
Large luxury sedans are the envy of the auto universe, and the Audi A8 has been making progress in the space for the past two decades.
The undisputed champion of the class is still the Mercedes S-Class, in its final model year for 2013 before a reworked version arrives in 2014.
There's an S-Class for virtually any taste, from the S350 BlueTEC turbodiesel to the S400 Hybrid to the maniacally powerful S65 AMG--but the future holds S-Class coupes and Rolls Ghost rivals.
The S-Class' closest sales rival is the BMW 7-Series, which comes in almost as many flavors, including the ActiveHybrid 7 and the V-12 edition.
As of late, the Jaguar XJ's joined the fray, with supercharged V-8 powerplants, ultimate interiors, and a glamorous aluminum body of its own giving it renewed hope.
Of all these range-topping four-doors, the least engaging is the Lexus LS; it's offered in short-wheelbase Sport models to long-wheelbase hybrid LS 600h L versions, all of which are incredibly smooth and comfortable, but lacking in verve and visual energy.
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Quick Specs | |||
Peerless cabins, advanced connectivity, and athletic road feel give the 2013 Audi A8 a few weapons in its battle with the luxosedan titans. |
The 2013 BMW 7-Series is exceptionally fleet-footed for such a spacious, luxurious, and technologically advanced car. |
Swinging style and newfound traction and gas mileage make the 2013 Jaguar XJ a more complete offering than it's ever been. |
Covering its wide range of performance personalities, all with superb comfort and some of the world's top in-car tech, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class is one model you'll be as happy to be in as to be seen in. |
MSRP From | |||
$72,200 | $73,600 | $73,200 | $92,350 |
Gas Mileage | |||
13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Electric V6 |
EPA Class | |||
Large | Large Cars | Large Car | Large |
Style Name | |||
4-Door Sedan 3.0L | 4-Door Sedan 740i RWD | 4-Door Sedan RWD | 4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD |
Drivetrain | |||
All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||
Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2013 Audi A8 vs. 2013 BMW 7-Series | 2013 Audi A8 vs. 2013 Jaguar XJ | 2013 Audi A8 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class |