New Audi A7 Sportback pricing announced

The second generation of the Audi A7 Sportback will begin reaching local showrooms late this year, priced higher but offering better value, according to the importer.

Audi Australia claims that the price of $131,900 for the new Audi A7 Sportback represents a $10,000 improvement in net value, despite V6 variants of the previous generation A7 starting from below $120,000.

The new range kicks off here in November – over 12 months after the new generation was unveiled to the world's press. Leading the charge in Australia will be a turbocharged 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 variant, followed a little while later by a turbo-diesel V6 that also displaces 3.0 litres.

Engine output will be 250kW/500Nm for the (55 TFSI) petrol V6 and 210kW/600Nm for the (50 TDI) diesel V6. The transmission for the diesel V6 will be a conventional eight-speed automatic, but the petrol V6 will be coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch 'S tronic' transmission.

In 2019 the importer will launch a third Audi A7 Sportback variant, powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder (petrol) engine rated at 180kW/370Nm. This engine will be matched to a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. Pricing is yet to be announced for the four-pot (45 TFSI) A7.

The three engines will drive all four wheels through Audi's quattro drivetrain system, and the A7 Sportback will also be available with progressive steering and adaptive suspension.

New 'mild-hybrid' technology promises to save up to 0.7L/100km, Audi claims, with a belt-driven alternator/starter unit, a compact, lightweight 10Ah lithium-ion battery and a 48-Volt electrical system all contributing to that saving. The electrical system feeds power to the advanced HD Matrix LED headlights even while the vehicle is coasting (with the internal-combustion engine stopped). An idle-stop system will shut down and restart the engine at speeds up to 22km/h and Audi says that the vehicle can recover up to 12kW of energy to recharge the battery.

Safety equipment to be offered as standard across the range will include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go/traffic jam assist, 360-degree cameras, forward and rear collision warning, exit warning, intersection assist and turn assist.

Comfort and convenience features will comprise of 20-inch alloy wheels, Audi Virtual Cockpit, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless mobile phone recharging, Valcona leather upholstery, electric front seat adjustment with memory position for the driver, interior lighting package and Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Both variants will be enhanced with S line interior and exterior cosmetic packages.

When the new Audi A7 Sportback arrives in the local market it will introduce a new touch-sensitive MMI infotainment input system with dual touch screens for the centre fascia. Measuring 10.1 and 8.6 inches respectively, the two displays feature haptic and acoustic feedback, and can be operated using voice control, handwriting recognition and the traditional single-point controller for selecting menu items.