Today I took the CS on a 3.5hr round trip which I had also very recently completed in the TCR in near exact traffic and weather conditions so it seems the right time to draw some comparisons. It was about 50/50 motorway/A roads, no major hold ups, some Sunday drivers and lovely sunny weather.
The overly large screen is gradually diminishing it's distraction level and actually, I'm starting to quite like it. If only you could switch the screen off and keep the radio on, that would be better. The satnav directions on the HUD are very useful, unlike the speed limit display which is frequently wrong. Ergonomically, overall, it's winning me over with the simplicity and although some plastic quality has dropped compared with the 7.5, the cabin feels an improvement.
Ride quality on DCC (TCR was also DCC) is better, less crashy and more comfortable yet it still grips well and flat. In fact the whole experience feels more upmarket as quieter too. Not as good though is engine noise, very little of it (I have the fake noise on Eco, exactly as I had on the old car). So although just as fast, there's less drama which is a shame.
Performance wise, the CS has much better initial throttle response and definitely less lag which is great. It lunges forward with very little input and just feels so much more eager to go but once rolling I'd be hard pushed to differentiate them.
As a summary, the CS is more refined and eager to go with a very comfortable interior. The TCR felt more raw with a firmer, crashier ride and a better soundtrack when pushed. Both are great, had I kept the TCR I'd have been very happy. But, I think the 8.5 is the better car, just wish it sounded more like the TCR.
