Head to head: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 vs Audi A7 55 TFSI
Don’t they look sharp? Initially introduced as an alternative to conventional three-box sedans, so-called four-door coupes such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 represent a counterpoint to the growing trend toward luxury SUVs.
Audi and BMW didn’t waste time when Mercedes shook up the luxury market with the original CLS, which arrived locally in 2005. Audi Sportback and BMW Gran Coupe models followed Benz’ original vision for a car combining the style of a coupe with the usability of a sedan.
All-new examples of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS arrived in late 2018, giving us the opportunity to test them back-to-back.
How do they compare on price?
We picked models that sit in the middle of their respective ranges, bringing powerful six-cylinder petrol engines with mild hybridisation, all-wheel-drive and sophisticated automatic transmissions.
Priced from $131,900 plus on-road costs, the A7 55 TFSI features a V6 engine with 250kW and 500Nm. Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, an S-line exterior package, adaptive suspension and matrix LED headlights. Tech includes Audi’s driving assistance suite (including active cruise control and autonomous emergency braking), a head-up display system, digital dash and dual infotainment screens.
Our test car features metallic paint ($2200) and an $8000 premium plus package bringing adaptive air suspension, 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, LED mood lighting and more.
Mercedes’ CLS 450 brings a sophisticated in-line six-cylinder mild hybrid engine with 270kW and 500Nm maximums for $155,529. Customers get 20-inch wheels, an AMG exterior and interior package, twin 12.3-inch widescreen displays, a head-up display system, clever LED headlights and a full suite of driver aids. Air suspension is standard on the CLS, which is similarly well-equipped to the Audi - the only option on our test example is matte grey paint, which is yours for $4300.
Both machines are backed by three-year warranties.
What are they like inside?
Both also offer beautifully finished cabins with a focus on front-seat occupants. The Mercedes brings a little more wow-factor initially, feeling more like the classic definition of luxury. Benz customers get open-pore wood veneers, more buttons to play with and retro-styled round air vents with clever LED lighting. If the Mercedes is a modern Leica camera meshing first-class tech with throwback craftsmanship, the Audi is more like a high-end Macbook laptop with clean lines, crisp execution and a fine attention to detail.
Again, the Benz does a better job of impressing mates. But we reckon the Audi is better to live with, thanks in part to a slick infotainment system and gorgeous high-resolution maps lifted from the range-topping A8 limousine. Audi’s materials and control points feel a touch more premium than the CLS, and a lower driving position gels comfortably with its squared-off, flat-bottomed steering wheel which feels more purposeful than its Mercedes equivalent.
Mercedes customers get a 13-speaker, 590 watt Burmester stereo, while the Audi punches harder with a 17-speaker, 730 watt Bang and Olufsen hi-fi arrangement.
Both bring adequate rear seat space, if slightly less headroom than sedan cousins.
The Audi’s high-rise hatchback tailgate is a more practical pick than Mercedes’ conventional boot.
Which is the safest car?
Both cars bring extraordinary safety credentials.
Whichever car you choose will apply the brakes to help avoid a collision, help you steer around obstacles in emergencies, warn you if you’re too tired to drive and give a 360-degree view of your surroundings when parking. Both models are capable of handling the majority of driving duties in limited circumstances (such as stop-start traffic jams) and helping you steer on country roads.
There are differences between the two – Audi will prevent passengers from opening their door into the path of a cyclist or motorcycle rider, and Mercedes will play a burst of digital noise to trigger an inner-ear reflex which can help prevent injuries.
It’s a safe bet either way.
How much do they cost to maintain?
Audi charges $1930 for three years or 45,000 kilometres of maintainance on the A7, while Mercedes charges $2970 for the first three years of CLS maintenance.
What do they have under the bonnet?
The Benz brings a return to smooth in-line six-cylinder power to Mercedes, harking back to classics such as the 300SL “Gullwing” sports car.
The 3.0-litre unit features clever tricks including a 48-volt electrical system with an integrated starter motor and alternator attached to the engine, one capable of contributing an extra 16kW and 249Nm when called for. A compact electric supercharger minimises lag for the conventional turbocharger, and the decision to run with electric air conditioning and steering elements eliminates the need for power-sapping accessory belts.
Tech aside, the Mercedes brings a smooth, free-revving motor that alone is imbued with 270kW and 500Nm of punch. It feels strong and flexible, with torque to spare as required. A standard-fit sports exhaust lends a throaty snarl to the CLS 450, giving it a character rarely found in luxury cars.
Audi’s A7 55 TFSI is a more conventional machine.
Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, the A7’s motor lacks the aural charm or inherent smoothness of the Mercedes engine. Found in a wide variety of models, the V6 is a solid performer if a little anonymous in this company – it doesn’t have the purposeful rasp of the CLS.
Bringing 250kW and 500Nm outputs to the table, the A7 feels reasonably brisk in a straight line, if not quite as perky as the Merc. Like Mercedes, Audi employs mild hybridisation to save fuel, using 48-volt running gear and a small battery to store energy and run an extended stop-start system capable of reducing fuel consumption by 0.7L/100km.
Which is the most economical car?
The A7 uses a claimed 7.3L/100km of petrol, making it a more efficient proposition than the Mercedes and its 8.7L/100km figure.
Which is the best car to drive?
The duo offer different characteristics – the Audi is primarily a luxury cruiser, whereas the Benz brings more overt sporting intent. Naturally, there’s a good amount of crossover between the pair and their abilities – both have grippy tyres, all-wheel-drive and a good amount of squirt.
Keen drivers might lean towards the Mercedes – it feels faster, sharper and more engaging than the Audi. But it also suffers from an abrupt ride at times, sending sharper shocks through the cabin than you might expect from around $150,000 worth of luxury Mercedes. The Audi is more comfortable, though its 21-inch wheels do thump home from time to time. Feeling less precise or engaging than the Benz, the Audi is a more relaxed cruiser – quieter, smoother and a touch easier to live with.
Any problems I should look out for?
Audi’s V6 is a proven engine which shouldn’t give you any trouble. But the complex Benz drivetrain is a little unproven.
Which one should I buy?
Which one should I buy?
Honestly? It’s a matter of individual preference. The CLS 450 is a flashy, more overt machine, from its glitzy interior to its brash exhaust note and (optional) matte paint. There’s a touch of gangsta to the Benz, while the Audi is a little more discreet. Personally, the A7’s styling, smooth ride and clean cabin push my buttons. That’s the one I’d take home.
2019 Audi A7 55 TFSI
Price: From $131,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 250kW at 5000-6400rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1370-4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 7.3L/100km
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450
Price: From $155,529 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid
Power: 270kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1600-4500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed auto, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 8.7L/100km