Audi A7 Sportback set to rival Mercedes CLS

Audi is set to release its new A7 Sportback as a direct challenger to Mercedes-Benz’s CLS. The Sportback will fit the void left between their A6 and A8 models, and will offer what Audi class as a ‘four-door coupe’ shape. This gives the comfort for four people that you get from a big saloon, but the practicality of a hatch with a large boot.

To size it up the new A7 is longer and wider than the A8, but sits lower by 4cm. It also has a shorter wheelbase, and although longer than the A6, reports suggest that the new A6 will share the same platform. The A7 displays a lot of the styling shown on Audi’s concept model that was unveiled at last years Detroit show. Styling such as the low front with large grille, narrowed headlights and short rear end.

Power will come from a choice of either petrol or diesel engine’s, with V6 direct injection petrol powerplants in 2.8-litre, 201hp and 3.0-litre, 295hp supercharged versions. There will also be the S-tronic seven-speed transmission and Audi’s fantastic four-wheel drive system. For those that like the torque of a diesel, two V6 options will be available, with the top spec S-tronic, four-wheel drive 241bhp version pushing out 369lb-ft of torque.

With prices starting from £42,925, UK customers will be able to order their A7 from the 16th August, and expect delivery later in the year. For more info and pictures hit the link below.

Read more: Autocar