One of the most successful models for Audi in recent times, the German based car maker has updated the very successful A7 and RS7 Sportback models for the 2015 model year with a number of technological upgrades. Launched in 2010, this is the first comprehensive facelift to the A7 inclusive of exterior and interior changes that lend a fresh look to the five-door lift-back coupe and its performance counterpart. Changes also include revised engine and transmission options and an updated infotainment system.
Starting with the front fascia of the Audi A7, the Sportback gets new T-shaped LED lights, with Matrix LED headlights available as an option. You also get Matrix LED equipped turn indicators at the front, which have been made standard at the rear. The grille has been revised for a more angular look that accommodates the changes to the headlight cluster. Thankfully, Audi has not tinkered with the stunning lines of the four-door coupe that stays true to the original model.
Moving inside, the cabin makes the use of new materials including aluminium, Beaufort walnut wood trim and Valcona leather that have trickled down from the flagship A8 sedan. You also get the option of five seat colour options to choose from. Upgrades have been extended to the gadgetry as well on the 2015 Audi A7. The Audi MMI user interface remains the same, but now gets a heads-up display. Additions include a new touchpad controller (MMI Touch) and built-in ultra fast LTE internet connectivity. The infotainment system has been upgraded to a new Bang and Olufsen sound system.
The 2015 Audi A7 has been updated with a number of driver assistance systems which include adaptive cruise control and improved night vision. There is also the latest safety technology in the form of ‘stop-and-go traffic crawling’ system as well as side assist and active lane assist. All the changes have been extended to the S7 (not sold in India) as well. The Audi A7 now comes with a number of changes to the petrol and diesel engine options under the hood. The petrol option includes 3.0-litre V6 TFSI Quattro motor that produces 333 PS of power.
The 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine on the other hand is available in different states of tune. The base A7 is now called ‘Ultra’ and comes with 218 PS, sending power to the front wheels, while the other more powerful variant develops 272 PS, this is the engine for India. While all the engines are mated to the 7-speed dual clutch S-Tronic transmission, the top end 3.0-litre bi-turbo diesel variant producing 320 PS is paired to an 8-stage tiptronic transmission.
Audi has also updated the power packed RS7 model that gets all the exterior and interior updates from the A7 Sportback, inclusive of the optional Matrix LED headlights. The car also features a revised instrument console along with the air outlet controls of the vent nozzles. In terms of power, the RS7 uses the same 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 560 HP and 700 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/hr comes up in 3.9 seconds and the car can touch a top speed of 305 km/hr with the option pack fitted.
The new RS7 also gets cylinder deactivation, which improves the fuel efficiency figures, but only marginally though. Audi is also offering fibre ceramic brakes as optional with the RS7 that are lighter than the standard version. The 2015 Audi A7 will go on sale internationally later this year, whereas the Indian launch is expected only by the next calendar year. The updated RS7 could follow soon after the A7’s launch. Audi brings the A7 and RS7 to India via the CBU route.
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