The BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8 are the top contenders in the luxury sedan market. Each offers a blend of performance, technology, and comfort, but they differ in execution, catering to slightly different tastes and needs.
1. Prices
BMW 7 Series: Starts around $87,000 to $160,000 depending on the model and options.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Starts around $95,000 to $175,000 for higher trims like the AMG or Maybach variants.
Audi A8: Starts around $87,000 to $160,000 for the top models.
2. Engines and Performance
BMW 7 Series:
Engines:
740i: 3.0-liter inline-six, 335 hp
750i: 4.4-liter V8, 523 hp
M760i: 6.6-liter V12, 600 hp
Plug-in Hybrid: 745e with a 3.0-liter inline-six paired with an electric motor, 389 hp, and an electric-only range of 16-20 miles.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Engines:
S 500: 3.0-liter inline-six, 429 hp
S 580: 4.0-liter V8, 496 hp
AMG S 63: 4.0-liter V8 hybrid, 603 hp
Plug-in Hybrid: S 580e offers an electric-only range of 30-40 miles.
Audi A8:
Engines:
55 TFSI: 3.0-liter V6, 335 hp
60 TFSI: 4.0-liter V8, 453 hp
S8: 4.0-liter V8, 563 hp
Plug-in Hybrid: 60 TFSI e offers an electric-only range of 20-25 miles.
3. Range and Fuel Efficiency
BMW 7 Series:
Fuel Efficiency: 18-30 MPG depending on the engine.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Range: 16-20 miles.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Fuel Efficiency: 19-29 MPG.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Range: 30-40 miles.
Audi A8:
Fuel Efficiency: 17-27 MPG.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Range: 20-25 miles.
4. Size and Seating
Dimensions:
BMW 7 Series:
Length: 5.26 meters (17.25 feet)
Width: 1.90 meters (6.23 feet)
Height: 1.47 meters (4.82 feet)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Length: 5.29 meters (17.36 feet)
Width: 1.92 meters (6.30 feet)
Height: 1.50 meters (4.92 feet)
Audi A8:
Length: 5.19 meters (17.03 feet)
Width: 1.94 meters (6.36 feet)
Height: 1.47 meters (4.82 feet)
Seating Capacity: All three vehicles comfortably seat five passengers, with rear-seat luxury packages available for those who prioritize rear passenger comfort.
5. Trunk Size
BMW 7 Series: 18.2 cubic feet (515 liters)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12.9 cubic feet (365 liters)
Audi A8: 12.5 cubic feet (360 liters)
6. Manufacturing
BMW 7 Series: Manufactured primarily in Dingolfing, Germany.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Produced at the Sindelfingen Plant, Germany.
Audi A8: Built in Neckarsulm, Germany.
7. Why Good
BMW 7 Series:
Strengths: Excellent driving dynamics, advanced technology (including a large curved display), and a luxurious interior.
Best For: Those who want a driver-focused luxury sedan with a sporty edge.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Strengths: Unrivaled luxury, advanced driver assistance systems, and a supremely comfortable ride.
Best For: Buyers prioritizing ultimate luxury and comfort, with a focus on rear passenger experience.
Audi A8:
Strengths: High-tech interior, Quattro all-wheel drive as standard, and a smooth ride.
Best For: Those who value a blend of technology and understated luxury with solid all-weather capability.
8. Why Not Good
BMW 7 Series:
Weaknesses: Slightly less rear-seat comfort and space compared to the S-Class.
Not Ideal For: Those who prioritize rear-seat luxury over driving dynamics.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Weaknesses: Higher starting price, limited trunk space.
Not Ideal For: Buyers looking for sportier driving dynamics.
Audi A8:
Weaknesses: Smaller trunk and rear seat space than rivals, less brand cachet compared to S-Class.
Not Ideal For: Those seeking the ultimate in luxury or trunk space.
9. Sales Figures
BMW 7 Series: Annually, BMW sells approximately 20,000 to 25,000 units globally.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The S-Class typically leads this segment with sales of about 60,000 to 80,000 units per year worldwide.
Audi A8: Audi A8 sales are lower, with about 10,000 to 15,000 units sold annually.
10. Best Service
BMW: Offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, with an extensive service network and a complimentary scheduled maintenance program for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Mercedes-Benz: Also provides a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty but with more expensive service costs, especially for the S-Class.
Audi: The same 4-year/50,000-mile warranty applies, with the option to purchase an Audi Care package that covers maintenance for up to 5 years.
11. Common Issues
BMW 7 Series:
Issues: Potential for complex electronics problems, air suspension issues, and oil leaks.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Issues: High repair costs for electronics, air suspension failures, and advanced driver assistance system glitches.
Audi A8:
Issues: Expensive maintenance, potential for transmission issues, and problems with MMI infotainment.
Conclusion
Choosing between the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8 largely depends on personal preference and priorities:
BMW 7 Series: Best for those who enjoy driving and want a luxury sedan with a sporty edge.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Ideal for those who prioritize the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and technology, especially in the rear seats.
Audi A8: A great choice for buyers who value technology, all-weather capability, and a high-tech interior in a more understated package.
Each model excels in different areas, but all three are among the best luxury sedans in the world.
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1. Prices
BMW 7 Series: Starts around $87,000 to $160,000 depending on the model and options.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Starts around $95,000 to $175,000 for higher trims like the AMG or Maybach variants.
Audi A8: Starts around $87,000 to $160,000 for the top models.
2. Engines and Performance
BMW 7 Series:
Engines:
740i: 3.0-liter inline-six, 335 hp
750i: 4.4-liter V8, 523 hp
M760i: 6.6-liter V12, 600 hp
Plug-in Hybrid: 745e with a 3.0-liter inline-six paired with an electric motor, 389 hp, and an electric-only range of 16-20 miles.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Engines:
S 500: 3.0-liter inline-six, 429 hp
S 580: 4.0-liter V8, 496 hp
AMG S 63: 4.0-liter V8 hybrid, 603 hp
Plug-in Hybrid: S 580e offers an electric-only range of 30-40 miles.
Audi A8:
Engines:
55 TFSI: 3.0-liter V6, 335 hp
60 TFSI: 4.0-liter V8, 453 hp
S8: 4.0-liter V8, 563 hp
Plug-in Hybrid: 60 TFSI e offers an electric-only range of 20-25 miles.
3. Range and Fuel Efficiency
BMW 7 Series:
Fuel Efficiency: 18-30 MPG depending on the engine.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Range: 16-20 miles.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Fuel Efficiency: 19-29 MPG.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Range: 30-40 miles.
Audi A8:
Fuel Efficiency: 17-27 MPG.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Range: 20-25 miles.
4. Size and Seating
Dimensions:
BMW 7 Series:
Length: 5.26 meters (17.25 feet)
Width: 1.90 meters (6.23 feet)
Height: 1.47 meters (4.82 feet)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Length: 5.29 meters (17.36 feet)
Width: 1.92 meters (6.30 feet)
Height: 1.50 meters (4.92 feet)
Audi A8:
Length: 5.19 meters (17.03 feet)
Width: 1.94 meters (6.36 feet)
Height: 1.47 meters (4.82 feet)
Seating Capacity: All three vehicles comfortably seat five passengers, with rear-seat luxury packages available for those who prioritize rear passenger comfort.
5. Trunk Size
BMW 7 Series: 18.2 cubic feet (515 liters)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12.9 cubic feet (365 liters)
Audi A8: 12.5 cubic feet (360 liters)
6. Manufacturing
BMW 7 Series: Manufactured primarily in Dingolfing, Germany.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Produced at the Sindelfingen Plant, Germany.
Audi A8: Built in Neckarsulm, Germany.
7. Why Good
BMW 7 Series:
Strengths: Excellent driving dynamics, advanced technology (including a large curved display), and a luxurious interior.
Best For: Those who want a driver-focused luxury sedan with a sporty edge.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Strengths: Unrivaled luxury, advanced driver assistance systems, and a supremely comfortable ride.
Best For: Buyers prioritizing ultimate luxury and comfort, with a focus on rear passenger experience.
Audi A8:
Strengths: High-tech interior, Quattro all-wheel drive as standard, and a smooth ride.
Best For: Those who value a blend of technology and understated luxury with solid all-weather capability.
8. Why Not Good
BMW 7 Series:
Weaknesses: Slightly less rear-seat comfort and space compared to the S-Class.
Not Ideal For: Those who prioritize rear-seat luxury over driving dynamics.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Weaknesses: Higher starting price, limited trunk space.
Not Ideal For: Buyers looking for sportier driving dynamics.
Audi A8:
Weaknesses: Smaller trunk and rear seat space than rivals, less brand cachet compared to S-Class.
Not Ideal For: Those seeking the ultimate in luxury or trunk space.
9. Sales Figures
BMW 7 Series: Annually, BMW sells approximately 20,000 to 25,000 units globally.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The S-Class typically leads this segment with sales of about 60,000 to 80,000 units per year worldwide.
Audi A8: Audi A8 sales are lower, with about 10,000 to 15,000 units sold annually.
10. Best Service
BMW: Offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, with an extensive service network and a complimentary scheduled maintenance program for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Mercedes-Benz: Also provides a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty but with more expensive service costs, especially for the S-Class.
Audi: The same 4-year/50,000-mile warranty applies, with the option to purchase an Audi Care package that covers maintenance for up to 5 years.
11. Common Issues
BMW 7 Series:
Issues: Potential for complex electronics problems, air suspension issues, and oil leaks.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
Issues: High repair costs for electronics, air suspension failures, and advanced driver assistance system glitches.
Audi A8:
Issues: Expensive maintenance, potential for transmission issues, and problems with MMI infotainment.
Conclusion
Choosing between the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8 largely depends on personal preference and priorities:
BMW 7 Series: Best for those who enjoy driving and want a luxury sedan with a sporty edge.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Ideal for those who prioritize the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and technology, especially in the rear seats.
Audi A8: A great choice for buyers who value technology, all-weather capability, and a high-tech interior in a more understated package.
Each model excels in different areas, but all three are among the best luxury sedans in the world.
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