The phrase 'subtle executive express' was redefined by Audi's newest A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Bi-Turbo.

This understated threat seems glossy and glossy at first glance, but packages a truly hefty impact under its elongated bonnet...and the very fact that it sports most cutting-edge in diesel technologies makes the operation/quiet ratio even more alarming.

Displacing 3.0-litres, the v-6 diesel A7 packages double turbochargers and is matched to most cutting-edge eight-rate 'tiptronic' (study: dualclutch) transmission.

Instantly the 1925kg A7 seems a huge automobile, its sloping roof-line elongating its form and environment it aside from your A6 sedan.

The driver interface is extensive and nicely-introduced, the MMI display appearing from your dash after ignition is engaged.

This illustration can be fitted with all the optional electrical steering column adjustment and adaptive cruise-control (that also contains busy aspect, lane and park support), making all interior process bustle-free.

Of class, all the safety acronyms can be found and accounted for, using the extra security of quattro all-wheel-drive.

On the trail, A7 Sportback Bi-Turbo can perform comfortably at either end-of the spectrum. From unobtrusive improvement to super-car-humbling speedup, the motor/gearbox mix is outstanding. Audi drive select plays with one of these styles, offering the full economy mode, subsequently advances through dynamic and relaxation styles to someone setting which allows driver-programmable features. Here, you can transform engine/gear box and steering result and even simply how much engine sound enters the cottage via its symposer. The sound that hails from your diesel engine is surely not diesel-like; it's grumbly and virtually petrol v 8-like prior to taking on a tuned v-6 sound at greater revs. When driving on restricted country streets consumption on evaluation ranged in the mid-sevens, to nine litres.

The motor is muffled to the purpose of letting in street and air current noise, when wafting, but the horizon along with raise accelerator pressure comes closer quite swiftly given having less flap. Pulling just like a goods train, the A7 Sportback Bi-Turbo would readily perforate into its 250km/h velocity limiter.

The nose will shove broad but the quattro program immediately redirects drive and balances the automobile outside. Braking is strong and also the trip- even on 3 5-string tyres- is extremely nicely damped.

Climbing to the rear shows that Audi design has trumped material in this instance. Though incredibly reduced and broad with enough leg space, the Sportback does impinge on back headroom, indicating it's maybe not cut out to get a chauffeur-driven life. That's ok though, for everyone who selects the Audi A7 Sportback Bi-Turbo would really preferably drive themselves.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0T video