Audi S7 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS550 in Auto Express Comparison Test!

New Audi S7 mixes style, luxury and pace. Can it beat the CLS 500?

The Audi A7 Sportback follows the Mercedes CLS in attempting to bridge the gap between saloons and traditional coupes by mixing luxury, sleek looks and four-seat versatility.

The new flagship S7 adds huge performance to the mix. Powered by a 414bhp twin-turbo V8 that’s also used in the brilliant Bentley Continental GT V8, the four-wheel-drive Audi has blistering all-weather pace. Plus, it packs an upmarket cabin inspired by the brand’s luxurious A8 limousine.

On top of that, Audi’s trademark sporty styling cues leave you in no doubt about the car’s potential. The CLS 500 doesn’t need racy add-ons to turn heads, while its classy interior is one of the best around. And under the bonnet is another big twin-turbo V8, so it has the Audi covered for pace.

These two contenders are closely matched for price, power and kerb appeal – but which one is better?
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GermanNut - 8/21/2012 9:17:58 AM

-4 Boost

Both the Audi A7 and S7 models defeated the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 in comparison tests. Car and Driver picked the A7 over the CLS550 and Auto Express picked the S7 over the CLS550.

GO AUDI!

ThierryHenry14 - 8/22/2012 2:57:11 PM

+1 Boost

I simply don't understand those who deboosted you for simply stating facts... strange... but its autospies.com

Car4Life - 8/21/2012 9:49:28 AM

+4 Boost

CLS 550 hands down, critics can say what they want but when I see that vehicle in person, nothing in Audi's line-up can hold a candle to it

merc07 - 8/21/2012 11:08:04 AM

+5 Boost

Lets get real it didn't take reading the article to know that the S7 would corner better than the cls. Lets be real are the people who buy these cars really concerned about which one grips the best. NO. They are concerned with which one looks better, which one feels better, which one at the end is going to justify that huge price tag. In real life as Car4Life said the cls blows the doors off of the Audi in the looks dept. The Audi rings still don't equal a 3 point star.

cidflekken - 8/21/2012 11:24:06 AM

+1 Boost

Have to agree with car4life and merc07, the CLS has much more road presence than the Audi. Don't get me wrong, the A7 is gorgeous from every angle except the rear three quarter. The CLS is like Tyra Banks walking down the runway: bold, confidence, classy, gorgeous. The A7/S7 is like Heidi Klum on the runway: gorgeous, understated, super classy, and sophisticated.

In terms of driving dynamics, not surprising an S7 would beat a CLS500. The S7 may not beat a CLS63.

chewy - 8/21/2012 6:22:13 PM

-1 Boost

That's what the RS7 is for, to go above any AMG version of the CLS. The first CLS was a classic, the newest one is not as great looking.

Yonder7 - 8/21/2012 5:23:23 PM

+3 Boost

Yes but CLS63 is other price and other character...

ThierryHenry14 - 8/22/2012 3:08:05 PM

+2 Boost

There really isn't a clear winner in terms of styles. Its very subjective and preferential. In terms of overall package, I did expect the S7 to win, though there are really no losers, they are both fantastic machines.

Eyecarehawaii - 8/24/2012 12:56:30 AM

+2 Boost

"These two contenders are closely matched for price, power and kerb appeal – but which one is better?"

The word "better" can be subjective based on where one's values are. I agree with ThierryHenry14.