2017 Audi A7 to Get More Distinctive Styling, More Features

Some more styling changes are heading to the 2017 Audi A7.

Although the five-door fastback received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2015 model year, Audi is planning to overhaul the design for the 2017 model year in hopes of further differentiating the 2017 Audi A7 from existing models in the German automaker’s lineup.

In Europe, the Audi A7 has a tough time warranting its price tag, with consumers viewing it as a more expensive version of the Audi A5 Sportback. In addition, the A7 offers few tangible benefits over the A6 Avant wagon, which costs about $5,000 less. Audi plans on rectifying the dilemma by giving the 2017 A7 a more distinctive appearance and a longer list of standard features.

According to a report from Automobile, the 2017 Audi A7 will combine subtle elegance with extroverted sportiness, what Audi’s product planners are calling a “C/D shift.” Essentially, the company plans on positioning the improved C-size product closer to the larger D-size segment through a stronger visual presence. Ideally, the C/D shift would result in higher profit margins even through there’s no growth in sales.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Audi A7 Gets Mid-Cycle Facelift

Expect the next Audi A7 to retain its five-door fastback shape, but for its proportions to change significantly. The result will be a lower, wider and more expressive shape, hopefully inspired by the recent Prologue concepts. On the inside, Audi will shift the technology from the classic MMI knob and buttons to touchscreen-based ergonomics.

As for powerplants, the model will keep its entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 252 hp, although a 326-hp hybrid variant will be offered. The next Audi S7 will see a boost of performance to around 500 hp from its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 while the most powerful V6 diesel will have around 350 hp thanks to e-boost. The range-topping Audi RS7 will stick with a V8 with around 757 hp.

[Source: Automobile]

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