Audi A7 Sportback facelift revealed

Audi has given the A7 Sportback a minor facelift, focused on updating the five-door coupe’s looks, tweaking its engines and offering new technology.

The more powerful S7 Sportback variant will likewise benefit from the model’s first visual refresh since launching in 2010. This includes the introduction of the German brand’s more angular Singleframe grille, updated exhausts, as well as more aggressive, squared-off front and rear bumpers.

Aside from these small changes, the major exterior development is the addition of LED technology as standard. Customers are also able to option Matrix LED headlights designed to maximize visibility while reducing glare for oncoming vehicles. These come with dynamic turn signals that are fitted as standard on the taillights.

Interior styling changes have likewise been kept to a minimum, with an identical layout but a fresh choice of five colour options that extends to the seats and new interior materials, such as an aluminium and Beaufort walnut inlay alongside Valcona leather.

The 2015 A7 and S7 will feature a revised top-spec infotainment system, too. Called MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, this latest generation technology includes a Nvidia-developed graphics processor and is paired with Audi connect, which links the car to the internet via LTE high-speed date transmission. On top of this, there’s Audi phone box to improve mobile reception via the antenna and a Bang & Olufsen sound system is available as well.

Under the skin, Audi will initially offer two petrol and three diesel engines in the A7 Sportback, with revised power outputs ranging from 215bhp to 328bhp. When paired to front-wheel drive, the entry-level 3.0-litre TDI will return over 60mpg while emitting a claimed 122g/km of CO2. For the S7 Sportback, the range-topping 4.0 TFSI petrol engine has been carried over, with power rising to 444bhp. 

When it comes to getting this power down, the 316bhp 3.0 TDI biturbo powertrain features an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, however all other models will use a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. This includes front-wheel drive versions, with the redeveloped dual-clutch unit replacing the eight-speed multitronic CVT.

Some engine configurations will also benefit from new lightweight brakes, and there are further weight saving measures in the chassis, which is made from a combination of aluminium and steel.

The revised A7 is due to arrive in showrooms towards the end of this year. We’ll keep you posted with any further updates, including full UK prices and specifications when they are announced nearer to launch.