The wraps are slowly coming off the next-generation Audi A7, and now the firm’s new Mercedes CLS and BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe fighter has been spotted wearing light disguise.
We’ve seen the next A7 testing before, but this is our best look yet at the svelte four-door coupe. At the front, it’s clear to see that the new car will channel the latest A8 and take design inspiration from the Audi Prologue concept revealed at the LA Motor Show in 2014 – now becoming the brand’s contemporary face.
We’ve seen the next A7 testing before, but this is our best look yet at the svelte four-door coupe. At the front, it’s clear to see that the new car will channel the latest A8 and take design inspiration from the Audi Prologue concept revealed at the LA Motor Show in 2014 – now becoming the brand’s contemporary face.
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| New Audi A7 spyshots and render / pic source is in the bottom of article |
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| New Audi A7 spyshots and render / pic source is in the bottom of article |
Similarly, a new taillight arrangement at the back is shared with the new A8. A long LED strip will span the width of the bootlid, joining the two taillights together to give the new A7 a sense of width. We expect the covers to come fully off later this year, but it won’t go on sale until 2018.
The new spy shots line up nicely with our exclusive image. The executive hatchback will feature a larger grille, bumpers and headlights. Its sweeping roofline will remain, while the overhauled interior will feature the latest in-car tech from the new A8. It will sit on the lighter MLB Evo platform, shared with the Q7 SUV and the next A6, so we’ll also see improvements to economy and performance.
The new spy shots line up nicely with our exclusive image. The executive hatchback will feature a larger grille, bumpers and headlights. Its sweeping roofline will remain, while the overhauled interior will feature the latest in-car tech from the new A8. It will sit on the lighter MLB Evo platform, shared with the Q7 SUV and the next A6, so we’ll also see improvements to economy and performance.
The most obvious change is the new grille, which will be matched to some new headlights to make the A7 look more like the latest cars in the line up such as the TT or new A5. The roofline is similar to the previous model, but a new set of taillights will help mark out the rear end. Expect the interior to be overhauled too, with Audi's Virtual Cockpit system making an appearance.
While the A7 engine range is expected to consist of large V6 and V8 engines, using both petrol and diesel, this model doesn't appear to have any exhaust pipes - that's either an unusual design choice for Audi, or an indication that an electric or plug-in hybrid version is on the cards.
The new A7 will use the MLB Evo platform, which is shared with the Audi Q7 SUV. The platform is designed to save weight, so expect some improvements over the previous car in terms of efficiency, handling and performance. For comparison, the previous 215bhp 3.0-litre TDI Ultra model returned 58.9mpg and 124g/km of CO2.
While the A7 engine range is expected to consist of large V6 and V8 engines, using both petrol and diesel, this model doesn't appear to have any exhaust pipes - that's either an unusual design choice for Audi, or an indication that an electric or plug-in hybrid version is on the cards.
The new A7 will use the MLB Evo platform, which is shared with the Audi Q7 SUV. The platform is designed to save weight, so expect some improvements over the previous car in terms of efficiency, handling and performance. For comparison, the previous 215bhp 3.0-litre TDI Ultra model returned 58.9mpg and 124g/km of CO2.
The new model will retain the practical five-door body style, though, which features a large hatchback opening to allow easy access to the boot. Expect the flowing roofline to cut into boot space compared to a saloon like the Audi A6, though.
