
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.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||
Coupe, Cabriolet, and Maybach versions—and even a Plug-In Hybrid—make the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class far more diverse and adventurous than it used to be; it's now not just a flagship sedan, but a family of flagships. |
The 2016 Audi S8 pairs thrilling acceleration with excellent big-car handling and discreet luxury. |
Don’t let the conservative wrapper fool you, the 2016 BMW 7-Series charges boldly into a new generation as a sporty big sedan, with new ride-and-handling tech, space-age construction, and a plug-in hybrid version. |
The 2016 Porsche Panamera looks like a sports car and drives like one, yet it delivers executive-level ride comfort and cabin appointments. |
MSRP From | |||
$95,650 | $81,500 | $81,300 | $78,100 |
Gas Mileage | |||
13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8 | Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 | Premium Unleaded V-6 |
EPA Class | |||
Large Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars |
Style Name | |||
4-Door Sedan S 550 RWD | 4-Door Sedan 3.0T | 4-Door Sedan 740i RWD | 4-Door HB |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Sedan | quattro LWB Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2016 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2016 Audi A8 | 2016 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2016 BMW 7-Series | 2016 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2016 Porsche Panamera |