Audi A7 Sportback

If there’s a gap in the new-car market, Audi will be one of the first brands to plug it. In recent years, the ambitious German firm has been on a niche-filling mission, expanding its line-up to include everything from superminis to SUVs.

The latest addition is the A7 Sportback, which aims to combine limousine luxury, sleek coupé looks and five-door hatchback versatility. And you can add sports car-rivalling pace and agility to that list, because the newcomer is powered by a 296bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that’s mated to the firm’s famed quattro four-wheel-drive transmission.

Audi’s designers have hit the jackpot when it comes to styling, as the rakish lines and precise detailing give the A7 immense kerb appeal. Bold LED lamps front and rear, pillarless doors and a retractable spoiler all add to the visual impact, although the eye-catching 19-inch alloys fitted to our test car are a hefty £990 option. Our only criticism of the dashing exterior design is that it looks virtually identical to the brand’s A5 Sportback, which costs tens of thousands less.

You’re unlikely to feel short-changed by the beautifully built cabin, which has been carried over from the range-topping A8 limousine. The sweeping dash is attractively styled and thoughtfully laid out, while the driving position is perfect. 

A 6.5-inch screen for the standard sat-nav slides gracefully out of the centre console at the touch of a button. However, to benefit from the clever touchpad control fitted to our car – which allows you to spell out your destination using a fingertip – you’ll need to fork out £1,175 for MMI Navigation Plus. As with its rivals, the A7 is a strict four-seater. Rear passengers get bags of legroom, but they don’t benefit from the cosseting individual seats you’ll find in the Mercedes and Porsche. 

Still, the Audi leads the way in the practicality stakes. There’s a versatile hatchback tailgate, which opens to reveal a 535-litre load bay. Fold the rear bench flat, and carrying capacity increases 

to a healthy 1,350 litres.

Performance isn’t exactly lacking, either. The combination of the turbocharged engine and four-wheel-drive powertrain means the Sportback will cover 0-60mph in only 5.6 seconds. 

But it’s the real-world pace that really impresses, as the mix of muscular low-speed responses and the slick twin-clutch gearbox ensures effortless overtaking pace – you have to work the CLS and Panamera harder to achieve similar results. Given its large dimensions, the A7 feels remarkably agile in corners. The steering is well weighted and precise, while the four-wheel-drive chassis provides incredible grip and composure. Owners can also fine-tune the steering, throttle and gearbox responses using the standard Drive Select system.

When you don’t want to drive flat-out, the excellent refinement makes the Audi a relaxing long-distance cruiser – although our car had the £410 optional sports suspension, which is firm and stops it turning in a true limo-rivalling performance. 

Yet while it’s not the most comfortable of our trio, it is the cheapest. The A7 Sportback costs £1,918 less than the CLS, at £48,070. Add its strong blend of performance and poise, and it’s certainly in with a shout...

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Chart position: 2
WHY: Bosses at Audi are intent on filling every niche, and offer over 20 different bodystyles. Stylish A7 hatch has CLS in its sights.