The 2018 Audi A7 is the first model year for the second-generation model. Building on the imposing, sleek lines and luxurious interior of the original, this luxury fastback is an impressively practical and sporty-looking car. Avoid the sports suspension and large wheel options and it will prove to be a genuinely comfortable long-distance cruiser. Inside, the infotainment system features two flashy-looking screens, plus there's another screen in front of the driver, replacing traditional analogue dials. For all its attention-grabbing design, however, the infotainment system isn’t actually as intuitive as you would hope – but that’s about the worst we can say about an otherwise excellent car.

Strengths:

Looks much sharper than a conventional saloon
Packed with hi-tech features and equipment
Super-frugal plug-in hybrid

Weaknesses:

Disappointing infotainment system
Not as involving as a Porsche Panamera
Big wheels and sports suspension compromise comfort

Is the 2018 Audi A7 better than the 2018 Mercedes CLS?

The 2018 Audi A7 has the edge on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS when it comes to interior design and build quality, but the sleek Mercedes counters by being noticeably more engaging to drive and arguably more arresting to look at than the slightly more conservative Audi.