WHICH and WHY? Audi A7 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS350 vs. Porsche Panamera

I'm sure the bandwagon boys will say A7 and the Benz guys will swear by the CLS but I say Panamera all the way.
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I've been seeing a couple of Panameras (4S & Turbo 4) around my neighborhood lately, and they are absolutely breathtaking...if you actually know what they are (my wife doesn't and so never really sees them).

If I could afford any of the 3, the Panamera exterior has a less "luxury stiff" design while the interior has plethora of buttons and gadgetry that I like, the kids like, and the wife would just have to learn to appreciate.

The new CLS isn't as (unique) as the 1st gen model, but it's still nice. Though the A7 isn't meant to be a much larger vehicle, I respect it's driving dynamics; but overall, I'm not that impressed.

Mercedes for me, all day, every day!! I still can't stand the hatchbackiness of the other two.

I agree plus mercedes startted this 4 door coupe thing and have perfected it with the new cls

Nonsense question - will have nonsense comments from folks who haven't driven the three cars. Boy, I can't wait to read the uninformed comments.

I live in Munich and I've seen the new Mercedes CLS and Audi A7 and of course the Porsche Panamera up close a dozen times.

For me it is a tie between the CLS and A7. I appreciate both their designs. These are cars you need to see in real life to appreciate their styling. The CLS for example looks incredibly sleek, dynamic and sporty in person. In the press photos it can come across as fat and that flat snout doesn't look that offensive in real life. Forget the press photos - see these cars in real life before making a comment.

I think the new CLS looks better than the original CLS. I really do. Here are some pictures I took of the new CLS(s) at two MB dealers in Munich.

http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=24519.0


I used to love the Panamera, but I find myself disliking the design more and more. Compared to the A7 and the new CLS, it does look, dare I say it, BORING.

CLS all the way! Because it's a Mercedes.

I would undoubtedly choose the Panamera, based on it's driving dynamics and unique looks compared to the others.It must be a joy to own!

CLS, and Im a BMW guy. The Audi looks boring and the Panamera is just plain ugly no matter what anyone says.

Those two Cars came on the market because of CLS!!!!
You can say whatever you want but Benz always will be the leader and the Benchmark!! Period

1st place should read:

Panamera- Suprisingly very fast for a six and put the stock 20's on so it gets good looking too. Did I say the interior is to die for?

2nd place
Audi A7- not quite as good looking as everyone expected but the interior is again 1st rate though not as intriguing as the Porsche. And the Charged six is sweet.

3rd- Merc's CLS is simply a reworked version of the old.
As always, if you have to go Merc you better make sure there's an AMG label on the rear and a bazillion ponies under the hood.

I'm sure the Panamera got 3rd place because of it's styling. Dynamically it is much better then the other 2.It's also the criteria that the 3 cars are bing judged on. Since I do not read or understand German I cannot comment on the article.The Panamera is supposed to doulbe as a 4dr sportscar as well as a luxury sedan.The other 2 focus on being luxury sedans. Philisophically the Panamera cannot win based on this.

My preferences:

Engineering and performance:
Panamera - amazing efficiency, lightest of the 3, best balanced

Exterior Design:
CLS - Hate the Pan's rear hump, and the A7 is just meh compared to the CLS.

Interior Design:
Panamera/A7 tie - I can sit in these cars all day, looks very warm and luxurious. The CLS interior is still a bit cold for me, though it does look good, just not inviting.

"CLS interior is still a bit cold for me, though it does look good, just not inviting."

Check this out:

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8647/53293387.jpg

That's a nice touch to the CLS dashboard. Makes it look far more inviting and pleasing to the eyes.

Mercedes all the way

im going with 1 that saved its brand for going downhill......turbo model please

I still remember how practically everyone ripped the Panamera when its pictures first surfaced and yet, there are surprising acceptance of it now. I'm just curious as to how much of that is actually aesthetic acceptance and how much of it is brand whoring.

Unlike wishful viewers who just like to comment, I just placed an order for the A7 ... Will be my first Audi!! ... Super excited :)