2010 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

From executive sedan to rich man's plaything, the S-Class competes for the same attention spans as the BMW 7-Series.

We prefer the 7-Series' tamed, tailored lines by a slight margin; it also boggles the mind with even more rear-seat room than the S-Class, but as a result it's no longer the default choice for sharp handling.

The Lexus LS range comes in hybrid and gas versions, and it's a beautifully put-together, user-friendly piece-it's just short a meaningful badge and a round of suspension and steering tuning.

A new Audi A8 has just taken shape; we'll see soon if promises of better handling and fuel economy hold true.

Looking more avant-garde than ever, the latest Jaguar XJ will spawn hybrid power next year-along with a 500-horsepower XJR.

Lastly, there's the fabulous new Aston Martin Rapide and the bulkier-looking Porsche Panamera.

The Aston's flawless concept-car appearance doesn't quite get as much backup from its V-12 engine as expected, and the backseat's a token gesture.

Conversely, the Panamera's especially brilliant handling and epic Turbo thrust team up with lots of rear-seat room-which it could have skimped on to spare itself the lumpy roofline.