Audi A7 Sportback - Design Review

There are cars that you dream of. There are cars that you like to look at. There are cars that you want to buy when you make a lot of money. But then, there are cars that you just want, no matter what, and the Audi A7 is just that. It’s a gorgeous looking car. So far, we’ve just been talking about car that have a coupe-like roofline, but this is the original four-door coupe. Audi entered the four door coupe segment a bit too late. Mercedes Benz has had the CLS for quite some time now while BMW tried with the 5 Series GT.  The A7 is positioned between the Audi A6 and the A8, and is based on the A6 platform.  At first, it looks like an unusual approach to a luxury sedan, which in spite of being flashy, stuck to the three-box conventions so far. Compared to a business saloon, the sportback gives it Gran Touring credentials.

While sportier versions of luxury sedans bank on bigger engines and pumped up power figures, the A7 also carries an athletic form. The focal point of the design is the roofline and the way it flows behind. The A7 is a long car, almost five metres in length. It sits wide and low, just like a sports car. The front end is dominated by the long, flat bonnet, Audi grille and straight-cut headlamps. While bi-xenon headlamps are standard, you can also opt for A8-style all LED ones. Also standard are the daytime running LED strips, which are an Audi trademark too. If you’re surprised by the absence of foglamps, the all-weather headlights makes sure you don’t need them.

The flared wheel arches look like wide-body kits and give the car its wide, well-planted stance. This also makes for a prominent waistline that continues right till the back of the car. When viewed from the side, it makes for a clear distinction between the muscular lower body and the slender, coupe-like upper. The A7 gets 18-inch wheels as standard but you can bling it up to the optional 20-inchers if you don’t mind sacrificing ride quality for looks.

The rear is what sets this car apart from your average luxury sedan and is beautifully executed. The A7 is a very athletic and chiseled design and this is evident in the rear too. This is a proper 5-door car and the rear opens up like a hatch. Then there is a discreet spoiler that flips out at the touch of a button to separate Dr Jackyll from Mr Hyde.