
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.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class goes from exclusive to earth-friendly to exotically fast-in just a couple hundred thousand dollars. |
Suave styling, an impeccable cabin, innovative cabin tech, and a lean, athletic driving feel earn the 2011 Audi A8 a spot in the top tier. |
The 2011 Jaguar XJ severs ties with its past, and rocks a mod new look that suits its dynamic personality. |
Call us converts: The latest 2010 BMW 7-Series turns our eyes more than ever and drives with real big-guy brio. |
The 2010 Porsche Panamera weds astonishing performance to remarkable interior space, but its styling doesn't quite gel. |
MSRP From | ||||
$87,950 | $78,050 | $72,700 | $82,000 | $89,800 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
11 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric V6 | Gas V8 | Gas V8 | Turbocharged Gas V8 | Gas V8 |
EPA Class | ||||
Large Car | Large | Large Car | Large | - TBD - |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD | 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 750i RWD | 4-Door HB S |
Drivetrain | ||||
Rear Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan | 4 Door Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | PDK Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2010 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2011 Audi A8 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2011 Jaguar XJ | 2010 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2010 BMW 7-Series | 2010 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2010 Porsche Panamera |