Topic: Comparison Test: 2014 Audi RS 7 vs 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

[Autos_Editor]

Even lottery-win fantasies need some practical cars too. We compare two supercars suitable for every day use, for those with the means.

Read More...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Another great comparison.

Are the alloys on that Audi RS 7 correct to the model or Winter replacements Audi mounted? I expected something more impressive in appearance, and remember polished alloys shown on the RS 7 at the auto show. Wheels can make or break the car.

Have to admit the Benz CLS 63 AMG S-Model looks fantastic though (something I didn't think about the first generation), especially with those dark menacing alloys. Frustrating (to me) infotainment system aside, I also prefer its appearance inside - the seat stitching and dash finishes on the Audi are impressive, but it's too monotone in there on the doors and most so when comparing the photos of the rear seats. The CLS is modern yet timeless. Perhaps in person may feel different about the Audi. It's certainly hard to argue the praticality of the RS 7, and I obvously wouldn't push either out of my driveway.

[Weels]

"But the Benz pulls harder."
I guess you really were enamoured with that AMG... that's not how I remember it   

Good write up Jeff.

And many thanks to you and Sir Yarkony for allowing me to play along on that unseasonably warm day... a fantastic afternoon experiencing the ferocious acceleration and awesome barks & bellows these two machines make.
Autos.ca membership has its privileges 

And, i'd take the Audi, but not in that red.

[dave]

Great write-up.  I had the pleasure of riding in the CLS AMG S...you really captured the experience of being pinned to the seatbacks in the Benz.  It really felt like a jet taking off!

How'd the Porsche Panamera GTS stack-up?

[quadzilla]

Great write up

[Northernridge]

Nice review, your comments are consistent with other comparos between these cars. Both cars are awesome but I'd have selected the CLS as well, I climbed through a black one at the Winnipeg MB store a while back and really liked it.

I do note that Mercedes gave you the slower AMG car though. There is also an "S' version that shaves off  two more tenths in 0-60. Also, the HP numbers are at the rear wheel. Apparently engine hp is closer to 650.

For my money though, I think I'd actually buy the E63S because it's a sleeper by comparison, cheaper, massively fast, and I know where all the controls are.

[mixmanmash]

Nice review, your comments are consistent with other comparos between these cars. Both cars are awesome but I'd have selected the CLS as well, I climbed through a black one at the Winnipeg MB store a while back and really liked it.

I do note that Mercedes gave you the slower AMG car though. There is also an "S' version that shaves off  two more tenths in 0-60. Also, the HP numbers are at the rear wheel. Apparently engine hp is closer to 650.

For my money though, I think I'd actually buy the E63S because it's a sleeper by comparison, cheaper, massively fast, and I know where all the controls are.

Agreed.  But I think I would go for the wagon.

[Snowman]

Great review Jeff, I will take my RS7 in black please.

[Fobroader]

Even lottery-win fantasies need some practical cars too. We compare two supercars suitable for every day use, for those with the means.

Read More...

Great writeup.....I'll take my C63 black on black, because it sounds like a dragon.

Sent from my Galaxy S3

[nlm]

This would be a tough one for sure! I'd have to drive these back-to-back-to-back-to-back. I think the RS7 is actually more conservative and timeless in exterior design, even in red, than the CLS AMG-S; the design is comparatively smoother and cleaner overall.

Good write up, except the surf analogy makes more sense if you are facing the surf; the wave hits you and your body flies backwards?

[CanuckS2K]

RS 7 for me in the same colour tested........can't wait to drive it tomorrow morning after Santa delivers it. 

[bridgecity]

RS 7 for me in the same colour tested........can't wait to drive it tomorrow morning after Santa delivers it.

  East coast Santa must be better off than prairie Santa.

[DriverJeff]

I do note that Mercedes gave you the slower AMG car though. There is also an "S' version that shaves off  two more tenths in 0-60. Also, the HP numbers are at the rear wheel. Apparently engine hp is closer to 650.

Northernridge, "mine" was the "S" model.  If you look closely you can see the "S" before the AMG badge on the trunk here:
http://www.autos.ca/galleries/2014/index.php?level=picture&id=5227

Another great comparison.

Are the alloys on that Audi RS 7 correct to the model or Winter replacements Audi mounted? I expected something more impressive in appearance, and remember polished alloys shown on the RS 7 at the auto show. Wheels can make or break the car.

Agreed and these wheels definitely did not suit the car.  I believe they were a winter package provided by Audi.  Perhaps Mr Yarkony (the resident Audi slappy) can confirm?




And Dave, stay tuned for the Pants-a-arama reference in the full CLS 63 review coming up in the future.  (PS… thanks for giving away an iPhone version of one of my 'hero' shots, jerk!  )

[DriverJeff]

"But the Benz pulls harder."
I guess you really were enamoured with that AMG... that's not how I remember it   

In preparing to write this one, I think I flip-flopped a dozen times picking a favourite.  Maybe it comes down to the fact that I had more time to fall in love with the Benz that week.  Seriously, anyone who purchases either of these machines is unbelievably lucky.

[OliverD]

Dunno if I could easily choose between either one of these or a BMW M6 Gran Coupe. They all look so awesome, and pack so much power.

The RS7 looks great in red, too.