Audi A7 2019 pricing and specs revealed

The all-new second-generation Audi A7 model has arrived on sale in Australia - well, one-third of the range has, at least.

The three-model Audi A7 Sportback 2019 line-up will initially only be available in high-spec petrol 55 TFSI guise, with the equivalent range-topping 50 TDI turbo-diesel model and the entry-level 45 TFSI petrol to come sometime in 2019. Then there’s the expected S7 and RS 7 models to sit above, though they are still some time away.

As a rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLS (from $136,900) and the BMW 6 series GT (from $123,500), the Audi A7 range is something of a bargain. 

The entry-level 45 TFSI lists at $113,900 plus on-road costs. That’s pretty close to the existing starting point for the A7, but now there’s a bit more gear included as standard, such as 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, Audi’s ‘progressive steering’ system, LED headlights with high-beam assist, an electronic tailgate with smart opening, keyless entry and push-button start, 'Valcona' leather trim and sports front seats, electric front seat adjustment and front seat heating and three-zone climate control air conditioning.

Other goodies include an LED interior ambient lighting package, head-up display, Audi’s 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital driver information display, a 10.1-inch media screen and 8.6-inch control touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring, and wireless smartphone charging.

Inside is Audi’s 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital driver information display, a 10.1-inch media screen and 8.6-inch control touchscreen.

The 45 TFSI is the only four-cylinder A7 in the range, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180kW of power and 370Nm of torque, using a seven-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. Fuel use is rated at 7.1L/100km.

Next up the model range is the 55 TFSI, which has a list price of $131,900 before on-road costs - which is the exact same price, and carries the exact same level of standard specification, as the diesel-powered 50 TDI model (also due mid-2019). This splits the difference between the existing models, but still undercuts the rivals by a good margin.

Over the entry-grade model, the 50 TDI and 55 TFSI models bring matrix LED headlights with light animation, a different 20-inch wheel design, the S line exterior styling pack - essentially a body kit with new front and rear bumpers incorporating mesh-look diffusers and new side sills, plus S line badging.

The 50 TDI and 55 TFSI models bring a different 20-inch wheel design and the S line exterior styling pack.

These two models also get different interior styling, with S line embossed leather seats, illuminated door sill trims, a flat-bottom leather wheel with paddle shifters, dark brushed aluminium inlays, stainless steel pedals, black headlining, piped floor mats, electric steering column adjustment and a Bang & Olufsen 3D 705-watt sound system with 16 speakers and subwoofer.

The 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine producing 250kW/500Nm, and teams a seven-speed dual-clutch to quattro all-wheel drive. It employs a 48-volt mild hybrid system that allows it to coast at higher speeds and recuperate energy at lower speeds. Claimed fuel use is 7.3L/100km.

The 50 TDI is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 210kW/600Nm, using an eight-speed automatic to propel it via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. A 48-volt mild hybrid system is fitted to this version, too. Claimed fuel use is 6.0L/100km.

There’s a lot of safety kit included at each price point, too.

All models get a surround-view camera system, front, side and rear parking sensors, auto emergency braking (AEB) up to 250km/h, a reverse AEB system, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert front and rear, and there’s adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist (allowing semi-autonomous driving up to 60km/h), a system that’ll stop the car if it doesn’t think you can make a gap in the traffic (Intersection Assist) and a system that prevents you from opening your door into the path of cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic. 

There are dual ISOFIX child seat restraints in the back, as well as three top-tether attachments. The A7 has dual front airbags, side airbags front and rear, and curtain airbags (Audi claims a total of 10, but by most other makers’ counts, that’d be eight).

The 'Premium Plus' package costs $6500 for the 45 TFSI and $8000 for the other two models (and you get air suspension included in those grades). Across all grades the pack adds 21-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, a panoramic glass roof, an extended upholstery package, four-zone climate control with rear touch control panel, plus a colour interior lighting package with up to 30 colours. 

Other options include metallic paint (up to $2200), a four-wheel steering system ($4200) and laser headlights ($2500). 

Would you take an Audi A7 over a Mercedes CLS? Tell us what you think in the comments below.