2014 Audi A8 vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.