13 Feb 2019
Audi released its second-generation A7 Sportback large sedan in November 2018 with a two-variant line-up.
The 55 TFSI and 50 TDI featured 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engines, with the former developing 250kW from 5000 to 6000rpm and 500Nm from 1370 to 4500rpm, while the latter produced 210kW from 3500 to 4000rpm and 620Nm from 2250 to 3000rpm.
Sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, the 55 TFSI was 0.4s quicker than the 50 TDI.
However, the former’s fuel consumption on the combined cycle test (6.0 litres per 100 kilometres) and carbon dioxide emissions (156 grams per kilometre) bested the latter’s marks by 1.1L/100km and 7g/km respectively.
The 50 TDI was matched to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, while the 55 TFSI was mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
Audi’s traditional quattro all-wheel-drive setup with a centre differential was employed by the 50 TDI, while the 55 TFSI instead used quattro ultra to optimise fuel efficiency by exclusively sending drive to the front axle until extra grip was required.
A mild-hybrid system was found in both variants, which consisted of a belt alternator starter (BAS) connected to the crankshaft, and a 10Ah lithium-ion battery pack located under the boot floor.
The net result was fuel savings of up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres, thanks to the setup’s ability to coast with the engine off for up to 40 seconds between 55 and 160km/h.
The 50 TDI and 55 TFSI had a 48V setup that engaged idle-stop from 22km/h.
