Audi A7

Initial release

The A7 is in essence a four-door fastback version of the C7-series Audi A6, based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform. The A7 was released before the more conventional A6 saloon/estate.[7] Both cars share the same core structure, drivetrain, chassis, dashboard and interior, whilst the A7 has its own unique exterior panelwork. It also differs from the A6 in that it uses aluminium for much of its front body structure. The A7 was also the first fastback to appear within the Audi C-platform series since the Avant version of the C2 Audi 100, which was discontinued in 1982. The vehicle was unveiled in Pinakothek der Moderne art museum in Munich on 26 July 2010,[8] and later at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, 2011 New York Auto Show,[9] and Wörthersee Tour 2011 (in Misano Red).[10]

The vehicles went on sale in autumn 2010. Early models include 2.8 FSI (204 PS) with multitronic, 3.0 TFSI quattro (300 PS) with seven-speed S tronic, 3.0 TDI quattro (245 PS) with seven-speed S tronic; followed by 3.0 TDI (204 PS) with multitronic.[11][12][13]

The 2011 model year A7 introduces FlexRay high speed databus that controls all the driver assistance systems from the A8, but it adds head-up display and active lane assist. Full LED headlamps with Automatic high beam switching or Audi adaptive light (Xenon) with variable headlight range control. US models went on sale 2012 model year vehicles. Early models include 3.0 TFSI quattro (310 PS) with an 8-speed automatic transmission.[14][15]

Audi S7 (2012–2017)

The S7 is a version of the A7 with a 3993 cc biturbo TFSI V8 engine rated at 420 PS and 550 Nm of torque, as well as a quattro four wheel drive system and 7-speed S–tronic gearbox. The S7 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show,[16] and later in 2012 Audi quattro Cup.[17] Delivery of the S7 began in spring 2012.[18]

Similar vehicles

Reviewers have cited the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class as the inspiration to the Audi A7 in the four-door executive sedan market.[19]

Engines and performance

The following internal combustion engines are available,[20][21] with variations dependent on market.

Awards

In the ICOTY Awards, the Audi A7 was named the International Car of the Year in 2012.[22] AutoWeek named the Audi A7 as the Best of the Best/Car for 2012.[23] Esquire named the Audi A7 as the 2011 Esquire Car of the Year.[24] Automobile named the Audi A7 "2012 Automobile of the Year".[25]

Marketing

As part of the A7 Sportback product launch, a launch campaign was created in collaboration with the London advertising agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty. The birth story of the A7 Sportback became the inspiration of the Paper Liberation spot.[26][27] As part of the A7 launch in the US, a papercraft version of 2012 Audi A7 was produced.[28] As part of the S7 launch in the US, a Super Bowl commercial was produced.[29]

2012 update

The A7 3.0 TDI quattro (313 PS, marketed as the A7 3.0 BiTDI quattro) was added to the UK market.[30] The US market A7 3.0 TDI 'clean diesel' quattro was unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and went on sale in Fall 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle.[31][32]

A7 Sportback Black Edition (2013–)

The A7 Sportback Black Edition is a version of the A7 (excluding 3.0 TDI (204 PS), S7) for the UK market. It includes 21-inch rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish with further lowered S line sports suspension, black grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, and by privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards; Piano Black inlays, sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather, black headlining, BOSE audio system with DAB radio and AMI from SE specification and above, S line equipment package (satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, Xenon all-weather headlights and LED rear lights, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, Audi parking system plus, and keyless go), powered tailgate operation, electrically adjustable front seats and a powered retractable rear spoiler. Sales began in November 2012, with deliveries began in early 2013.[33]

Audi A7 Sportback h-tron Concept

At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi showcased the A7 Sportback h-tron Concept, which is a modified A7 with a hydrogen-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is fitted with four high pressure hydrogen fuel tanks which feed a fuel cell placed in the engine compartment, which then power two 85 kW electric traction motors on either axle for a total of 232 PS of output, or 310. PS in boost mode. It is also equipped with a 8.8kWh Li-ion battery which can be charged in 4 hours on a domestic 230V Level 1 charger, or 2 hours on a 360V Level 2 charger. The hydrogen tanks, which have a carbon fiber exterior and aluminium shell, can hold 5. kg of fuel at a pressure of 700. bar, which is enough to power the vehicle for 500. km, and the battery has a range of 50. km.

RS 7 (2013–2019)

The Audi RS 7 is a high performance variant of the A7 and was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.[34][35] It has a 4.0 TFSI twin scroll twin turbo V8 engine rated at 560. PS and 700. Nm of torque and features engine start stop and a cylinder deactivation system (which deactivates cylinders #2, #3, #5 and #8). The engine is paired to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, which transmits power to the wheels via a torque vectoring quattro all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and oil cooler; an upgraded sport differential with two superposition gears is optional.

It is equipped with an adaptive air suspension, which can lower the ride height by 20 mm in sport mode, with optional Dynamic Ride Control with stiffer tuning available. The steering rack has continuously variable assistance and ratio, and there is an optional dynamic all-wheel steering system. The RS 7 comes standard with four internally vented diameter brake discs with 390. mm diameter front discs and black or optionally red painted six-piston calipers, which can be upgraded to 420. mm carbon fiber ceramic discs with anthracite grey painted calipers. They are mounted behind polished 20-inch forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design, with upgrade options for three different 21-inch cast wheel designs.

Exterior changes include a gloss black honeycomb grille and several matte aluminium or carbon fiber accents depending on the selected package. The rear features a power extending spoiler and two elliptical tailpipes. The RS 7 can be painted in a choice of ten body colours, including Nardo grey and an exclusive matte Daytona grey.

Interior upgrades include RS sport seats with side bolsters and integrated head restraints with RS 7 logos, which are upholstered with black Alcantara and leather with diamond quilting at center sections. These can be replaced with optional power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function upholstered in honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver. The dashboard is finished with carbon inlays by default but has four additional material choices, and the headliner is black cloth but can be replaced with lunar silver cloth or black Alcantara.

The RS 7 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds and is limited to 250 kph. The optional Dynamic Package and Dynamic Package Plus increase top speeds to 280 kph and 305 kph, respectively.

RS 7 Performance

Audi announced the RS 7 Performance alongside the RS 6 Performance on 22 October 2015.[36] It is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as the standard RS 7, but now with 605. PS at 6,100-6,800 rpm and 750. Nm of torque at 2,500-5,500 rpm.[37] The top speed remains limited to 250 kph as standard, and the optional Dynamic and Dynamic Plus packages raise the top speed to 280 kph and 305 kph respectively. The RS 7 Performance will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds and 0 to 200 kph in 12.1 seconds. Despite the improved performance, the fuel economy and emissions ratings are unchanged from the standard RS 7.

Facelift (Model year 2015)

Audi unveiled the 2015 A7 facelift in May 2014.[38] Changes include:

• Styling tweaks to the car's exterior, engine line-up, transmission.
• Latest Multi Media Interface modular infotainment platform (faster Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, improved graphics) including handwriting recognition.
• Audi Connect telematics with 4G mobile internet (and mobile updates for the navigation map).
• Adaptive glare-free Matrix LED headlights.
• Improved Night Vision Assistant can now recognize animals.
• Both TFSI and all three TDI engines now meet the Euro 6 emission standard.

RS7

The RS 7 Sportback was first unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.[46]

Specifications

• Engine: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminium block and heads, direct fuel injection.
• Displacement: 3996 cc
• Power: 441 kW at 6250 rpm
• Torque: 800 Nm at 2050 rpm

A7L

In April 2021, Audi launched the three-box sedan version of the A7, called the A7L.[47] It is only sold in China as the first Audi model manufactured by the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture.[48] The A7L has a slightly longer wheelbase while being shorter overall than the Audi A8 (non-LWB); the A7L also has frameless doors like the liftback A7 compared to the A8's framed doors. The A7L could be seen as a closer competitor to the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé than the standard A7.[49]

The engines are the same as those used in the liftback version, including the top-of-the-line 3.0-litre TFSI engine with 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque.[50]

Engine

At launch, the A7 was powered by a six-cylinder petrol engine making 250 kW and 500 Nm, an engine also used in the new Audi A8. Further engines became available soon after the start of production.[51] All units receive a 48-volt vehicle electrical system, which together with the belt alternator starter (BAS) comprises the mild hybrid system.[52]

Safety

Asia

The second generation A7 Sportback was launched in China in December 2018.[53] In April 2021, an additional extended wheelbase three box sedan variant, called the A7L, was launched in China. The A7L is manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen as one of the first Audi products to be produced by SAIC.[54] The A7 Sportback MK2 Type C8/4K was launched in Pakistan in 2019, one year after its launch in India.[55] As of 2017, the second generation of the Audi A7 was also the first generation of the A7 to be sold in Bangladesh.[56] In September 2018, the second generation of A7 was sold in Oman. It was introduced to the Vietnamese market in October 2018 and to the Thai market in February 2019.