All-New 2018 Audi A7 Sportback Announced, Mild Hybrid As Standard

The all-new 2018 Audi A7 Sportback has just been announced. This is the second generation model that succeeds its predecessor that was first launched in 2010.

Outside, the 2018 A7 Sportback is the second production vehicle to utilize Audi’s new design language that was first shown on Prologue Concept. The 2018 Audi A8 is the first model to utilize this new design language.

Up front is the signature Audi Singleframe grille, though the grille is now lower and wider than the one found on the A8. LED headlights come as standard, though customers can also opt for Matrix LED headlights. Additionally, Matrix LED headlights with laser spot is also available. 

Towards the rear, the new A7 Sportback features an identical tapered rear end as the original model, with an integrated spoiler that deploys automatically at 120 km/h. Then there’s the tail lights, which consists of 13 vertical segments. A light strip combined both tail lights together.

Moving into the interior, Audi engineers have integrated the company’s MMI touch-based operating concept into the new A7 Sportback that replaces physical buttons and rotary knobs of the infotainment system and climate control with two large displays. 

An 8.6-inch display located in the centre console is responsible for the climate control. Above it is the infotainment system that includes, as standard, MMI radio. MMI Navigation and MMI Navigation Plus are available as cost extras, with the latter bundling Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit. Other cost extras include a head-up display.

At launch, the 2018 Audi A7 Sportback will come with a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine that outputs 340 hp and 500 Nm, enabling a 5.3 second 0-100 km/h time. A seven-speed S-tronic gearbox is standard. Audi will introduce other engines, including six- and four-cylinder engines in both petrol and diesel flavours shortly after the A7 enters production.

Engine aside, the Audi A7 Sportback also comes standard with a new Mild Hybrid System (MHEV) that utilizes a 48 volt primary electrical system. Thanks to a belt alternator starter (BAS) that works with a lithium-ion battery, the A7 Sportback is able to feature a recuperation performance of up to 12 kW when braking. Additionally, when the Audi A7 Sportback is cruising between 55 and 160 km/h, the car can coast in a freewheeling mode with the engine shut down and reactivated via the BAS.

In terms of safety, the new Audi A7 Sportback features a grand total of 39 driver assistance systems, which are split into three packages – the Audi AI Parking Package, City Assist Package and Tour Assist Package, with the latter featuring Adaptive Driving Assistant (ADA) that supplements the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with steering interventions meant to keep the vehicle in lane. 

The 2018 Audi A7 Sportback will be assembled at the company’s Neckarsulm plant, with prices starting from 67,800 euros.

Market launch in Germany is expected to happen in late February 2018.