Audi A7 are Sportback 3.0 TFSI and Mercedes CLS 350 with powerful V6 engines on the road in the luxury class. There is already the Porsche Panamera in its base version equipped with six cylinders. Comparison test of the three sports four.
Just five metres in length, around 300 PS strong engine and prices from €60,000: the four-door coupes of Audi and Mercedes are clearly among the society under the car, which rather get their raison d ' etre from fine style as of greatest value. Despite their individual designs and the upscale facilities and motorization are nothing but offshoot of conventional limousines and typical examples of their brand but technically.Who appear too commonplace, which is a more appropriate range at Porsche may. In the base V6 variant the Panamera represents a fascinating alternative that must be paid but significantly more expensive: with the optional dual-clutch transmission, it costs more than the Audi, which goes through in this comparison almost as bargains around 15,000 euros more than the Mercedes CLS and almost 20,000 euro.
The small quantities of Porsche are as responsible as its standalone design while A7 and Mercedes CLS in large component kits can use. What does not mean that the buyer gets less car or technical finesse, but rather less glamour.
Already the dashboard and centre console are a splendor, here classic design, the best materials and high-quality enter a coherent synthesis. At the same time the Panamera in the test requires a certain willingness to learn from its owner, before comes familiarity in dealing. Especially the large number of buttons on the center console makes more difficult the operation and is thus in contrast to what Audi and Mercedes CLS offer their drivers.
Both pay homage to the laudable principle that the most important functions and information even without a glance in the operating instructions must be accessible. If you switch from another model of the brand, is off right off the bat. Despite similar to high material and build quality, but not quite the individuality and noblesse of Porsche is offered with them.
That the already most presents itself in second generation coming Mercedes CLS as a coupe, is very low side and the flat rear with recently lid on his mix of frameless. Audi and Porsche counter with large tailgate to facilitate loading and reclining rear seat back, that extra reward to the Mercedes CLS with 518 euro. When the Panamera it falls short Sportback, however, rather to the amount of baggage, the A7 on the payload.
Because the boot or the four doors, nobody is often on the road with passengers in the rear, although will buy such a car. But who needs backwards, feels that in the test as a punishment. Specifically on the well-shaped bucket seats of Porsche and Mercedes CLS, even adults enjoy enough space and comfort for longer trips. The Audi with its also comfortably upholstered rear seat may resulting in a sporty coupe but rather represents a secondary virtue even five-seater serve as.
Cars with sport appeal are most pronounced the Porsche all three - course. No matter what the company also built at the end of one the second representative of the respective market segment comes out. Also the stately Panamera has heard enough sports genes. He reacts in the test stressed spontaneously, almost already somewhat toxic to smallest steering movements. A penalty on a large scale, which is due to its size and the totally inadequate clarity of his body but on narrow, winding country roads in the way.
The Audi has since significantly handy; He playfully ride with his very smooth steering and benefits, if the coefficient of friction is the road to want, from the traction advantage of standard recalibrated. Since sovereign peace is even still in the test, if the two Hecktriebler have her butt with consistent ESP interventions in check.
The electronic driving aid convinced at all by their harmonious vote, where the Mercedes CLS rather err on goes to the type of the House. Far less than its competitors, he returns the sports page in the foreground and instead strives to make the life of the driver so stress-free and comfortable as possible.
That he is beaten in the classic favorite subject of brand - the comfort - the Audi
must give, is located on the test car equipped with the optional air suspension. It filters out unevenness even slightly better than the steel suspension of Mercedes CLS, which also is to have on request with carry. The Porsche finally moves consistently and appropriately to the overall character on the tight side, but still a suspension comfort, which is also on bad roads to the disturbing factor.
Forward market according to its price, so far does not succeed the Panamera. Even with the engine not that superiority involves a one would expect from a car of the brand. The performance are almost identical with that of Mercedes CLS 350 - up on the slightly higher due to lack of from system speed. Both are cultivated current six, with the Mercedes CLS, thanks to the smooth seven-speed automatic transmission meets the comfort-conscious driver, while the dual-clutch transmission of Porsche on the sports-oriented pilot is tailored.
The Audi, which Motor sets in this comparison clearly at the top has a similar gearbox design. It is charged only - by compressor driven by the crankshaft - and therefore provides the best torque. But not enough: Runs in the test at kultiviertesten his V6 refers to the freudigsten on the gas and provides the best acceleration. Because one is more inclined than accept the higher compared to the Mercedes CLS consumption at the Porsche.
You will not prevent the overall victory of Audi in the test because it offers the best price. For the difference to the Panamera, you can purchase even a small car. With the Porsche customer will say: what am I because it?
