Vs Motor Trend - Comparison: 2009 Audi A8 vs 2009 BMW 750Li vs 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550

[Merc1]

Favorite Getaways: The Steeds of Transporters, Secret Agents, and Players Go Wheel-to-Wheel in the City of Angels to See Who's Top Gun.


Jason Statham and Pierce Brosnan, playing their silver-screen action selves, battled the baddies in a BMW 7 Series ("The Transporter," "Tomorrow Never Dies"). For his sequel, Statham switched to an Audi A8L, a car he also drove in "Transporter 3." As for the third premium German giant, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, versions of the maker's flagship sedan have appeared in everything from "The Sopranos" to "Ocean's Eleven," "Ronin," "Enemy of the State" -- in fact, just about any action flick or TV show involving piles of cash or a "Mr. Big."

So, yes, you know they're all good-action pros don't play around with second-rate tools. But of the current-gen versions, which of the three ranks as our favorite getaway?

It's a closely matched trio. The Audi A8L 4.2 quattro, the Mercedes-Benz S550, and the brand-new BMW 750Li: Each sports a twin-cam V-8 making between 350 and 400 horsepower. The three are within an inch of each other in overall length (each is a long-wheelbase version; the Benz is sold only in extended form stateside) and range from a low of 4449 pounds (Audi) to a high of 4659 pounds (BMW). Base prices are close enough that cost probably won't be a major issue for the moneyed shoppers considering these steeds: Audi ($78,725), BMW ($86,025), Mercedes-Benz ($91,225).

Of the three, the Audi rides on the oldest platform. The second-gen A8, officially the "D3," appeared for the 2004 model year -- and promptly won the first lux-sedans comparison we put it in (September 2004). Audi has since freshened the A8's face, adding its now-signature trapezoidal grille for 2005, but the basic aluminum body panels, lightweight aluminum space frame, and quattro all-wheel-drive system remain. The 32-valve, 4.2-liter V-8 now delivers 350 horses at 6800 rpm; it mates to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Mercedes' classic S-Class has been around since the 1955 model year, though the current, tenth-generation "W221" first appeared on our shores in 2006. The S550 is bursting with innovative tech -- including infra-red Night View Assist and Distronic Plus cruise control that in stop-and-go traffic can brake the car to a halt and then, as traffic begins moving again, accelerate automatically. The S550 soldiers into 2009 largely unchanged, sporting a 32-valve, 5.5-liter V-8 good for 382 horsepower at 6000 rpm and feeding its brawn through the maker's superb seven-speed automatic.


FIRST PLACE: MERCEDES-BENZ S550
SECOND PLACE: AUDI A8L 4.2 QUATTRO
THIRD PLACE: BMW 750LI


Full Story: Motor Trend - Comparison: 2009 Audi A8 vs 2009 BMW 750Li vs 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550


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[EnI]

Another test where 750Li wasn't equipped with Sports Package (Active Roll Stabilization + Integral Active Steering), while S-class had Active Body Control system on board.

Such systems are essential for LWB cars - otherwise do not expect sporty handling & steering.

IMO BMW should offer both systems as standard on LWB models.

----

And this is the first test I've ever seen bitching about too much tech in the 7er. My advice: don't use is if you don't know how to handle it.
And people who can't use the new iDrive are indeed Idiots Superior.

 

[CarGuy]

Is this the new BMW M5?

The Audi is starting to look somewhat dated to me. I would have a hard time choosing between the Merc and the Bimmer.

 

[Shining Star]

Another test where 750Li wasn't equipped with Sports Package (Active Roll Stabilization + Integral Active Steering), while S-class had Active Body Control system on board.
.

Recently, Car and Driver had a comparison of the 7er and the S-Class. The S-Class was equipped with the AMG sports package, but still lost to the 7-Series. No word on if it had ABC yet, but many an S-Class has ABC. Case in point: ABC and a sport package aren't the overall deciders in a comparison test. Besides, BMW's active sterring system hasn't gotten very enthusiastic reviews.

2009 BMW 750Li vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 - Sedans/Comparison Test/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

 

[LaArtist]

Ofcourse the S winns what else
not even FL

 

[Shining Star]

I was a bit surprised, given the fact that the 7 Series is newer. Then again, MT does award top honors to MB lots of times.

 

[ALI]

I was a bit surprised, given the fact that the 7 Series is newer. Then again, MT does award top honors to MB lots of times.

Nothing surprising about it, S-class is the Ace in its class. I dont think 7er will ever catch up to it .. Bottom Line, it got really close once, and the way things are looking at MB, there's no looking back ...

 

[NarutoRamen]

Damn, S-class does it again.

 

[cawimmer430]

Most of these magazines aren't very MB friendly because they focus on sport, performance and such. But when it comes to the S-Class I suppose they look at the overall balance between comfort, features, luxury etc. and I suppose the S-Class does a better job here than the Audi or BMW. Thats the reason for the win for the S-Class here (I have not read the review yet, will do soon).


Wish me luck! I am trying to get a testdrive with the new E250 CDI Avantgarde Sedan or the E350 CDI Coupe tomorrow they have at the local dealer!!!

 

[Shining Star]

Wish me luck! I am trying to get a testdrive with the new E250 CDI Avantgarde Sedan or the E350 CDI Coupe tomorrow they have at the local dealer!!!

Lucky! In america we still have a couple of weeks.... have fun test driving.

 

[Yperion]

I don't like the design of the S class at all and A8 is starting to look dated so i would prefer the 7 series out of those three.

 

[Mr Robert]

I don't like the design of the S class at all and A8 is starting to look dated so i would prefer the 7 series out of those three.

I like the exterior of the S-class but the interior feels a bit rounded and couch-like.

Very strange not to have ARS + IAS on a car like the iL. Those are the things that makes barges like this act like a BMW. The standard active steering have gotten lots of praise in Swedish press (not to mention the integral active steering which seems to make a huge difference), maybe they have done something to it for this generation.

 

[PanterroR]

For me:

1. 7er
2. A8
3. S

No matter what they say... Saw them all IRL many times and 7er definitely impresses most...

Thing is, i'd never buy any of those...Not yet, for now i'm satisfied with size of 5 series...

 

[EnI]

Recently, Car and Driver had a comparison of the 7er and the S-Class. The S-Class was equipped with the AMG sports package, but still lost to the 7-Series. No word on if it had ABC yet, but many an S-Class has ABC.

2009 BMW 750Li vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 - Sedans/Comparison Test/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

Thanks.

The C&D report says S-class had ABC on board, and the 7er was equipped with Sports Pack (Active Roll Stabilization + Integral Active Steering).

Case in point: ABC and a sport package aren't the overall deciders in a comparison test. Besides, BMW's active sterring system hasn't gotten very enthusiastic reviews.

Not exactly true. Here are the lines describing driving dynamics of both cars in test:

550i:

So what kept the S550 from the top step on the podium? Dynamics. The Mercedes was almost as quick as the more powerful (and heavier) BMW—5.3 seconds to 60 mph versus 5.2—and its midrange throttle response was a smidge better, the benefit of its seven-speed automatic and its naturally aspirated V-8 versus a turbo engine. And its exhaust note, though subdued, was distinctly more satisfying. The Benz stopped almost as well, too: 173 feet from 70 mph versus 171, fade-free. Adaptive damping and active body control kept cornering attitudes flat, without a hint of compromise in ride quality. And straight-line high-speed stability was above reproach.
But in our favorite game—back-road pursuit, no speed limit—progressive understeer limited the S550’s cornering speeds, and it couldn’t quite keep pace. One logbook observation summed it up: “The Benz is competent. The BMW is compelling. The Benz is willing. The BMW is eager.”



750Li:

More impressive, though, is what this big Bimmer can do on a fast back road. The combination of a new multilink front suspension (replacing the previous struts), a redesigned rear suspension, electronically controlled damping with four driver presets (comfort, normal, sport, and sport plus), active roll stabilization, and rear-wheel steering gives this car a level of cornering power and transient response that’s nothing short of phenomenal.
Though grip is modest at 0.82 g, the steering system, which turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts (up to three degrees) at speeds over 37 mph, enhances turn-in. This is reflected in the lane-change test, where the Bimmer had a decided edge, and was even more dramatic on mountain roads. The faster we went, the better the BMW performed and the more confidence it inspired.

So, ARS + IAS make a huge difference on LWB 7er's dynamics. And as seen: when comparing S-class with ABC , and 7er with ARS + IAS - the 7er has quite same dynamic edge over S-class. While S-class is more comfortable. As it should be.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Eni: even with those systems the S class produces more Gs (0.86) Vs 0.82 for the beemer.

 

[EnI]

Eni: even with those systems the S class produces more Gs (0.86) Vs 0.82 for the beemer.

So says the article. But their own data sheets disagree: both cars scoring 0.82 ... Check the pdfs available in the article.

S550 pdf
750Li pdf

Also: In which EDC mode was the 7er? Comfort? Normal? Sport? Sport+?
Same case for the S-class. Nothing is specified in the article nor data sheet.

What about tires? Do they make a difference? They sure do. Especially in the lateral dynamics. Performance tires vs standard tires.

But still ... They say BMW has quite an advantage in cornering power & response - especially at higher speeds.

And again regarding the noises - as said & measured many times: S-class proves to be louder (in decibel levels), but I guess 7er's still able to produce more annoying frequencies to the human ear. Sadly.

 

[Human]

Being a BMW fanatic and fact is the 7er is OUT OF THIS WORLD,
I do not mind it coming second to an S-class....BUT HOW DOES THE
A8 GET SECOND PLACE?????

Then again.....motoring press = politicians

 

[EnI]

A8 D3 sits on a very agile & capable ASF platform. The weight is low - compared to the rivals, the car sits low, AWD helps handling as well, it's design is inoffensive, interior is well crafted etc.

As said many times: BMW officials were shocked seeing D3 A8 came out sportier & agiler than E65 / E66 7er.

This time the difference will be smaller - although Audi D4 A8 will still set much on sports.

Which will be interesting ... seeing A8, XJ, Quattroporte & Panamara on the one side of stick, and S-class & LS on the other. While this time BMW with 7er will be something in between. Kind a alone. Offering a bit of everything.

 

[ree]

Most stunning photos of these three!! A8 looks old now, really old!!! But S-Class and 7-series…OMG!! Both stunning… couldn't decide…

 

[Mr Robert]

So says the article. But their own data sheets disagree: both cars scoring 0.82 ... Check the pdfs available in the article.

But still ... They say BMW has quite an advantage in cornering power & response - especially at higher speeds.

...and most importantly, the systems produce driving dynamics while high G:s produce efficiency. Quite a difference.