The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the standard by which other brands are judged.
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 and equipment, but trades off a bit of luxury for sportier road manners.
The new Porsche Panamera offers even more performance, but we have yet to get behind the wheel.
The Audi A8's sleeker, rounder form and more stark and simple interior design evoke a different aesthetic.
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.
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 2017 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Audi A8Browse Used Listings |  2017 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Porsche PanameraBrowse Used Listings |
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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup is more diverse than it's ever been and is still the benchmark by which all full-size luxury cars should be measured. |
The 2017 Audi S8 is the super sedan by which others are measured. |
The 2017 BMW 7-Series has a deceivingly conservative wrapper for its radically reengineered underpinnings and tech-centric cabin. | With better looks, more efficient and powerful engines, and a less cluttered interior, the 2017 Porsche Panamera promises to be a better carn than the fun sport sedan it's always been. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $96,600 | $82,500 | $81,500 | $85,000 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Twin Turbo Gas/Electric V-6 | Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Large Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars |
| Style Name | |||
| S 550e Plug-In Hybrid Sedan | 3.0 TFSI | 740i Sedan | RWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | 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 | |||
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2017 Audi A8 | 2017 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2017 BMW 7-Series | 2017 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2017 Porsche Panamera | |
