Refreshing or Revolting: 2019 Audi A7

This week, Audi showed off the redesigned A7 in all its five-door coupe/fastback sedan glory. Packing the same semi-autonomous driving technology and infotainment system as the recently revealed A8 flagship sedan, the A7 looks ready to take on competitors like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. It certainly has a sleeker look than the A8, but how does the A7’s new design compare to its predecessor?

Up front, it would make sense for the A7 to borrow most of its design details from the A5 Sportback, but it actually doesn’t. Yes, there are similarities, especially in the hood, but the A7 gets its own wide grille and distinctive headlights. The grille and headlights are also the biggest change you’ll see from the previous A7’s front end, as well. In profile, you see that Audi kept the overall shape about the same, only now with sharper creases in some of the body panels.

Out back, Audi gave the redesigned A7 completely new taillights. Running the entire width of the rear end, these LED taillights will probably be the most controversial design decision on the A7. If you ask us, they look like very nice versions of the ones Hyundai uses on some of its vehicles. The A7’s most distinctive feature—its rear hatch—is still there, though.

Inside, Audi resisted the urge to reuse the A8’s cabin, giving the dash and center console their own distinctive look. It’s also a huge departure from what we saw inside the old A7. Thankfully, the touchscreen is better integrated into the dash this time around. The new A7 also gets a lot more tech than we saw in the previous version.

Production of the new A7 will begin in early 2018, but U.S. buyers will have to wait until later in the year to test drive one. Stateside, power will come from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making a healthy 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough for your tastes, we assume the more powerful S7 and RS 7 will soon follow.

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