Audi A7 3.0 BiTDI 320PS review

The engine cleverly flits between its two characters at a dab of the accelerator – from being a fast, quiet and smooth operator through to being a muscular feeling sports coupé. Such is the flexibility of this engine that no matter what your default driving action is the engine is happy to reciprocate. The noise is also rather good for a diesel engine with the V6’s vocals being rather pleasing on the ear, not to mention its visceral tones once you push on.

The Bi-Turbo A7 is fitted with an eight-speed torque converter automatic as standard compared to the dual-clutch units fitted to the other diesels in the range. The gearbox can feel a little sluggish to delicate accelerator inputs in first, but otherwise it’s quick to respond and switch ratios. It does like to hold onto a ratio far longer than its dual-clutch equivalents would but that does mean being able to exploit the torque available more readily.

Slot the hefty gearlever into ‘S’ and the gearbox transforms the A7 into the muscular sports coupé that its look and demeanour transmits, with the changes made snappier, and ability to reach the limiter under heavy acceleration before shifting up.

Even the ride is surprisingly good – seems crazy to say about a car at the luxury end of the spectrum, but let me explain. The Black Edition specification fitted to our test car, fitted the A7 with 21in alloy wheels, on lowered, firm suspension combined with standard steel coil springs.

Despite reducing the amount of travel in the suspension, it rides supremely well over the indiscretions littering the UK roads. Only larger potholes cause larger reverberations but a lot can be put down to the low profile tyres fitted.

The way the A7 steers is precise and predictable, providing all the assurances and confidence you would want when turning the wheel. However, if it’s feel and excitement you are after the A7 isn’t the car for you, as it can feel rather remote and detached.

The interior is similar to what you would find in the Audi A6, which is to say very smart, well put together, and logically laid out. There is plenty of space up front with lots of adjustability in the front seats, while the rear seats will seat four comfortably, although taller people may find themselves a little short of head room due to the sloping roof of the Sportback’s shape, while the middle seat is pretty much redundant thanks to the high-rising transmission tunnel. The boot is long, but shallow and easily accessible thanks to the A7’s hatch opening.