World Premiere: 2018 Audi A7 Brings Refreshed Design & Technology

The all-new 2018 Audi A7 Sportback is here. Mainly, the changes done to the vehicle’s design are minor and comprise mostly of evolutionary changes. However, Audi put a lot more force into its attack on the technological/performance aspect, giving us pretty nifty options and fuel-saving engines that can really power this sleekish beast to some impressive performance.

While the most impacting change is the rear taillights (with which many owners had issues before), the vehicle keeps its elongated and stylish four-door coupe silhouette, giving it a perfect looking blend of luxury and style. There’s a magnitude of Audish design lines, LED strips and all kinds of small idents and design cues, all traits of the Ingolstadt based car maker.

All engines used in the A7 Sportback come standard with a new mild hybrid system (MHEV) for greater comfort and efficiency. With the two V6 engines, this uses a 48-volt primary electrical system. A belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery and achieves a recuperation performance of up to 12 kW when braking. At speeds between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 – 99.4 mph), the four-door coupe can coast in freewheeling mode with the engine deactivated and then restarted comfortably via the BAS.

The start-stop function has been significantly expanded and now activates at 22 km/h (13.7 mph). In combination with the standard front camera, the engine is restarted predictively while at a standstill as soon as vehicle ahead begins to move. In real-world driving, the MHEV technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

The new Audi A7 Sportback will initially launch with the 3.0 V6 TFSI. The sonorously understated V6 turbo produces 250 kW (340 hp) and 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft). The four-door coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). In the NEDC, the base version of the Audi A7 55 TFSI consumes 6.8 liters of fuel (34.6 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 154 grams (247.8 g/mi). The 3.0 TFSI is paired with a sevenspeed S tronic. Its quattro drivetrain uses the efficient ultra technology that activates rear-wheel drive as needed. Additional six- and four-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel, will follow shortly after the start of production.

The vehicle is set to arrive in February on the German market, while the U.S. should follow close by. Check out a detailed media gallery of the vehicle right below.