2017 Audi A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro Review

In the executive sedan market in Malaysia, consumers often look for a balance between luxury, practicality, and driving quality—the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro is a typical contender in this segment. As a model that blends coupe-like styling with executive-level space, its biggest selling points lie in the stability and handling brought by the quattro all-wheel-drive system, as well as Audi's signature technological features and build quality. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its dynamic performance matches the positioning of a "sporty executive car," while also examining if its static experience and daily practicality can satisfy both family and business needs.

At first glance, the 2017 A7 Sportback gives an impression of being "sleek but not ostentatious." The car's dimensions are 4969mm×1911mm×1420mm, with a wheelbase of 2914mm. Its overall lines flow smoothly from the front to the rear, maintaining the sporty appeal of a coupe without overly aggressive edges. The front features Audi’s signature trapezoidal grille design, complemented by chrome accents, and the LED headlights have a sharp shape. The daytime running lights are designed in Audi's iconic “arrow shape,” providing high recognizability. The side of the car has a waistline running from the front fender to the rear lights, combined with 19-inch alloy wheels (with 255/40R19 tires on both front and rear), giving a visually elongated effect. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the design of the headlights, while the small spoiler on the edge of the trunk adds a sporty feel, and the dual-exit exhaust layout subtly hints at its performance capabilities.

Sitting inside, Audi's signature refinement is immediately apparent. The interior adopts mainly black as its theme color, paired with silver trim and soft-touch materials throughout. The dashboard features a symmetrical design with a clear button layout. The instrument cluster is analog with electronic backlighting; although not fully digital, it provides plentiful information and is easy to read. The center display is of moderate size and paired with physical buttons and a rotary knob, making the operating logic straightforward and user-friendly. In terms of features, keyless entry/start, electrically adjustable front seats (with memory function), dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and rear air-conditioning vents are all standard, offering great convenience for daily use. Particularly worth mentioning is the 220V/230V power outlet, which is very practical for users who need to work in the car.

Space performance is a key requirement for executive-grade vehicles. The 2914mm wheelbase offers ample rear legroom; a 175cm passenger sitting in the back will still have two fists' worth of space between their knees and the front seat. The headroom is slightly compromised due to the sloping roofline but does not feel cramped. The front seats provide good support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The trunk has a standard capacity of 530L, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration. When folded down, the storage space expands significantly, comfortably accommodating two 28-inch suitcases along with some miscellaneous items. As for storage compartments, the pockets on both the front and rear door panels, as well as the central armrest console, provide practical space for small everyday items without any issues.

The 2017 A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 255PS and a peak torque of 370N·m (available from 1600rpm). It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, placing it among the upper-middle level within the same class of 2.0T vehicles. During actual driving, the power response is lively during take-off, and a light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back feeling. The low-end torque platform at 1600rpm makes low-speed creeping or urban overtaking effortless. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission logic more aggressive, with faster downshifts and more direct power delivery, providing strong confidence during high-speed overtaking.

In terms of handling, the addition of the quattro all-wheel-drive system is a highlight. The steering is precise with minimal dead zones, and the vehicle remains stable during cornering, with good control over body roll. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness: when passing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the suspension filters out most fine vibrations so that rear passengers won't feel too bumpy; while driving on mountain roads, the suspension provides ample support to ensure vehicle stability. The braking system also performs in a linear manner, not overly sensitive in the initial phase, while the latter phase delivers sufficient braking force, providing strong confidence during emergency braking.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.8L/100km. During the actual test drive (evenly split between city and highway driving), the displayed fuel consumption was approximately 7.5L/100km. This is an acceptable figure for a 1.77-ton all-wheel-drive sports sedan. Noise control is well-handled, and below a speed of 100km/h, both wind and tire noise are not significant. Engine noise only becomes noticeable at high rpm but is not jarring. As for seat comfort, the front seats offer good support and wrapping, while the rear seat padding is relatively soft, making it comfortable for long-distance rides.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro lies in its "balance": it boasts the dynamic design of a sports sedan while offering space and configurations of executive level. The quattro all-wheel-drive system brings stable handling, while the daily fuel consumption is not high. Compared to its peers (such as the BMW 6 Series GT 2.0T and the Mercedes-Benz CLS 2.0T), its all-wheel-drive system is a standout differentiator, and its price (RM 457,493) is mid-range among the three, offering decent value for money.

This car is suitable for two types of people: first, family users who value balanced performance, requiring ample space for family trips while wanting to occasionally experience driving pleasure; second, business professionals pursuing luxury quality and practicality, as the fastback design combines style and individuality while the rich configurations meet everyday office needs.

Overall, the 2017 Audi A7 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro is an executive sports sedan with "no obvious weaknesses." Its balanced performance proves its competitiveness in the segment — if you are looking for a model that combines aesthetics, space, handling, and practicality, it is worth considering.