ONI1013

Well, I’m not sure how it would make any sense for Audi to redesign the whole MHEV system to exclude the EPC. Much more work to have a non-EPC variant for no benefit. But even if the 2.9L doesn’t have it, it’s still impressive to me to be able to match the 450hp with a much smaller engine vs the V8 predecessor.

Also surprised the Porsche Panamera shares same engine as the 55 TFSI. Didn’t know that. Thanks.

Joshua Stein

Not really too sure how I feel about this. I'm a big fan of the V8 in my S7 and V8's in general, only 6 cylinders I really like are inline 6's. This news mixed with the new infotainment system isn't really what I wanted. But, I will withhold my judgement until I drive one, but likely will look at a CLS 53, M550i and wait for the M850i Gran Coupe as well, to see what the competition brings.

19hole

You will be very disappointed with the CLS53. It is also a 6 cyl and the power is not what you will expect. Various auto writers have said it feels like it has 300 BPH.

Glisse

The MHEV and the EPC are separate - one does not require the other. The commonality is that they use a 48V system.

The EPC was first used in the Audi SQ7 from 2016. That car uses (it is currently unavailable) a 4 litre twin turbo V8 diesel and an EPC, producing 435hp and 900Nm (664ft-lb) torque, from 1000rpm. But no MHEV.

The MHEV system in the new (diesel) S6 isn't any different than the one in your A6.

Joshua Stein

I honestly only like the CLS for its looks, I've never found Mercedes to make good driver's cars except in full fledged AMG models. I'm mainly going to wait for the M850i Gran Coupe and compare it to the new S7. BMW and Audi are my two favorite, and I've always loved the sportback/gran-coupe styling, so should be interesting to see how they differ driving wise. I think I mainly just want to stick with a V8, I love the feel, power and sound they give, I already have an inline 6 in my M240i and thats really the only type of 6-cylinder I like as they tend to be buttery smooth and sound great. I just wasn't a fan of the 2.9 in the RS5, but maybe Audi has tweaked it. I'm also concerned about the new interior, had a hard time adapting to it in an Q8 loaner, not to mention the materials/quality was pretty poor for an $80k vehicle. Likely just gonna keep the S7 in the long run, but never know what the future holds.

bzcat

RS7 is still going to have a V8 and that's the comparable car to M5.

I have to wait to see how the 2.9 V6 works with 48V hybrid in S6/7. I'm sure it will be stupid fast but the loss of V8 will make the car less special I think.

Side note - it's interesting that the only way to get the 4.0T V8 right now from VAG is Porsche Panamera GTS. Will be interesting to see where the new RS7 lands price wise. RS7 used to be the "bargain" Panamera Turbo... 30% cheaper starting price and same 560hp 4.0T engine. But by releasing Panamera GTS with 4.0T, VAG moved the "bargain" option back to Porsche.

The outgoing RS7 starts around $114k and it was pretty much fully loaded with 560hp (same version of 4.0T as Panamera Turbo).
Panamera GTS starts at $128k checks in at "only" 450 hp (the outgoing S6/7 version of 4.0T)... but the legendary Porsche option list caveat applies here ($$$$).

So basically, Panamera GTS is essentially replacing S6/7 in the VAG stable for people that want an "entry level" V8 sedan. But a huge price increase!