Audi S7 vs Mercedes CLS 500 2012 twin test

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?

Audi S7

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In recent years, a seemingly never-ending barrage of new models has seen Audi expand its line-up to fill every possible niche. So it’s no surprise the S7 has arrived to broaden the appeal of the rakish A7.

The dramatic proportions and intricate detailing of the Sportback already look great, with curved wheelarches and a bold shoulder line that blends neatly into a stubby rear end. The S7 adds a silver-effect grille, mirrors and bumper detailing for even more presence.

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Open the driver’s door and you’re greeted by a beautifully built cabin, which has been partly carried over from the range-topping A8. There’s a greater sense of space and more headroom than in the CLS: the wide range of wheel and seat movement in the Audi ensures the driving position is perfect, while the curved dashboard is attractively styled and thoughtfully laid out.

But it’s the quality of the materials, plus the crystal-clear displays and dials, that really mark it out. The 6.5-inch sat-nav screen glides gracefully out of the centre console, while at night our car’s £300 ambient light package gives the whole cabin a classy glow.

As with the CLS, the S7 is a strict four-seater, but rear passengers get plenty of legroom. A big boot, fold-flat seats and a versatile hatch tailgate make it the more practical choice.

Our car was also fitted with the £210 load-through ski hatch. But keen drivers will get more excited about the engine than the car’s versatility. The new twin-turbo V8 debuts in the S7, and replaces the normally aspirated V10 in the S6 and S8. Its cylinder shutdown technology allows the engine to run on just four cylinders when it can, to boost economy and cut CO2 emissions, although the car emits 16g/km more than the CLS, at 225g/km.

The engine’s character more than makes up for this. For starters, Audi’s clever active noise cancellation system uses sensors, exhaust valves and artificial noise creation to ensure you’re never aware that only half of the eight cylinders are being used. Throttle response is sharper than in the CLS, too, and power delivery is beautifully linear, with the car pulling strongly throughout the rev range. It feels keener and more alive than the CLS’s engine, and is silky smooth, with a subtle V8 soundtrack always in the background.

At the test track, the all-wheel-drive S7 rocketed from 0-60mph seven tenths faster than the Mercedes, in a time of 4.3 seconds. In the real world, the pair are closely matched, although the Audi has the edge with its low-speed punch and slick twin-clutch gearbox.

Mercedes CLS 500

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The original Mercedes CLS invented the four-door coupé class when it arrived in 2005. To some eyes, the second-generation car isn’t quite as distinctive, but by sharing the sleek profile and rounded roof of the original, it stays close to the winning formula – and rivals the new S7 in the desirability stakes.

This is especially the case with our CLS 500 Sport, where the single-bar grille, AMG body styling and 19-inch wheels add kerb appeal. Even so, it’s a more subtle proposition than the S7, which will be a plus point for some.

Inside, too, the Mercedes is a fraction more traditional than the Audi. Overtones of the S-Class limousine can be found in the analogue clock, top-quality materials and upmarket ambience. The low roof and slightly confined feel to the cabin remind you that the CLS is a different beast, but there’s enough room for two adults to sit comfortably in the rear. And while it lacks the Audi’s hatchback versatility, the 520-litre boot is well shaped, plus fold-flat seats can be added for £445.

The column shift for the automatic box frees up space on the transmission tunnel for the COMAND controller, which is as intuitive to use as the Audi’s MMI infotainment set-up. Overall, the straightforward layout has just about the right mix of modern gadgets and traditional materials and dials.

On the move, it’s clear the CLS 500 has the pace and character to rival the S7. The 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 offers 12bhp less power than the Audi’s engine, at 402bhp, but has 50Nm more torque (600Nm), which ensures the car has the performance to keep up with the S7.

Yet while our test track figures show just how close these two cars are, the Mercedes doesn’t have the positive throttle response of the Audi, while the slower shifts of the automatic gearbox and narrower power band combine to make it feel slightly less spirited than the S7.

Plus, even in the manual setting, the conventional automatic gearbox is a little too keen to kick down and you don’t get the sporty downshift throttle blip of the Audi. The Mercedes doesn’t sound as good, either, although the smooth stop-start system ensures it’s clean and we averaged slightly better economy on test, at 20.9mpg.

You can switch the standard air-suspension between Comfort and Sport settings, but we’d stick to the latter as the ride is decent and overall refinement excellent. The car is quiet on the motorway and relaxing around town.

The Mercedes turns in well and feels lighter on its feet, yet isn’t as composed as the Audi on twisty roads, with more body movement. So while it could be more thrilling to drive, the way the CLS blurs the boundaries of comfort and performance is perfectly in keeping with a car that recreates the spirit of traditional four-seater grand tourers.

Verdict

Both these cars are enormously desirable. The S7 and CLS 500 look great and feature refined and powerful V8 petrol engines, which have economy and emissions figures that would have been the stuff of fantasy a few years ago.

These models stylishly blur the boundaries between coupe and saloon, plus their genuine four-seater interiors treat occupants to top-notch quality and executive levels of comfort.

There’s huge scope for personalisation in both models, plus you get plenty of plush equipment as standard. The Mercedes is the cleaner of the pair and every bit as fast as its rival – but the S7’s new V8 engine is a real gem. It’s smooth yet characterful, and combines with a dual-clutch gearbox, all-wheel drive and taut dynamics to ensure the Audi is the sportier choice here.

Yet the S7 gives nothing away in terms of first-class refinement. Add in the practicality of a hatchback tailgate, and it makes a lot of sense.

The CLS 500 is equally desirable, but it’s let down by its auto box, plus it doesn’t have the Audi’s grip or body control. So the new S7 takes victory by the smallest margin – although we’d understand if the Mercedes won you over with its more subtle charms.

Winner: Audi S7 ★★★★

Blistering performance is matched to sure-footed grip and executive comfort in the all-new S7. This is a winning blend that’s now a trademark of fast Audis. The handling could be more engaging and options are expensive, plus while the S7 is cheaper to buy here, it’s a more costly company car choice. But with its great V8, this is one of the finest S models yet. 

2nd: Mercedes CLS 500 ★★★★

Classic Mercedes attributes like refinement and luxury mark out the CLS, and it’s one of the most attractive cars the company builds. Decent running costs are another plus. Yet the saloon body hampers practicality, while it can’t quite match the all-round appeal of the accomplished Audi. It also struggles to rival the S7’s grip and composure through corners.
 

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