Compare the2022 Audi S7VS 2021 Mercedes AMG CLS

The Audi S7 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 S7 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 S7 Prestige 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 S7’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 S7 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 S7’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 S7’s 2.9 turbo V6 hybrid produces 15 more horsepower (444 vs. 429) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 384) than the AMG CLS’ 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

The S7’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 S7’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLS:

For better traction, the S7 has larger tires than the AMG CLS (255/35R21 vs. 245/40R19).

The S7’s 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.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the S7 has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the AMG CLS. The AMG CLS’ largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The S7 is 3.1 inches shorter than the AMG CLS, making the S7 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the S7 a Mid-size car, while the AMG CLS is rated a Compact.

The S7 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 S7’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 S7 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 S7 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The S7 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.