Still relatively new, the Audi A7 Sportback rides on Volkswagen->ke94 Group’s MLB platform and first drove the streets of America in 2012. That MLB platform also underpins the A4->ke1087, A5->ke1188, A6->ke934, A8->ke1089, and even the Q5->ke1666 and Porsche Macan. Needless to day, it’s a popular building block for Volkswagen vehicles. Besides its underpinnings, the A7 Sportback comes with a pair of V-6 engines. First up is the 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged gasoline engine making 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. While it’s a great engine, fans of oil-burners will love the 3.0-liter TDI turbo diesel also available in the A7. Audi’s rich history of TDI engines turns a quarter century this year, and to celebrate, the German automaker is offering the A7 Sportback TDI Competition model -- a hopped-up version of the A7 TDI.

The twin-turbocharged, clean-diesel gets meatier camshafts that help generate an additional seven horsepower, bringing the total to 326 ponies. The 3.0-liter TDI enjoys a maximum torque output of 479 pound-feet between 1,400 and 2,800 rpm. These changes don’t kill the A7 Sportback’s fuel economy either, as it still returns over 38 mpg. Get hard on the throttle, however, and the TDI’s computer will temporarily increase turbo boost, squeezing another 20 horsepower out of the mill, making its maximum output 346 horses.

There are plenty of other changes around the A7 Sportback TDI Competition package besides the extra oomph. Click on past the jump for the full rundown of all the updated features and creature comforts within Audi’s latest A7 TDI.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition.

2014 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition
  • Horsepower: 326
  • Torque: 479 @ 1400
  • Transmission: eight-speed auto
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

To match the added power from the TDI, Audi includes the S line sport package with the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI. That includes revised springs that lower the car by 20 mm (0.8 inches). The 20-inch, five-spoke W design wheels come in black and fit 265/35 series tires. Red brake calipers peak out from behind the wheels and clamp 17-inch rotors both front and back.

Audi also includes three "V6 T" badges that rest on the fenders, side mirror skull caps, and on the glossy-black tailpipe tips. Four unique colors are offered for the TDI Competition package: Daytona Gray, Misano Red, Nardo Gray, and Sepang Blue. LED headlights and turn signals are standard equipment on this special edition and the new Matrix LED headlights are an option.

Otherwise, the TDI Competition is similar to every other A7 Sportback. The long body is complemented by its dramatic roofline that falls into the trunk. The rear decklid itself is connected to the rear glass like a hatchback. Rear seat headroom is somewhat compromised by the design, but for couples or families with small children, the roof doesn’t present a problem.

Interior

Like the outside, there are several features that separate the TDI Competition package’s interior from the standard A7 livery. The S line goodies continue and the Valcona leather comes in either black or Lunar Silver, complete with the S line logo embossing. The S sport seats are optional with their contrast stitching available in either Misano Red or agate Gray. The door panels feature armrests with matching contrast stitching, along with black Beaufort wood and real aluminum inlays. Opening the doors reveals a "quattro" sill plate.

As usual, the cabin is a wonderful place to spend time. Comfortable seats wrap around the occupants and a leather-covered steering wheel and shift lever keep the premium feel at the driver’s fingertips. Twin analog gauges and a TFT display screen keep all the pertinent information at eye level, while more information and deeper menus can be found within the dash-mounted MMI infotainment system. Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus is also an optional upgrade. With either system, the MMI is controlled via the rotary dial and metallic buttons located just aft of the shift knob. Audi’s night vision assist is also an option.

Drivetrain

Of course, the biggest aspect of the TDI Competition package is the drivetrain. The twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter diesel gets a new set of more aggressive camshafts that boost the power by seven horses, reaching 326 ponies all told. Torque is rated at 479 pound-feet and peaks between 1,400 and 2,800 rpm. What’s more, the TDI engine also has an auxiliary boost feature that allows for an overboost from the turbo. This gives the engine an additional 20 horsepower for short bursts of time.

The turbodiesel is mated to Audi’s eight-speed tiptronic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Even with all the extra grunt, the A7 Sportback TDI Competition package is still rated at 38.6 mpg and emits only 260.7 grams per mile of CO2 emissions. On the European cycle, this equates to 6.1 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers and 162 grams per kilometer of CO2. Those are impressive stats, to say the least.

The S line package trim pieces , black wheels, and the "V6 T" badging on the A7’s exterior quietly brags about what lies under the TDI Competition’s hood.

2014 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition

Type

3.0 TDI biturbo

Output

326 HP

Torque

479 LB-FT @ 1,400 - 2,800 rpm

Fuel economy

38 MPG


Prices

The Audi A7 Sportback TDI Competition will be available to order starting in August of 2014 and cars will be shipping to dealers afterward in the fall. Its base price is starting at €72,000, or roughly $98,000 as of July 2014.

Competition

2015 Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe

Sure, the CLS-Class represents a good competitor for the Audi A7, however, the Mercedes CLS-Class isn’t available with a diesel powerplant -- at least in the States. For roughly the same scratch, you’d be able to buy a CLS63 AMG 4MATIC, complete with its 5.5-liter, biturbo V-8 that kicks out 557 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. Okay, so fuel mileage wouldn’t be comparable, but it might be a guarantee that the Mercedes would get more smiles per gallon than the Audi.

2014 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

The same issue found with the Mercedes occurs with the BMW as well -- no sign of a diesel offering. Likewise, for a little less than $90,000, you could own a 650i Gran Coupe. That’s powered by the twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 kicking out 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic and auto start/stop functionalities, the BMW 650i Gran Coupe achieves 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Zero to 60 comes in a scant 4.5 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 155-mph top speed.

Conclusion

The A7 Sportback TDI Competition package makes for a sportier diesel experience with cues from the S line and of course more power under the hood. The updated looks and optional Matrix LED headlights really give the A7 Sportback TDI Competition a real visual advantage over its competition. However, with the price estimated to hover darn close to $100k, this isn’t the most economical diesel choice out there. In fact, it’s more expensive than the Audi S7, the 420-horsepower, V-8 rocket that costs a relative bargain at $80,200.

If diesel and performance are your things and you’re looking to combine the two, this might be a good place to look.