The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class represents the top of the corporate’s engineering and craftsmanship, and has been absolutely redesigned. It’s additionally lengthy been a benchmark for the full-size luxurious sedan class, and now that it is all new, we thought we ought to see the way it measures up with two of its longest-running and closest rivals: the Audi A8 L and BMW 7 Series.
We’ve compiled all of the pertinent numbers within the chart under, and we’ll talk about them a bit extra within the paragraphs that comply with. For this comparability, we’re solely trying on the primary trim ranges, and never together with the S8, M760i or Alpina B7, for the reason that AMG S-Class variants that might compete with these fashions have not been revealed. And if you’d like extra particulars on the brand new S-Class, be certain to take a look at the principle reveal story. With that out of the best way, let’s begin evaluating.
Engines and drivetrains
At launch, the S-Class will solely have two engine choices, placing it one behind the competitors. But its two choices are robust. For an entry-level engine, the Mercedes has essentially the most energy and torque, with almost 100 extra ponies than both the Audi or BMW. The non-obligatory V8 on the Mercedes can also be robust, although it comes up second to the potent BMW. The Mercedes additionally boasts yet one more gear than its rivals. All three automobiles can be found with all-wheel drive, however solely the BMW is on the market with rear-wheel drive. That’s a characteristic unique to the bottom 740i. The BMW can also be essentially the most environment friendly of the group for each gasoline engine choices. Mercedes hasn’t launched gasoline financial system figures for the S-Class but, although.
While technically the Mercedes contains a 48-volt mild-hybrid help, Mercedes would not supply a model that may closely depend on electrical energy for driving. Both Audi and BMW do, and their hybrid choices are plug-in fashions. The Audi is essentially the most highly effective, with almost as a lot horsepower as its V8 counterpart, and the identical quantity of torque because the V8 Mercedes. It’s a bit much less environment friendly than the BMW, although. Electric vary is totally different by solely a mile within the BMW’s favor.
Exterior and inside dimensions
These sedans are usually not simply one of the best the businesses have to supply, however the largest. And the largest of the largest is shut between the A8 and the S-Class. The A8 is longer than the S-Class by half an inch, however the S-Class is wider and taller by comparable margins. The 7 Series is the smallest, however it does characteristic the second-longest wheelbase, simply 0.2 inch behind the S-Class.
As for inside house, the S-Class makes good use of its dimension to characteristic essentially the most front-passenger room and cargo capability. It has essentially the most headroom and shoulder room for the entrance occupants, and legroom is barely about half an inch behind the others. The trunk is way and away the biggest at 22 cubic ft, adopted by the 7 Series with 18.2 and the A8 with a moderately small 12.5. For rear-seat house, the 7 Series is the winner. It has essentially the most headroom and legroom, and shoulder room is simply 0.three inch off of the biggest Mercedes.
Interior design can also be value contemplating, as subjective as it could be. The Mercedes is essentially the most flashy of the group with a big middle touchscreen and a much less giant instrument show. It’s backed by a daring cascading sprint, lavish supplies and lighting. The Audi options loads of screens, too, however it has a extra minimalist, trendy design. The BMW has loads of gizmos, however they’re all packed into an inside that is advanced from previous automobiles. There are loads of buttons and knobs, barely angular shapes and a middle stack angled towards the motive force. It’s simply essentially the most conservative of the group.
Pricing and different particulars
Pricing hasn’t been introduced for the S-Class but, however we really feel comfy in estimating will probably be shut to or better than $95,000, the beginning value for the outgoing mannequin. That additionally will put it at about $10,000 dearer than both the Audi or the BMW.
While we have solely lined the mainline variations of those luxurious sedans, the opposite extra efficiency or unique trims are value mentioning. BMW has two quick variations, the M760i and the Alpina B7. The former makes 601 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbo V12, and the latter makes 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbo V8. Both get distinctive exterior styling and a few distinctive inside badging and trim. The important focus although is the improved efficiency.The M760i begins at about $158,000. and the Alpina begins at about $144,000.
The one different Audi mannequin is the S8. It’s very subtle-looking in and out, however contains a twin-turbo V8 making 571 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That places it behind each quick BMWs. But at a value of about $130,000, it is considerably cheaper than the BMWs.
Mercedes can even have particular variations of the S-Class. Certainly a high-output model of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter AMG V8 shall be on supply, which might produce as a lot as 630 horsepower. Whether the outdated V12 will return is the query. Besides at the very least one quick AMG model, there’ll undoubtedly be one other Mercedes-Maybach variant specializing in inside supplies and options to present essentially the most luxurious expertise potential. All of those variations will doubtless value greater than any A8 or 7 Series.