The newly introduced 2019 Audi A7 places even stronger emphasis on luxury features and high-tech driving systems than its predecessor, but it maintains the same swept-back profile that distinguished the previous model.
The automaker unveiled the redesign this week in Germany, so we haven't driven one yet.
This updated version of Audi's style-centric four-door coupe/hatchback includes a cabin dominated by large touch screens, optional four-wheel steering to improve maneuverability, a mild-hybrid powertrain to boost economy, and semi-autonomous parking features (some of which might not reach the U.S. market).
Despite all the new features, the A7 looks very much like the outgoing version. A reshaped front grille and new LED headlamps and taillights resemble the design of Audi's flagship sedan, the A8. Optional wheel sizes now stretch up to 21 inches in diameter, which typically serve only a styling function.
Powering the base A7 is a 340-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 engine coupled to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This mild-hybrid powertrain is shared with the A8 sedan and includes a 48-volt electrical system to improve the smoothness of the stop/start fuel-saving system.
This also allows the A7 to decouple the engine at faster speeds—from 34 to 99 miles per hour—when the car is coasting. Once additional acceleration and power is needed, the system re-engages the engine using this high-capacity electrical system. A smaller turbo four-cylinder engine along with higher output turbo V6 and V8 engines will be added to the A7 lineup later, though the engines to be offered in the U.S. are still to be determined.
At speeds below 37 mph, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels (up to a maximum of 5 degrees) to shorten the car's turning radius. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve response.
The A7's cabin is dominated by touch-screen surfaces. Knobs and buttons are at a minimum, replaced by two screens mounted on the center console. The upper 10.1-inch screen controls functions including navigation, music, apps, and the hands-free smartphone operation. The lower 8.6-inch screen manages the climate system, along with the heated and ventilated front-seat settings.
When the A7 goes on sale in Europe early next year, it will include Audi's autonomous remote parking features. These allow the driver to exit the vehicle and finish parking using Audi's AI parking assist app. By pressing and holding a button on a smartphone, the A7 will position itself into a garage or parking spot. An Audi spokesman, Mark Dahncke, told Consumer Reports that it's too early to know whether the feature will appear on A7s sold in the U.S. Dahncke said sales here are scheduled to begin in late 2018 or early 2019. Exact pricing will be revealed closer to the car's on-sale date.
We tested the previous generation A7 and were impressed with its combination of style, practicality, and performance.
