2016 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the standard by which other brands are judged—as well as the bar that the new model must clear.

And the field of luxury-flagship rivals is more intimidating than ever; with today's 7-Series, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ, as well as the Tesla Model S, the competition is tight.

The BMW 7-Series has been the S Class' closest historic competitor, and for good reason: it offers a very similar level of style, equipment, and luxury; with the all-new 2016 7-Series, lighter and more focused than ever, we're curious to compare these two.

The decision between the BMW and the Mercedes often comes down to taste.

The story is similar with the Audi A8 and A8 L long-wheelbase model, though its sleeker, rounder form and more stark and simple interior design evoke a different aesthetic.

The Porsche Panamera is a higher-performance, sportier-looking alternative, but its roomy back seat makes it a viable executive alternative, even if it does lack some of the higher-tech safety systems.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur are super-luxury alternatives, but do overlap the S Class on price and equipment at the lower ranges of each.

With more traditional, somewhat more ostentatious design, the Ghost is for the executive that wishes to stand out; the Flying Spur may fly a bit lower under the radar among the general populace.