Audi A7 50 TDI 2019 review: snapshot

The sole diesel offering in the 2019 Audi A7 range is the 50 TDI, which is priced identically to the flagship petrol 'normal' model at $131,900 plus on-road costs.

The 50 TDI is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque, using an eight-speed automatic to propel it via Audi's 'quattro' all-wheel drive system. It also employs a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Claimed fuel use is 6.0L/100km.

Over the entry-grade model it gets 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.

Explore the 2019 Audi A7 range

• Audi A7 2019 review
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• Audi A7 55 TFSI 2019 review: snapshot
• Audi A7 50 TDI 2019 review: snapshot

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.

Plus there's adaptive suspension, progressive steering system, an electronic tailgate with smart opening, keyless entry and push-button start, 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.

Safety kit includes 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).