Audi A7 Sportback vs BMW 6 Series GT vs Mercedes CLS
Mercedes-Benz set the trend for four-door coupés with the original CLS. Does the latest model continue to lead the way ahead of its German rivals?...
![New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT](https://media.whatcar.com/fit-in/760x503/migration/articles/d7b9d4e31a54ba76af28d3c7a89bcc1cced0de51.jpg)
Space and practicality
Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot
Each of our test cars came with a head room-reducing sunroof (standard in the 6 GT, optional in the A7 and CLS). You barely notice its effect in the 6 GT, but in the lower-slung CLS and A7, those over 6ft tall will feel more hemmed in for height. At least front leg room is plentiful across the board.
![New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/34ca568beff8f717edf2d4f15a33a53fbf420d60.jpg)
It’s in the rear that the differences really tell. The CLS and A7 are wide enough only for two adults, and while there’s reasonable leg room for six-footers, again, head room is tight. The 6 GT is massive by comparison, with plenty of head room and more knee room than you’ll find in the 5 Series, so you can really stretch out.
It’s wider, too, so it can easily seat three abreast when required, while the optional (£420) electric reclining rear backrests make it feel more akin to a limo than a stylised coupé.
![New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/bc63bc33a948803e8e0c10e43a51d4a9b1be5a9e.jpg)
The 6 GT also has the biggest boot, capable of swallowing up to nine carry-on suitcases. Mind you, the A7 managed eight cases and the CLS a still praiseworthy seven, although being the only one with a saloon-style boot-lid (rather than a hatchback tailgate), it struggles to accept bulkier items. All three cars have 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats for added flexibility.
Audi A7 Sportback
![New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/22da15fee1d8c4e3bf3cf3c8a6953de586a2d940.jpg)
Boot 535-1390 litres Suitcases 8
BMW 6 Series GT
![New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/7586e3d5e6cebc6d88d88b8141c729343563d021.jpg)
Boot 610-1800 litres Suitcases 9
Mercedes CLS
![New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT New Audi A7 Sportback & Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 6 Series GT](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/1018093efcee0b58a3b1482be80f300d55c94554.jpg)
![New MG 4 vs New Renault Megane E-Tech vs Cupra Born triple header](https://media.whatcar.com/370x245/wc-image/2022-11/header.jpg)
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