abhatti55

So I decided to borrow my friend's 2013 M5 for a 2 week period. I am now really missing it. I can see why so many left the CLS for it.

It had the B&O sound, which makes my HK sound pathetic. I now feel the only thing that really shines in the CLS is the monster engine.

Is the new 2014 CLS S-model that much refined? Electronics wise it seems the W218 is an entire generation behind the BMW. Not to bash our cars, I canceled a build on a '14 M5 to stay loyal to the brand and experience the CLS. I am at odds on what to do now. I suppose the more accurate comparison would be to the M6 gran coupe.

emericr

If you buy a Mercedes for its sound system or overall tech electronics, you are right, MB is not on top.
For the rest of us, we bought the CLS mainly because of its engine. With a tune, it is simply a monster that can keep up with an Aventador.
To each its own, go trade it the CLS for an M5 and I bet you will miss the AMG roar quick enough.

Vic55

LOL at this.... Irony:

I got a 2012 non AWD CLS63TT (Oct of 2011) and tuned it; fawking fast no doubt and a good looking car. I pulled the resonators and the car sounded even better. But then the M5 came out circa Aug 2012 and having ADD of cars I dumped the CLS and got the M5. So I basically had the CLS for 1 year. I got rid of the M5 recently as it wore out its welcome with me. Its hard to quantify everything since my opinion is entirely subjective but:

Transmission: BMW with the DCT is the better unit.

Exhaust: Benz kills it

Acceleration (stock): very close with the roller speed going to the M5 (I had rwd)

Interior: subjective again but I liked the M5 a little more. The HUD is awesome and full color nav screen is easier on the eyes. The seats in the CLS are better since I had a 2013 M5 and it didnt come with adaptive seats WTF.

Driving Feel: The M5 had the better suspension and chassis feel- steering was slightly better in the M5 over the electronic steering of the CLS. I liked the CLS better for feel of speed as I felt the M5 was more isolated (slightly).

Looks: CLS hands down here- wider looking bulldog style stance

So thats my quick summation owing both. The CLS was 1 year older than the M5 so of course I expected the newer car be slightly better but in reality it wasnt as rewarding as the CLS when I owned the CLS. I can only compare my feelings when I had each one and while I got bored of the CLS it too me longer.

abhatti55

Very accurate comparison. The CLS engine sound is one of a kind. I feel the interior build quality on the M5 is better and it gives an overall more solid and heavier ride soaking up bumps etc. better. My biggest complaints with the M5 were. 1.The M5 cabin is almost too quiet and leaves more engine noise to be desired at highway speeds, almost feels like a luxury 7 series at times (which can be nice at times) 2. The damn parking brake switch is major pain the ***.

I did love the soft close door feature and HUD with the speed limit camera is very very helpful. I don't understand why the M5 doesn't have radar cruise available. For now I may be leaning towards an M5, but will hold to see what the RS7 will be about.

vdubpower

rs7....nice....so what audi forum do i have to follow you on to see the new audi /hre/klassen wheels

Vic55

Did I mention RS7 in this thread

I really enjoy the current fleet but the RS7 has me intrigued no doubt. I was talking to a guy over at GMG while getting the 991 serviced and he was in Europe and just couldnt say enough good things about the RS7 on the Autobahn. Where he was very impressed was the 100kmh to 300kmh or close to that pulls....

I need to see one in person and the local dealer (walters) sold their red one before I could go. I think Circle in Long Beaaaatch has 2 but who knows if they are just pre orders loaded in inventory.

vdubpower

i saw a blue one at LA Auto show during the amg preview night
its ok, looks like an A7 with rims and lowered...nothing unexpected

really liked the f type coupe.....when u get one, take me for a ride

Vic55

F coupe type R---- wow what a car--- maybe thats the one?

hyperion667

I like the looks of the cls, the power seemed like an extra you know?

when I think of BMW, it reminds me of this I saw this morning at the Porsche dealer

haha, just kidding.......I like the older 6 and 8 series of BMW's......I usually shop by 'looks' and not usually performance I guess

Vic55

One of the first one's acquired in the states:

ced357

Not to thread jack, but my neighbor just brought home a silver RS7 yesterday and it literally made me stop in my tracks. I love my new CLS, but if I had known how stunning this car is in person, I would have to reconsider and test drive one ASAP.

Vic55

Oh you so need to do a rolling or dig race with him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now please now.

Finally a first hand report of the car, thanks.

emericr

Here's my top reason why I chose the the CLS over the RS7.
Audi USA will void your powertrain warranty (used to be the entire warranty last year) when it finds out that it is tuned. The issue is Audi Germany has made it a point to look for tuned cars and every time you plug it in at the dealer, it supposedly downloads a file that is being analyzed by big brother.
And it is about $10K more expensive as well for those who care.

Pertplus

I keep hearing this and that is driving force behind why I cant get an Audi. Also, the lease rates for the performance models (S and RS) seem outrageously more than those for BMW and Mercedes. But I guess on the flip side, the greater depreciation the less your buy-out is at the end of the term, so that could be a positive I suppose.

Vic55

I have modded 2 audi's with no issues. My dealer knows about all my mods on the R8 and the previous S4 (yep had one) and never one issue with any warranty claim or section 8 housing LOL.... It all depends on how your SA and the dealer chose to handle such issues. No different than an unruly SA at a Benz dealer who wants to code your car because of mods.

Id love to see Audi's stance in writing here..... but I doubt there is such a thing.

emericr

I agree with you Vic however bu this is a fairly new thing. I had an S4 as well modded with no warranty problem.
My local dealer was Statis approved and is mod friendly. Maybe what your dealer does is not hook up the car for diagnosis with the tool that sends info back to big brother ??
All I know is that the dealer has received instructions lately from big brother to tag specific cars as modded and warranty is void.

Vic55

I got my R8 in April and have brought it for service twice, no issues with a tune, exhaust, tcu tune, etc....

I like my dealer

Pertplus

The audi dealerships in San Diego have been -- according to first-hand and other accounts -- brutal to people with a tune. Lots of forum posts in the Audi forums about issues with Stasis tunes, etc.

Vic55

Note to self, do not go to SD for Audi service LOL.

APR is already starting their tuning process on the RS7... Im hearing some crazy possible numbers for the 4.0 engine.

ced357

Yes, I will have to. I just have to catch him, he is rarely home Next time I see his car i'll snap some pics.