If you’d rather not buy something as conservative as an Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5-Series, you can always spend a little more money and purchase either the A7 Sportback, CLS or the 6-Series GT from the same brands respectively.
While technically you can call them direct rivals, these models are quite different in the way they look. For example, the CLS is basically a four-door saloon with a sloping roofline (which is why Mercedes calls it a Coupe), while the A7 and the 6-Series GT are fastbacks, but even between those two, there are differences.
Starting off with their exterior design, deciding which one you like most should be pretty straight forward. For example, according to Carwow’s Mat Watson, it’s the Mercedes CLS which stands above its two rivals when it comes to having the most stylish appearance.
While the 6-Series GT might look, feel and is actually the most practical, the all-new A7 Sportback can meet your practicality needs as well, seen as how you can also raise its tailgate as you would in a regular hatchback or wagon.
Inside, the Audi is said to have the best interior overall, while the Mercedes has the most elegant-looking one, although quality inside the CLS apparently falls slightly short of what you get in the Audi and the BMW. Of course, if all you want to do is stretch out in the back, it’s the 6-Series GT that will accommodate you the best, while the other two might feel a bit snug as far as tall rear seat passengers are concerned.
As for what they’re like to drive, this reviewer fancied the A7 Sportback’s air suspension the most, although the 6-Series GT was the most comfortable overall, and superlatives flew around left and right with regards to the CLS’ diesel engine. But which one would you choose and why?