Second-generation Audi A7 breaks cover

For its second-generation, Audi’s luxury sportback gets even more striking and borrows a lot of cool technology from the flagship A8.

Launched in 2010, the original A7 was deemed as one of the most stylish cars made by Audi. Now, seven years down the line, the second generation A7 is all set to carry the style legacy forward.

The exterior of the new Audi A7 is an expression of the new design language that the VW owned premium carmaker introduced with the new A8 saloon. With large surfaces, sharp edges and taut, athletic lines, the new A7 is definitely a more striking representation of Audi's new family look. The new ‘singleframe’ grille up front sits wider and lower than that of the Audi A8 - and is flanked by narrow headlights, boldly contoured air inlets and the flat front end. 

The signature tapered rear end design is retained on the new model. A flat light strip - a new design feature, which again debuted with the A8 - joins the rear lights, whose tail lights are made up of 13 vertical segments. To add to the all-important drama, when the doors are unlocked and again when they are locked, fast-moving light animations play in the rear lights and in the headlights. 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 - most trimmed in gloss black. 

The interior design is a pleasant departure from the Audis of the past. Going with the new industry trend, the centre console of the new A7 is screen heavy, with two displays - a 10.1-inch upper and a 8.6-inch lower, replacing most physical controls. Audi’s virtual cockpit driver's display is very much present as well. The interior trims consists of a healthy dose of leather and aluminium.

Audi's emphasis on AI is seen on the new A7 too, where the available remote garage pilot autonomously maneuvers the A7 into and out of a parking space or garage. Depending on the equipment level, there can be as many as five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner available on-board.

Besides the Audi AI systems, the new A7 features a total of 39 driver assistance systems, which are split up into three packages - the Audi AI parking package, the City assist package with the new crossing assist, and the Tour assist package. 

At launch, the new A7 will be only available in its 55 TFSI avatar, which draws its power from a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol, making 335bhp and 500Nm. The drivetrain also includes a mild hybrid system as standard. There is a belt drive alternator, a lithium ion battery, and 48V electric architecture available on-board, which can coast the new A7 with the engine idled at certain speeds. Power is fed to the rear wheels by a 7-speed automatic gearbox, and features like rear wheel steering will be optional. 

The global launch of the new Audi A7 will happen in early 2018. Audi should bring it to India soon thereafter.