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.
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.
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.
The undisputed champion of the class is still the Mercedes S-Class, new for 2014 and much more lavish than before; it now has its own...perfume, believe it or not.
There's been an S-Class for virtually any taste in the past, but the 2014 model year brings only the S550, with rear- or all-wheel drive, though 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.
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 2014 Audi A8Browse Used Listings |  2014 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Jaguar XJBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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With TDI range and captivating connectivity, the 2014 Audi A8 adds very long-distance touring to its considerable portfolio of talents. |
The 2014 BMW 7-Series is not just luxurious and comfortable, but exceptionally quick and technologically advanced. |
Had enough with the stoicism and tech overload of German flagships? The 2014 Jaguar XJ is a completely different kind of luxury car, with swinging style, a light, lean driving character, and a wide range of engines--including a new high-performance 550-hp XJR |
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes an emotional appeal for its claim as the best sedan in the world, and we're feeling it. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $75,100 | $74,000 | $74,200 | $92,900 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 13 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 | Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6 | Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Sedan 3.0T | 4-Door Sedan 740i RWD | 4-Door Sedan RWD | 4-Door Sedan S 550 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 | |||
| quattro Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2014 Audi A8 vs. 2014 BMW 7-Series | 2014 Audi A8 vs. 2014 Jaguar XJ | 2014 Audi A8 vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class | |
