New Audi A7 Sportback reveal this Thursday

Audi has released a darkened image of the all-new A7 Sportback it plans to completely unveil at a special event this Thursday (October 19).

The single silhouette image of the new A7's side profile implies the next-generation five-door liftback will not be a radical departure from the current model.

Look closely and it will even incorporate the same retractable rear spoiler.

Created to once again go head-to-head with the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera and the next Mercedes-Benz CLS, the new A7 will be based on the same MLB evo platform as both its Porsche rival and the Audi A8.

That means the second-gen A7 will grow in size but reduce slightly in weight.

The big news is that, as well as its new styling, the A7 is almost certain to come with similar levels of tech as the larger-still A8 luxury limo.

Headline news is the A7 will come with Level 3 autonomous driving aids that, on freeways, allows the big German coupe to start, stop, accelerate and steer without the need for even a hand on the steering wheel.

Remote driverless parking will also be on the menu.

Other new tech includes next-gen OLED lighting and an advanced 330kW/700Nm plug-in hybrid 3.0-litre TFSI powertrain that offers a 50km pure-electric range and wireless charging.

A more conventional diesel engine will also be offered but even that powertrain is likely to benefit from the car maker's new 48-volt electronic architecture that recovers energy under braking.

Inside, expect a derivative of the A8's huge new 10.1-inch infotainment system.

All will be revealed late this Thursday.