The trendy and gorgeous Audi A7 is receiving a facelift for 2015, and with it comes a new 3.0 TDI Ultra model that pushes the turbo-diesel to new heights of efficiency and cleanliness. Introduced in 2012 to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the A7 was an immediate hit. Combining arguably the best styling in the segment, a sumptuous interior, and excellent performance, it's no wonder this car was so well-received. It wasn't just consumers who were impressed; the A7 won several awards, including the Automobile Magazine 2012 Car of the Year Award. Autoweek featured the A7 in its "Best of the Best" feature, and, in general The A7 has been at or near the top in virtually every comparison test since its arrival on the U.S. scene.

The TDI version, introduced here just this year, has also been praised. In a recent road test of the 2014 Audi A7 TDI, Car and Driver exclaimed themselves "drunk on diesel." They were particularly enamored with the TDI's endless 428 pound-feet of torque and excellent efficiency, with a 30 mpg combined rating.

Not one to rest on its laurels, however, Audi->ke14 is giving the A7 TDI a new Ultra version to help reduce consumption and emissions even more.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI ultra.

2015 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Ultra

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Ultra
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 218
  • Torque: 295
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Audi has added subtle styling changes to make the A7 even more of a looker, if that's possible, and the A7 3.0 TDI Ultra follows the lead of the rest of the lineup. Spend a few minutes studying the new design, and it becomes obvious that it has succeeded admirably.

The corporate Audi grille is slightly different, now with more complex angles instead of the rounded soft corners of the 2014 model. While the new grill has more angles integrated into it, the front air intakes have fewer and neatly take on the shape of near-parallelograms.

The updated headlights --now featuring standard LED technology-- are the same basic shape but with thinner inner-contours, while the angles at the innermost part have been reversed. The LED daytime-running lights are also more cohesively integrated into the headlight design. This front refresh gives the A7 a menacing, almost "mean" look that so many automakers are striving for these days. It all comes together flawlessly, almost making the still-gorgeous 2014 model appear dated.

Rear-end changes are less dramatic, but a close view will reveal subtle updates. The taillights, while still the same shape, are slightly smaller with a crisper appearance. Also, there are attractive LED accent lines -- likely for taillight illumination -- which closely mimic the DRL treatment up front. Both front and rear fascias feature Audi's dynamic turn signals.

The lower bumper is different, too, with a cleaner lower-lip and different exhaust outlets. Gone are the circular tips for a more rectangular shape. This integrates with the taillights attractively.

The side profile hasn't changed much -- not that it needed any fixing -- but in typical refresh fashion, expect updated wheel designs.

Interior

The A7's interior has been universally praised from day one. Critics fawned over the cockpit-themed design -- a departure from the more traditional A6 or A8 -- and the usual Audi technological goodies. Audis are well known to be the best in the biz when it comes to interiors, and the A7 was certainly no exception.

For 2015, Audi is sweetening the pot with new trim options. Beaufort aluminum-inlaid walnut wood-trim and new, Valcona leather trim are now options. While the A7 -- and every high-end Audi -- has been praised for its array of wood-trim offerings, this new Beaufort is even a step above. Pictures I've seen of this remind me of the wood that a Chris-Craft cruiser would be made out of. Not surprisingly, Audi claims that this new trim was inspired by yacht-building. The A7's cabin will also be available with five new color palettes for 2015.

The rest of the interior is pretty much the same, save for a new, more attractive shifter and a dash of chrome trim directly above the CD loader. Audi has yet to make the transition to full TFT instrumentation, and we feel its current setup -- classic, attractive analog gauges -- fits the bill just fine. A smaller TFT screen does reside between said analog gauges to convey navigation and other pertinent information to the driver.

Finally, expect an upgrade of the night-vision system and a state-of-the-art head-up display. These will be combined with the latest application of Audi's MMI infotainment system, with 4G LTE connectivity available to keep iPads functioning on road trips.

Drivetrain

The big news for the A7 3.0 TDI Ultra is its revised engine. This powerplant remains a 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel V-6, but with a slight drop in output to 218 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is a good bit less than the standard 3.0-liter TDI engine's 272 ponies and 428 pound-feet of torque, but this engine is all about fuel economy. Audi claims it will achieve 50 mpg and emit just 196.3 grams of CO2 per mile. That is a full 12 mpg better than the 2014 A7 3.0 TDI and a 22.6 g/mile less CO2 emissions than the 2015 3.0 TDI A7.

Though it loses a little power, the A7 TDI Ultra isn't necessarily slow, as it hits 62 mph in 7.3 seconds and tops out at 148.5 mph.

Other impressive engineering features of the V-6 is a forged crankshaft which is optimized for weight savings, improved oil-cooling, and a diamond-like carbon coating on the piston pins to reduce friction.

2015 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Ultra - Drivetrain Specification

Type

3.0 TDI V-6

Output

218 HP

Torque

295 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

7.3 seconds

Top Speed

148.5 mph

Fuel Economy

50 MPG Combined

Emissions

196.3 Grams of CO2 Per Mile


Prices

U.S pricing hasn't been officially released as of July 2014, but European models will start at around $70,000 U.S. dollars. It is important to note that this is for the base-model A7; specific pricing for different models hasn't been disclosed yet. Diesels carry a premium, so expect a loaded-out TDI Ultra version to crest the $85 grand that a current 2014 model will set you back.

Competition

Let me just preface this with the fact that, powertrain wise, the A7 TDI Ultra has no direct competitors. Gasoline engines are the only option in its direct competitors as of July 2014 (at least in the U.S.), but in terms of luxury, driving dynamics, and brand prestige they are right on the money.

2014 BMW 640i Gran Coupe

BMW was late to the four-door coupe party, but perhaps the wait was worth it -- this is one of the best looking Bimmers in a long time. While it can't compare with the A7's compact-car fuel economy due to its diesel, the 640i provides decent efficiency, with a 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway EPA ratings.

Powered by the familiar N55, twin-turbo inline-six, the 640i Gran Coupe produces 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It is significantly faster than the current A7 TDI, with a 0-to-60 time of 5.6 seconds, and winding out a BMW inline-six is a heavenly experience that every car guy should get a shot at at least once. But in a world of rising gas prices, that 50 mpg from the A7 sure is enticing.

Prices start near $77,000, which is competitive with the A7, but can quickly balloon upwards of $100 grand with options.

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS400

The one that started it all receives a refresh for the 2015 model year. The biggest news is the addition of an "entry-level" model, dubbed the CLS400.

Powered by the company's new, twin-turbo V-6, with 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, it should provide impressive performance while offering also decent fuel economy. Don't expect ratings anywhere near the A7 TDI Ultra, however.

Also new are revised front and rear facias, with the new corporate "diamond grille" in place. Newly styled, LED headlights are standard, with a smoked-taillight treatment out back. New rims also enhance the updated appearance.

Inside, there is an updated, eight-inch infotainment screen complete with the brand's latest navigation and entertainment software.

Prices for the CLS400 haven't been released yet, but sources say expect it to be a few grand less than the V-8 CLS500, which starts at around $73,000.

Conclusion

Already a smashing success, these new updates for the A7 should improve sales. Audi is hot-on-the-heels of BMW->ke178 in a close second place for global luxury-car sales. The brand is slowly but surely is making its way to the top.

I can't stop looking at this thing; its lines flow beautifully, and is gorgeous from virtually every angle. The interior is equally a class act. I imagine the driving experience to be sublime as you enjoy superb performance combined with top-notch luxury and craftsmanship.

The most exciting aspect, though, is this diesel. Diesels have come such a long way, and now there are virtually no drawbacks; just big torque, blistering acceleration, and amazing fuel economy. Until a few years ago, I never would have much cared about a diesel. What a difference a few years makes. Now, diesels seem to be at the top of my -- and everyone else's -- list. I'll take my 2015 A7 TDI in black.