Audi A7 review - stylish fastback provides A6 alternative - Audi A7 engine and gearbox

Four diesel models, based on one 2967cc V6 engine with varying numbers of turbos, and one 3.0 TFSI petrol unit make up an easy-to-understand A7 range. The base 3.0 TDI kicks out 215bhp and either 295lb ft (Ultra) or 369lb ft (quattro); the ultra makes its peak power from 4000-5000rpm, compared to the quattro’s 3250-4750rpm, but while maximum torque is down, the ultra counters with a wider plateau – delivering that 295lb ft from 1250-3750rpm, whereas the quattro’s 369lb ft is available across 1250-3000rpm.

There’s a more powerful iteration of the single-turbo 3.0 TDI, churning out 268bhp from 3500-4250rpm with an excellent 428lb ft spread over 1250-3250rpm, but the diesel hero is the 3.0 BiTDI quattro, a twin-turbo unit serving up 316bhp at 3900-4600rpm and a colossal 480lb ft from 1400-2800rpm. The TFSI V6 makes 328bhp at 5500-6500rpm and 325lb ft from 2900-5300rpm, if you’re interested. 

All A7s have self-shifting transmissions, the seven-speed dual-clutch S Tronic on everything bar the biturbo diesel, which gets an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. Apart from the front-wheel drive ultra, all A7s are quattro all-wheel drive cars too, and the drivetrains are beyond reproach; they’re punchy, quiet and economical, while the gearboxes are smooth and fast-reacting.