Which of these German machines is the most attractive
“pairing” of couple and limo?
The term four-door coupe is a misnomer because technically,
no such vehicle exists. If a car has four doors and a notchback boot, it
is clearly a saloon and not a coupe, which is supposed to be a two-door.
This difference, however, became less distinct when
Mercedes-Benz introduced its groundbreaking CLS a decade ago. Now into its
second generation, the car that defined the segment looks more masculine and
promises greater space and refinement, with improved performance to boot.
Also out to impress is the Sportback-style Audi A7, with its
sloping roof and frameless windows. Size-wise, the A7 is the largest of the
three vehicles here, and its Quattro all-wheel drive provides the all-weather
traction that eludes its rear-drive rivals.
The newest contender in this contest is BMW’s 6 Series Gran
Coupe (GC). Despite its late arrival to the four-door coupe party, BMW appears
to have done enough to lure buyers away from the competition with the GC’s
muscular powertrain as well as its handsome lines.
Now, which of the three offers the most compelling
combination of low-slung coupe and high-class saloon? Read on to see how they
stack up.
While the Audi A7 impresses with its spaciousness, solidity
and amenities, it feels and behaves more like a luxury saloon than a coupe-limo
combo, so it doesn’t satisfy the primary criteria of this comparison test. Had
this Sportback offered more “sport” and less “back”, it could have emerged
victorious.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS350 ignited the four-door coupe
phenomenon, but this first-mover advantage has been eroded by smarter, even
sexier alternatives. The flawless ride and lovely engine are wunderbar,
but this wonderfulness is made less “full” by the incomplete infotainment and
the comparatively Cosy cockpit.
Even though the BMW GC doesn’t possess the sheer roominess
of the A7 or the smooth-as-silk cruising of the CLS, it more than compensates
with its head-turning design, superb handling (for its size) and delightful onboard
entertainment. The 6 Series Gran Coupe is the most attractive “pairing” of
coupe and limo in this story.
(Clockwise from
bottom): Plasticky Gran Coupe key doesn't feel very grand, CLS fob is elegant
and pleasantly tactile, while A7 remote has the most premium finish and the
classiest buttons.
The A7 is a truly sporty Limousine, the CLS has class and a
special appeal, while the Gran Coupe sets a new benchmark for the segment.
Audi A7 3.0
Audi A7 3.0
Helm feels more lively than the Merc’s, but the plastic
shifter tabs seem cheaper than the Bimmer’s solid paddles.
The plastic
shifter tabs seem cheaper than the Bimmer’s solid paddles.
The group's most impressive infotainment system includes a
unique slide-out screen and handwriting recognition, but the MMI's menu
navigation isn't as intuitive as the BMW's iDrive system. Low-lying air-con
controls are the least accessible, but the conditioned air is the coldest.
The conditioned
air is the coldest.
Prettiest meters of the bunch retain their clarity in any
lighting condition, while the centre display between them is the clearest.
Prettiest meters
of the bunch retain their clarity in any lighting condition.
Supercharged 3-litre V6 with 310bhp is the punchiest and
most responsive engine here, but “drinks” more petrol than either rival.
Supercharged
3-litre V6 with 310bhp “drinks” more petrol than either rival.
Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox delivers the snappiest
shifts and the loveliest throttle blips in Sport mode.
Seven-speed
dual-clutch gearbox
Roomy, classy cockpit has the highest build quality and the
widest forward visibility, the latter thanks to the expansive windscreen.
Gadget fans will love the numerous buttons, which give the dashboard a
high-tech feel.
Roomy, classy
cockpit has the highest build quality and the widest forward visibility.
A7’s sharply
tapered windows only end up highlighting its bulky rear end.
Largest volume of 535 liter (which can be expanded to 1,390
liter), and also the easiest to load/unload thanks to the huge aperture,
Elongated internal shape swallows golf bags effortlessly.
Elongated internal
shape swallows golf bags effortlessly.
Only possible three-seat here, thanks to the “one-piece”
squab. Comes with the most air-con vents, four (including in the B-pillars),
but rear windows cannot be fully lowered.
Only possible
three-seater here, thanks to the “one-piece” squab.
