Used test: Audi A7 vs BMW 6 Series GT vs Mercedes CLS

What will they cost?

Officially, the 6 GT is the most fuel efficient, followed by the A7, but only just; a couple of miles per gallon separates it and the least efficient CLS. 

All three cars will cost the same in road tax, because all of them cost more than £40,000 when new, and attract a higher rate of tax for the first six years. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Fortunately, you won’t have to spend more than £40,000 to buy two of the three here. The Mercedes is the most expensive at £42,000, but the Audi has dropped down to £36,500 for a 2018 example with average mileage. However, it’s the BMW that seems to be a complete bargain in this company, because you can find plenty for sale from a dealer for £28,500.  

You will still have some warranty cover left on each of the cars here, so there will be some recourse if you have an issue. That being said, Audi as a brand finished higher in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey (20th place) than BMW (21st) and Mercedes (24th), suggesting that the A7 should be more dependable than the CLS.  

All three come well equipped; adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats and climate control are standard across the board. You also get full leather trim in the 6 GT and CLS, and part-leather and Alcantara in the A7. But again, the 6 GT outshines its rivals by including a standard panoramic sunroof, metallic paint and power-folding door mirrors. 

All three received five stars for safety from Euro NCAP, but it’s the CLS that triumphs because of a higher adult and child occupant rating. They all get automatic emergency braking as standard, while the A7 and CLS also come with lane-keeping assistance. Blindspot monitoring is optional on all three.

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