The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the luxury benchmark for good reason, and the 2018 update only improved 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.
At the high end, the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur are super-luxury alternatives, and they offer more traditional, somewhat ostentatious design.
The new Audi A8 promises cutting-edge technology and a more luxurious aesthetic, though it’s still stark by comparison.
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 Jaguar XJ is quite sporty as well, but it has never caught on with buyers to deliver the cachet of the Benz.
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 2019 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Audi A8Browse Used Listings |  2019 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Porsche PanameraBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers effortless power, sublime handling, scads of safety features, and the incontrovertible impression of wealth, tastefully applied. |
The 2019 Audi A8 plots out the course for next-level self-driving cars, and utilizes other technology to advance its luxury and connectivity. |
The 2019 BMW 7-Series is a flagship luxury sedan in the way they used to be: leather everywhere, big power, excellent options. |
The 2019 Porsche Panamera leaves nothing on the table, in terms of performance, flexibility, and panache. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $91,250 | $83,800 | $83,650 | $86,300 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric 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 | 55 TFSI quattro | 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 | |||
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2019 Audi A8 | 2019 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2019 BMW 7-Series | 2019 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2019 Porsche Panamera | |
