The phrase 'subtle executive express' is redefined by Audi's newest A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Biturbo.

This understated threat appears glossy and slick at first glance, but packs an extremely heavy force under its elongated bonnet...and the proven fact it sports the latest in diesel technology makes the functionality/silence ratio even more alarming.

Displacing 3.0litres, the V6 diesel A7 packages double turbochargers and is mated to the most recent eightspeed 'tiptronic' (read: dualclutch) transmission. Audi promises 0-100km/h acceleration takes 5.3 seconds, while returning joined-cycle fuel economy of just 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

Instantly the A7 seems a huge car, its sloping roof-line elongating its contour and setting it aside from the sedan.

Since you'd expect, the inside is incredibly well-appointed with electrically-flexible memory seats for both driver and front-passenger, accompanied with the scent of quality leather. The driver interface is wellpresented and broad, the MMI display once ignition is engaged appearing from your dash.

This instance can be, fitted with the optional electrical steering column adjustment and adaptive cruise-control (which likewise contains active side, lane and park aid), making the entire interior process bustle - free. Gear - shift paddles sit on the other side of the fantastically clipped steering-wheel, and fourzone climate-control is regular in addition to engine stopstart and satellite-navigation.

Obviously, most of the safety acronyms are present and accounted for, using the additional security of quattro allwheel drive.

To the street, A7 Sportback Bi-turbo can perform easily at either end-of the spectrum. Audi drive select performs with these personalities, providing a complete economy mode, then progresses through dynamic and relaxation ways to an individual setting that enables driverprogrammable functions. Here, you can change engine/gearbox and steering response and even how much motor sound enters the cottage via its symposer. When driving on tight country roads usage on evaluation ranged within the midsevens, up-to nine litres.

The motor is muted to the idea of letting in road and wind noise, when wafting, but the horizon and also boost throttle pressure comes closer quite quickly given the dearth of dither.

The nose will push broad but the quattro system balances the vehicle outside and fast diverts generate. Braking is solid and also the trip- even on 35-chain tyres- is exceedingly well damped.

Climbing to the rear shows that Audi design has trumped material within this case. Though incredibly trimmed and broad with ample leg-room, the Sportback does impinge on back headroom, implying it's not cut-out for a chauffeurdriven lifestyle. That's ok though, for everyone who picks the Audi A7 Sportback Bi-turbo would certainly rather drive themselves.

2012 Audi A7 Test Drive & Review