A7 gets an optional heads up display which is really fascinating in this price. The console is ergonomically tilted towards the driver to provide easy access to all the innovative features of Audi A7. It is also available in elegant wooden trims, if that's your taste. The black dash is all pleasing to the eyes and the dials behind the wheels offer clear visibility and doesn't require the driver to wobble his head up and down to read the numbers. The steering wheel also offers sublime grip and feels supportive. The classy 7-inch driver information display spells out the fuel range, average, driving time and service interval display. The Audi's claim of “Emotions meeting Functionality” seems justifiable with the classy interiors.

Interior Comfort:

In terms of comfort, the front row is up to the mark with both the driver and the front passenger getting enough room to spread out and relax for a long day's driving. But if you're above 6 feet, then you might not want to sit on the rear seats. The head room is lacking due to its unique design and the conventional rear bench seats. In term of shoulder room, two passengers would be comfortable on the rear bench but the third one has to either be a child or a midget to fit in comfortably. The seats offer electronic adjustment with memory function that can store your adjustments. They are also heated according to requirement which makes the seat luxurious.

Interior Measurements:

The Front seats gets a headroom of good 1028mm but the rear seats lag behind at 944mm, which might pose a problem for tall businessmen who prefer to be driven to the office by their chauffeur. Since practicallity was on mind while designing this Audi, the boot space is a humongous 1390 litres with the rear seats folded. With seats up too, the boot space flaunted is a very decent 535-litres. The hatchback boot lid also enables easy access to the boot space.

Engine and Performance:

3-litre V6 TFSI petrol engine with direct fuel injection and mechanical charging module enable raw power to be spread in equal proportions across all the wheels. This Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection engine knocks out 310 hp at 5,500-6,500 rpm rivaling many other expensive cars and stealing their market. The maximum starting torque measures 440 Nm at 2,900-4,500 rpm that always keeps the A7 on the helm of being called a sports car. The 7 speed S tronic paddle shift transmission are the same as the other Audi's and we're not complaining.

Stereo and Accessories:

The Audi comes loaded with a 600-watt BOSE surround sound system with 12 channel amplifier and 14 loudspeakers, turning your music into a concert like experience. The centre of all the music and multimedia functionalities is a 7-inch touchscreen pop out display. The Audi music interface lets you connect your I-pod or USB too along with a 6 CD changer and 2 SDHC card readers. If this is not up to the mark for you, then you can upgrade to the incredible Bang & Olufsen advance sound system as and dive into every beat of your favorite soundtrack.

Wheels:

The A7 comes with the Audi exclusive cast aluminum wheels, with the recognizable 5-arm Y design. The tyres are of 255/40 R19 dimensions, offering a stable grip on the tarmac.

Braking and handling:

Both the front and rear get ceramic disc brakes to put a leash on the V6. It also comes equipped with many electronics like ABS and EBD to provide safe braking and handling. The Adaptive air suspension adjusts themselves according to the roads and provide a smooth ride to the passengers.

Safety and Security:

Audi does not allow any loose ends when it comes to safety as well. Coming along with an impressive 8 airbag system including Driver's and front passenger airbag along with the front passenger airbag deactivation, 2 head airbag system, 2 side and 2 rear side airbag system makes the passengers drive in harmony. On the electronic front, for a jerk free driving experience, it provides with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) that includes all the features like ABS, EBD, BA, ASR AND EDL making it crash safe even for the surrounding drivers and passengers. On the security front, it has Electronic Vehicle Immobilization device, Electronically operated child lock and ISOFIX child seat mounting for the safety of children. It also has the standard First Aid kit with warning triangle.

Pros:

Cons:

Rear Seat headroom is a non ignorable issue
Better options available for the same price range