The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the luxury benchmark for good reason, and the 2018 update only improves upon its winning formula.
Still, the field of rivals is quite accomplished.
The closest rival, the BMW 7-Series, offers similar features and style, but it opts for a sportier character rather than Mercedes’ devotion to all-out luxury.
The Porsche Panamera can perform even better, and it is a technological marvel, though it is not as regal and cosseting as the Mercedes.
The Audi A8 is aging, and its interior is more stark, creating a different, less upscale aesthetic.
A new model is coming, though, and it promises to surpass the Benz in autonomous driving capability.
The Jaguar XJ is quite sporty as well, but it has never caught on with buyers to deliver the cachet of the Benz.
At the high end, the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur are super-luxury alternatives, and they offer more traditional, somewhat ostentatious design.
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Audi A8Browse Used Listings |  2018 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Porsche PanameraBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2018 Mercedes-Benz continues to push the envelope for comfort. safety, and autonomous driving aids, while improving upon its effortless power and dignified road manners. |
The 2018 Audi S8 is a speed machine that's the ultimate sleeper. Spot one and stare—it'll likely be gone just as quickly. |
The 2018 BMW 7-Series is a plush ride with plenty of powertrain options and customizable features that places it among the full-size greats. |
The 2018 Porsche Panamera is a worthy four-seater for the vaunted Porsche badge. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $89,900 | $82,500 | $83,100 | $85,000 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded 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 450 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 | |||
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2018 Audi A8 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2018 BMW 7-Series | 2018 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2018 Porsche Panamera | |
