Audi
A7
Mercedes-Benz
CLS
Audi A7 vs Mercedes-Benz CLS: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi A7 offers fuel economy, while the Mercedes-Benz CLS excels at power instead. Choose the Audi A7 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz CLS if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A7
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding the driving experience, design, and long-term reliability of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine (3.0T) and 3.0-liter TDI diesel powertrains. The A7 is consistently praised for its gorgeous, timeless design, exceptional comfort, refined handling with Quattro all-wheel drive, and practical hatchback body style. Owner feedback indicates high satisfaction with the vehicle's performance as a daily driver and long-distance cruiser, with specific acclaim for its quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and high-quality interior build.
Best version to buy
The 2016-2018 model years with the 3.0T supercharged V6 gasoline engine (CREC version, 333 hp) are most frequently recommended. This iteration is noted for having design revisions that address earlier potential issues like carbon buildup (via dual port and direct injection) and updated chain tensioners.
Known issues
- ⚠Higher maintenance and repair costs compared to mainstream brands. Labor and part costs at dealerships are noted as expensive. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Water pump and PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve failure. Common replacement items typically needed between 60,000-100,000 miles (97,000-161,000 km). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Emissions system complexity (TDI models). The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, EGR, and associated sensors are potential failure points with high replacement costs, especially beyond 100,000 miles…
CLS
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. For the first-generation (C219, ~2005-2010), owners express strong affection for its iconic, beautiful design and the reliability of the M113 V8 engine (in CLS500/CLS55 models), describing it as a "dream car" that is relatively simple and rewarding to own. The later W218 generation (2011-2018) garners praise for its continued stylish design, high-quality interior materials, and potent performance, particularly from V8 models.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (C219), the CLS500 with the M113 V8 is frequently cited as the most reliable and sensible choice, praised for its bulletproof nature compared to the more complex M156 AMG engine. For the W218 generation, later model years (post-2015/2016) of the CLS550 with the updated M278 V8 are recommended due to factory fixes for cylinder scoring issues.
Known issues
- ⚠Air suspension failures: components (bags, pumps) begin to fail at 60,000-80,000 miles, leading to expensive repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠M278 V8 engine cylinder scoring: a known engineering defect in earlier models (pre-2016) causing loss of compression; requires engine rebuild. Frequency: very frequent for affected years.
- ⚠48V mild hybrid system failures: includes battery and DC/DC converter malfunctions, causing warning lights and electrical issues, particularly on 2019+ CLS450 models. Frequency: very frequent for this generation.
The verdict
The Audi A7 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Mercedes-Benz CLS, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Audi A7 are a dealbreaker, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A7 or the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Audi A7 than the Mercedes-Benz CLS. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi A7 or the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi A7 is classed as a Liftback, the Mercedes-Benz CLS as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A7 or the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The Audi A7 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.3-1.6 L/100km combined versus 10.6 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz CLS, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A7 or the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz CLS than the Audi A7. See the known issues comparison above.