Catering to CEOs and celebrities, and to those who've arrived and want to let it be known, the Mercedes-Benz S Class has many missions to fulfill around the world.
The BMW 7-Series is its top rival, and it comes in nearly as many combinations and variations--although it may have a small edge in back-seat legroom.
Although the 7-Series has more of a performance look and feel, we're not as fond of its steering.
As a glorious performer that's a bit conservative on the outside, the Audi A8 has a beautiful interior design and its Palm Pilot-style MMI interface can feel a little complex.
The Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ are two well-executed flagships that appeal to polar-opposite types of wealth; the former is more Orange County while the latter is Hollywood.
And as an offbeat choice, there's the Porsche Panamera.
Surprisingly, the Panamera offers all the rear-seat room a tall adult would need, plus astonishingly quick performance in Turbo trim--and plenty to take on an AMG or Alpina.
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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Audi A8Browse Used Listings |  2013 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Jaguar XJBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Porsche PanameraBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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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. |
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. |
The 2013 Porsche Panamera continues the success of the brand's unusual-looking fastback sport sedan. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $92,350 | $72,200 | $73,600 | $73,200 | $75,850 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas/Electric V6 | Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Large | Large | Large Cars | Large Car | Large Car |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD | 4-Door Sedan 3.0L | 4-Door Sedan 740i RWD | 4-Door Sedan RWD | 4-Door HB |
| 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 | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2013 Audi A8 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2013 BMW 7-Series | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2013 Jaguar XJ | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2013 Porsche Panamera | |
