DESIGN

The proportions of the new Audi A7 Sportback are an optimal basis for the new Audi design language in the luxury class. The interior also takes up the design language of the prologue studies, which relies on reduction as a stylistic device. The design conveys both sportiness and progressiveness.

Exterior design

Four numbers circumscribe the sporty character of the new Audi A7 Sportback. It is 4,969 millimeters (16.3 ft) long, has a wheelbase of 2,926 millimeters (9.6 ft) and is 1,908 millimeters (6.3 ft) wide, but just 1,422 millimeters (4.7 ft) high. In all dimensions, the differences to the previous model are just a few millimeters.

The Singleframe grille of the new Audi A7 Sportback is wide and low-mounted. All adjacent surfaces and lines emanate from it. The side air inlets in the front skirt emphasize the Gran Turismo’s sporty character. Contours reminiscent of the front splitters on a racing touring car form the bottom edges of the two large inlets.

Sharply tensioned lines and tautly curved surfaces characterize the side view of the A7 Sportback. The low-set shoulder line draws the visual focal point downward for more sportiness. The window line, which rises continuously towards the rear, conveys dynamics even when stationary. Powerful contours over the wheel arches further emphasize the sporty appearance. They are a feature of new design language, cite the “blisters” of the Audi Ur-quattro and reference the tradition of technology at Audi. The point of the third side window tapers upwards – a throwback to the Audi 100 Coupé S from 1970.

Similar to the predecessor model, the rear of the new Audi A7 Sportback is tapered like a yacht. The rear end is about three centimeters (1.2 in) higher, further improving the aerodynamics. At a speed of 120 km/h (74.6 mph), a spoiler extends from the rear hatch. The sweeping contour of the spoiler lip gives the rear end the look of a three-dimensional sculpture – starting with the Audi rings, the rear lights and the connecting light strip.

The distinctive exterior design of the new Audi A7 Sportback is largely devoid of chrome. The optional S line exterior package further hones the sporty look, with a more pronounced front bumper and titanium black air inlets; also the side sills are more strongly pronounced. At the rear is a strongly sculpted, titanium black diffuser insert. There is a choice of 15 colors, eight of which are new. Some are mixtures of multiple tones that look different depending on the light. They impart a particularly elegant touch to the outer skin. Customized paint finishes are available for the new Audi A7 Sportback upon request.

Lighting design 

The A7 Sportback is a testament to Audi’s leading role in lighting technology and lighting design. The Gran Turismo’s headlights are available in three versions: in LED technology, as HD Matrix LED and as HD Matrix LED with Audi laser light. In continuation of the top slat of the Singleframe, the two Matrix variants are divided horizontally to make the headlights appear slim and sporty. The dominant upper area houses the daytime running lights and creates a look with plenty of character. The low beam module is in the “pupil.” With the two HD Matrix variants, the daytime running lights signature is digital in character: Twelve light segments are positioned vertically next to each other here, separated by narrow spaces – conjuring up an association with the 0 and 1 of the digital world.

In the lower zone are the turning light and the two-line Matrix high beam, which is made up of 32 individually controllable LEDs. They illuminate the road dynamically and precisely while hiding other road users from the cone of light. The LEDs also act as cornering lights. With the top-of-the-line headlights, the lower segment also includes the laser spot with is X-shaped metal aperture and the blue light guide. The laser spot is activated at a speed of 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and doubles the range of the high beam.

The tail light of the big coupé also seems to be digital. Each unit comprises 13 vertical segments that alternate with the brake light, which is also segmented. The LED light strip – a typical feature of an Audi top-of-the-line model and at the same time an homage to the Ur-quattro – interconnects them. As on a racing car, the rear fog light is positioned in the center.

The Audi A7 Sportback stands for a new era in Audi lighting design – for aesthetics through movement. The HD Matrix LED headlights and above feature the coming home/leaving home function is used. When the car is locked and unlocked, the headlights and rear lights present dynamic lighting displays.

Interior design

The interior of the new Audi A7 Sportback boasts a fascinating, futuristic lounge atmosphere – reduction is a key stylistic device. The design language combines lean, taut surfaces with clean contours. All the design motifs are logically connected. The driver and front passenger experience a generous space in which the architecture fuses seamlessly with the user interface. With its orientation toward the driver and three-dimensional structure, the instrument panel has a light, sleek and sporty appearance. The upper MMI touch response display is almost invisibly embedded into the black panel architecture and framed by an aluminum-look frame that extends to the front passenger door.

The asymmetric console in the center tunnel also stands out with its black-panel look; this is home to a second display, below which is a key bar. It and the control panel for the lighting functions are optionally available with touch response technology. On the doors, the armrest and the pull handle transition into a stretched aluminum panel, making the entire zone look like a swing arm.

Audi offers two lighting packages in the new A7 Sportback: the ambient lighting package and the contour ambient lighting package. Both subtly highlight the space, volume and materials, and visualize the interior design in the dark. The ambient light makes the dashboard and center console seem to float, and in the door it enhances the sense of space. The contour light traces the large lines on the center console and in the door panels and can be set to any of 30 colors.

Colors and materials

The new Audi A7 Sportback offers a wide range of colors and materials from which to choose, perfectly blending into the atmosphere of modern sporty elegance. Elegant wood inlays with an open-pored, natural-like finish contrast with the cool, technical accents in the interior. As always with Audi, the workmanship is the epitome of precision. The materials have been selected with the utmost care and used on the handcrafted manufacturing level.

There are three equipment levels: standard, design selection and S line sport package. The standard equipment alone offers a choice of four interior colors: black, okapi brown, pearl beige and metropolis gray. Then there is the two-tiered design selection, which also offers customers the new shades sard brown and juniper gray. The higher tier of the S line sport package also includes the color rotor gray.

The most sophisticated upholsteries are the combination of pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, as well as Valcona leather with its new perforation. The Audi exclusive range provides a wide range of options for anyone looking to add an even more customized look to their car. 

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.