Those on the lookout for an elegant, distinctive and dynamic four-door coupe may want to take note of the improvements Audi has made to its A7 Sportback.

This rakish executive car has been redesigned from the ground up and the result is a second-generation A7 with terrific all-round appeal.

There have been a raft of engine and technological advancements, while the new model is much more muscular and aggressive-looking when compared to its predecessor.

Audi’s instantly-recognisable hexagonal grille has been made bigger to the extent where it now dominates the car’s face.

When twinned with the stylish new headlight design, the A7’s front end is now more imposing than previously.

The swooping silhouette features a sloping roofline with a steeply raked rear window, lending itself to the ‘Sportback’ name.

At the back, the most notable feature is a single light strip that stretches the entire width of the rear end in an eye-catching style.

Behind the wheel, the A7 delivers potent performance in a smooth and controlled manner.

The test car was powered by a V6 50 TDI diesel engine capable of going from nought to 62mph in 5.7 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph.

The A7 has 286ps on tap and 457lb ft of torque from 2250rpm to 3000rpm.

This is sent to each of the four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission along with a self-locking centre differential.

As well as being quick, the A7 is also clever.

Audi has included mild 48V hybrid technology in the package, meaning you can run on electric for at least some of your journey.

When travelling between 34mph and 99mph, the engine can effectively shut down while coasting, and regenerative brakes can send energy back to the lithium-ion battery, with the overall result of cutting fuel consumption.

The steering is arguably a little on the light side, although the handling through corners is trustworthy and dependable - with tight body control instilling confidence in the driver.

When pushed harder into corners, the A7 can call on its passive Sports suspension set-up, which prevents any excess roll.

Through the corners, drivers will notice a new ‘progressive steering’ system, featuring a ratio that becomes more direct as lock is applied.

As is normal with Audi models, there’s a ‘drive select’ driving modes system to tweak things such as the throttle response, steering and ride characteristics.

That provides further versatility, with the smooth and relaxed ride that comes when you select ‘comfort’ mode contrasting sharply with the more urgent and taught ride to be found on ‘dynamic’ mode.

Aimed at those living the executive lifestyle, it’s no surprise that the A7’s interior feels like a refined and luxurious place to be.

The attention to detail and design flair to be found in the cabin is highly-impressive, with crystal clear and eye-catching dials to the fore.

Two large touchscreens, displaying sharp graphics, dominate the central area of the cabin.

When switched off, those screens have a remarkable ability to blend into the dashboard, but the cabin really comes to life when you switch them on.

This is especially noticeable at night, when Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is at its illuminating best.

The seats are comfortable, thanks to a sufficient amount of enough padding, and there’s enough adjustment to make longer journeys pleasant. There’s also plenty of rear seat space. It really is a ruthlessly well thought-out cabin that must rank as best in class and at its price point.

All in all, it’s a tremendous machine with a handsome appearance, a sumptuous cabin and excellent driving dynamics.

Audi A7 Sportback 50 TDI quattro 286ps S-Line

PRICE: From £56,955 on the road, or £64,960 as tested

ENGINE: V6, 3-litre diesel

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and top speed of 155mph (governed)

ECONOMY: 150g/km and 37.7-38.7mpg

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto, all-wheel drive