Sportback is on the road

There’s no stopping Audi’s product onslaught! When the Sportback becomes the A7 in showrooms, it will be one of the most sought after cars the firm has ever built. This elegant concept suggests it will be more stylish than BMW’s 5-Series GT, and equally practical and luxurious. All eyes will be on Audi’s stand when it debuts at September’s Paris Motor Show.

It's a future Audi frenzy! While the Sportback concept isn’t as unconventional as the e-tron (see Page 8), it’s a big departure. And even in Beverly Hills, where Auto Express took this exclusive first drive, it still turned heads.

When it goes on sale at the end of next year – badged A7 – the car will rival BMW’s 5-Series GT, the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes CLS. It will sit between the A6 and all-new A8, offering space for four or more occupants and the style of a coupé, but with a practical hatchback tailgate.

While the e-tron is designed for the road, the Sportback is very much a study. Its 222bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine is production ready and, mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch box, emits only 156g/km of CO2. But the car is unrefined and only capable of moving slowly.

However, it’s meant to show how the A7 will look, rather than how it drives. And while it will stand higher when it hits dealers, the sweeping profile and A5-inspired tail are to be carried over. So will details such as the sporty single-frame grille and the LED lights front and rear.

It’s as practical as it is stylish, with room in the back for two six-footers. A three-seat rear bench will be optional. The boot has 500 litres of space, accessed via a one-piece tailgate, but final models could feature a Skoda Superb-style twin opening.

Inside, soft cream leather mixes with sandwiched oak trim to give a real sense of occasion, while the classy dash takes cues from the new A8. Audi’s latest MMI control system features, with a touch-sensitive pad to operate the various functions. The full-length panoramic roof will make way for a shorter version, with darkened glass.

Under the skin, the five-link front suspension, from the A6, will come with optional magnetic dampers, although all cars will offer a strong balance of ride and handling. Engines are shared with the new A8, so the new 3.0-litre diesel will be joined by a 4.2 TDI, delivering 800Nm of torque and emitting 199g/km of CO2. There will also be a 4.2 V8 petrol, plus a choice of two-wheel-drive or 4WD layouts. Topping the range will be a hot S7, but base cars should start at £45,000 – and that figure buys one of the most stylish luxury models around.

Rival: BMW 5-Series GT
The GT has added another dimension to the 5-Series
line-up. While it’s not the best-looking BMW, it’s very practical and desirable – so the new A7 will have to be good to beat it