2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. Its Competition

2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Brian León Brian León Contributing Writer

The S-Class has been the benchmark luxury sedan for decades, but its competition is broader than ever.

The Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series have steadily caught up over the years, offering impressive luxury, performance, and tech in distinct styles from the Benz.

The lavish Maybach model competes with the “entry-level” Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost, but both British barges have the edge in panache.

Lexus’s LS is an impressive and more affordable alternative, with unique styling and an impressive interior.

2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class
#1 in Coupes
2020 Audi A82020 Audi A8
2020 BMW 7-Series2020 BMW 7-Series
2020 Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series2020 Lexus LS
Quick Specs
7.8
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the benchmark for large luxury sedans.
7.2
The 2020 Audi A8 is a futuristic flagship that raises the bar with its high-tech features.
7.6
The 2020 BMW 7-Series has a much bigger grille, but behind it is a posh, powerful, thirsty luxury sedan that’s loaded with tech.
7.0
The 2020 Lexus LS is a throwback cruiser with edgy, space-age looks, though the hybrid version is unbeatable as a road-tripper.
MSRP From   
$94,250$85,200$86,450$75,450
Gas Mileage   
13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric V-6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
EPA Class   
Large CarsLarge CarsLarge CarsMidsize Cars
Style Name   
S 450 Sedan55 TFSI quattro740i SedanLS 500 RWD
Drivetrain   
Rear Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
5555
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
Sedanquattro LWB SedanSedanSedan
Transmission   
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2020 Audi A82020 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2020 BMW 7-Series2020 Mercedes-Benz S Class vs. 2020 Lexus LS