Audi A7 Sportback, car review: Lavish-feeling hatch is beautifully made and well equipped

Excellent refinement and high-speed composure mean this is the consummate executive mile-muncher

The stylish A7 commands a premium over an equivalent A6

It’s got coupe looks, beautiful build quality and surprising practicality, and excellent refinement and high-speed composure mean Audi’s stylish A7 Sportback is the consummate executive mile-muncher, too. Dynamically, only the steering lets down the ‘Sportback’ name, while that svelte roofline cuts into the boot space and standard-fit tech-focused kit isn’t as generous as some might like.

Let’s look at this lavish exec hatchback – which is available with a selection of large petrol and diesel engines in various states of tune – in a little more detail.

Thanks to excellent soundproofing and gently growling rather than harshly rattling diesels, the A7 Sportback gives limo-like levels of refinement.

Every model from the entry-level 3.0-litre diesel upwards performs well

All come with seven-ratio automatic gearboxes, except for the bi-turbo oil-burner’s eight-speeder, and both units are smooth-shifting if a little hesitant.

Every model from the entry-level 3.0-litre V6 Ultra SE diesel upwards performs well. There’s a bi-turbo diesel, too, plus a 3.0-litre petrol unit and bonkers V8-powered S7 and RS7 turbos.

A comfortable driving position looks out over a high-quality, well detailed dash

Every variant apart from the base Ultra have four-wheel drive, which gives excellent grip and, teamed with optional air-suspension, superb composure. All models are let down by their vague and inconsistently weighted steering, however.

From behind the wheel, a comfortable driving position looks out over a high-quality, well detailed dash that’s shared with the A6 and incorporates Audi’s Multi-Media Interface and retractable colour screen. The feel is more A8 limo luxury than A5 exec special, with plenty of space front and rear, despite the sloping roofline. This does impact on the load area, but the seats fold and the tailgate is powered, which help make up for any shortcomings. Thanks to that high back end, though, the view out to the rear isn’t great; just as well parking sensors are standard fit.

The feel of the car is more A8 limo luxury than A5 exec special

All models also get leather trim, sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and four-zone climate control. Tech lovers will have to reach deep into their pockets, however, as Google Earth-style sat-nav, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, auto park and in-car Wi-Fi are all extra cost. Also additional are rear side airbags, lane-keeping assist, head-up display and a night-vision camera.

As an ownership proposition, the stylish A7 commands a premium over an equivalent A6, but it’s better equipped and holds its used value better, too. The Ultra offers the best efficiency, which makes it even more appealing to company buyers.

As a stylish executive express that will stand out in the company car park, the lavish-feeling A7 Sportback hatch is beautifully made and well equipped. That, in its entry-level form, it’s economical too is the icing on the cake.