Compare the2022 Audi RS 7VS 2021 Mercedes AMG CLS

The Audi RS 7 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The RS 7 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the RS 7 helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer a night vision system.

The RS 7’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG CLS.

Both the RS 7 and the AMG CLS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, around view monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Audi RS 7 weighs 482 pounds more than the Mercedes AMG CLS. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The RS 7’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG CLS’ (12 vs. 5 years).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 6 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The RS 7’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 162 more horsepower (591 vs. 429) and 206 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 384) than the AMG CLS’ 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the RS 7’s fuel efficiency. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The RS 7’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the RS 7’s brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLS:

The RS 7 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the RS 7 has larger standard tires than the AMG CLS (275/35R21 vs. 245/40R19). The RS 7’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG CLS (285/30R22 vs. 245/40R19).

The RS 7’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG CLS’ standard 40 series front tires. The RS 7’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG CLS’ optional 35 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RS 7 has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG CLS. The RS 7’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the AMG CLS.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the RS 7 a Mid-size car, while the AMG CLS is rated a Compact.

The RS 7 has .1 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more rear headroom and 2 inches more rear legroom than the AMG CLS.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RS 7’s rear seats recline. The AMG CLS’ rear seats don’t recline.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RS 7 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the RS 7 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The RS 7 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the AMG CLS.