by Aiden Eksteen
Cars are evolving at an excessively rapid pace these days, oftentimes to cater to driving enthusiasts who want something completely over the top or affluent shoppers who are willing to pay extra for something a little more exclusive or unique. This is why cars like the 2021 Audi A7 Sportback,Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, andPorsche Panamera, with their 4-door layouts and sweeping liftback rear ends exist. They offer shoppers something perhaps a little better-looking than a regular sedan, which is not only sportier but sometimes even more practical. There's no doubt that the A7 Sportback is a seriously suave and charming vehicle; just look at it. That contemporary and upscale impression is carried through to its cabin, too, which is crammed with creature comforts and conveniences and is as commodious as can be. To power this serene midsize saloon, Audi employs the services of a strapping but sophisticated 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 unit that, along with a host of finely tuned underpinnings, has the 2021 A7 Sportback deliver an exquisite driving experience.
There are a few updates to the A7 Sportback lineup for 2021, all but one of which are very minor. The most noteworthy upgrade for 2021 would be the addition of the plug-in hybrid option, the 55 TFSI e, to the line. The new 2.0-liter engine is mated to an electric motor, with the combination producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Other updates include standard 20-inch wheels on the base Premium trim and a top-view camera and MMI navigation are now included in the Convenience package for this trim. Premium Plus models now get adaptive cruise assist and emergency assist as standard, and a newly available Sport package for the Prestige adds 21-inch wheels with summer tires and an adaptive steel suspension.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prestige 55 TFSI quattro |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$69,200 |
Premium Plus 55 TFSI quattro |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$69,200 |
Premium 55 TFSI quattro |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$69,200 |
Prestige 55 TFSI e quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$74,900 |
Premium Plus 55TFSI e quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$74,900 |
Whether you admire the sleek liftback design or not, if there's one thing that's for certain, it's that the 2021 Audi A7 Sportback is a superb premium cruiser that exceeds expectations in the realms of performance and luxury. It's to no extent a bonafide sports car, but an authoritative and level-headed cruiser that prioritizes driving pleasure and comfort over speed and competitiveness. If you're looking for something on the more thrilling or entertaining side, the Porsche Panamera would be a more viable choice. Those who like what the A7 is about will revel in its modern, spacious, and luxurious interior. Though neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has subjected the 2021 Audi A7 Sportback to review for its crashworthiness, both authorities did accord the 2020 version with an excellent safety rating, and they are both part of the second generation. The A7 has also received promising reliability reviews over the years. The A6 sedan may be a more pragmatic vehicle, but the A7 Sportback offers the exclusivity and novelty that shoppers in this segment are looking for.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Audi A7 Sportback: