Audi A7 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
What's the difference?

Audi A7

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2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

$34,994 - $89,999

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2019 Audi A7

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

By Matt Campbell

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Glorious to behold
Surprising value
Great safety kit

Powerful engine despite small size
Responsive handling
Stylish and sporty interior

Dislikes

Launching with top-spec petrol only
Still some options to pick
Some tech quibbles on launch

Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
Ride feels unresolved
Big price jump over old model

2019 Audi A7 Summary

Audi is known as a design-led brand, and arguably no model in the line-up embodies that ethos more than the Audi A7 Sportback.

This all-new version of Audi's largest swoopy five-door hatchback takes the concept of the original first-generation version and, rather than reinventing the idea, reimagines it with a more modern and even more style-focused look, inside and out.

And it's a very convincing execution, indeed.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Audi A7 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Verdict

The Audi A7 is a really likeable car, one that is heavily focused on style but also emanates substance. The 55 TFSI model will appeal to many, but my initial impression is that the best buy in the range could well be the entry-level 45 TFSI. I can't wait to sample it sometime in 2019.

Verdict

The new AMG C 43 may lack the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the German performance brand, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Yes, it could be more extroverted and the ride could be improved, but this is still a sharp-looking sports sedan with loads of punch.

This is a car that speaks to its times, with ever-stricter emissions regulations making it harder and harder for car companies to produce loud, wild and charismatic cars. So Mercedes-AMG has worked within those boundaries and come up with a car that retains at least some of those core elements that has made the brand so desirable over the years.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Audi A7 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A7 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
What's the difference?