Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi RS7
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

$34,994 - $89,999

2023 price

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Audi RS7

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2020 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2020 Audi RS7

By Stephen Ottley

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

11.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Powerful engine despite small size
Responsive handling
Stylish and sporty interior

A V8 with 800Nm? Yes please
Hatchback practicality
Standard air suspension

Dislikes

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

Limited rear headroom
Rear legroom could be better
Cabin storage isn't great

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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2020 Audi RS7 Summary

If you’re looking for a sedan version of the RS 6 Avant, then you’ve come to the right place – sort of. See there is no RS 6 Sedan, but the RS 7 Sportback is the next best thing – you may even find it an even better thing because not only does it share RS 6 Avant’s outrageous engine and high-performance hardware, it’s also a sedan …but with a hatchback.

And if that kind of thing makes you happy, sit down – because the new generation RS 7 Sportback has just landed.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2020 Audi RS7

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.

Verdict

The new-generation RS 7 Sportback heralds the further evolution of this large majestic beast, with more features, a beautifully finished cabin and with more grunt with the looks to match. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of power, dynamics and comfort in the Audi range – apart from in the RS 6 Avant of course.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi RS7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi RS7
What's the difference?