Vs 2014 Merc S-Class vs. Bentley Flying Spur vs. Rolls Royce Ghost

[EnI]

C'mon ... S-class sells in numbers like 65+k units per year. While eg. Bentley & especially RR models are much more low-volume (limited yearly production & supply) - therefore more exclusive, priced higher etc. Not to mention (at least in RR case) more than 90% models are bespoke made.

The new S is a very nice looking car (not very fond of the latest MB headlight graphics though), the interior is top in this segment (and perhaps even beyond). But image wise S-class is not an alternative, or even less a substitute for a Flying Spur or even less the Ghost. It's just too mass-volume compared to Bentley & RR. Period.

 

[Gianclaudio]

as all pick a BMW 6 Series over a Maserati GranTurismo.

Don't count me on that group

 

[Levi68]

C'mon ... S-class sells in numbers like 65+k units per year. While eg. Bentley & especially RR models are much more low-volume (limited yearly production & supply) - therefore more exclusive, priced higher etc. Not to mention (at least in RR case) more than 90% models are bespoke made.

The new S is a very nice looking car (not very fond of the latest MB headlight graphics though), the interior is top in this segment (and perhaps even beyond). But image wise S-class is not an alternative, or even less a substitute for a Flying Spur or even less the Ghost. It's just too mass-volume compared to Bentley & RR. Period.

But do you argue the same way as now or as the "Mercedes S Class fans" when you compare the BMW 6 Series to the Maserati GranTurismo?

Be objective.

 

[Kilcrohane]

C'mon ... S-class sells in numbers like 65+k units per year. While eg. Bentley & especially RR models are much more low-volume (limited yearly production & supply) - therefore more exclusive, priced higher etc. Not to mention (at least in RR case) more than 90% models are bespoke made.

- the numbers soon become comparable when you start talking about much lower take-up of V8 AMG and V12 S-es. A W222 S65 or S600 will be the best part of $200k, which puts it right up against Flying Spurs and Ghosts at least.

The Xtra long wheelbase S-Class and Maybach-replacing Pullman will be obviously a step up again and certainly be up against the Mulsanne and Phantom, in the $200k+, under a thousand produced a year category.

As to 'bespoke', what is bespoke? A 65 AMG/S600 Designo etc. will probably be at least as bespoke or customisable as a Flying Spur or Ghost. Let's not forget, this 'bespoke' snobbery is really arse about face. Bentley's Crewe and Rolls-Royce's Goodwood 'home bases' are in reality glorified CKD-like assembly operations from the German motherplants, with the whole British, hand-made, infinitely customisable, craftsmanship thing played up to the max by the marketing men, whereas Mercedes' Sindelfingen S-Class operation is entirely more organic, at least as customisable at the higher end, and as shown by just the seats alone, several steps ahead in technology with similar if not better German 'hand-made' craftsmanship.

The new S is a very nice looking car (not very fond of the latest MB headlight graphics though), the interior is top in this segment (and perhaps even beyond). But image wise S-class is not an alternative, or even less a substitute for a Flying Spur or even less the Ghost. It's just too mass-volume compared to Bentley & RR. Period.

- that's why I disagree with this view and why I believe the new S-Class has given the bosses of Bentley and Rolls-Royce major headaches, with their Flying Spur and Ghost models particularly, even before the XWB and Pullman variants appear.

 

[EnI]

But do you argue the same way as now or as the "Mercedes S Class fans" when you compare the BMW 6 Series to the Maserati GranTurismo?

Be objective.

Where & when did I compare 6er with Maserati Gran Turismo???

Back to S-class vs Flying Spur vs Ghost
Sure the cars as product can be compared ... Since eg. Flying Spur & Ghost aren't that much better cars (or perhaps they are even worse!) than S-class ... but when it comes to brands, image, volume exclusivity, price positioning ... Then such cars aren't really comparable. C'mon ... most people who are considering Ghost or Flying Spur won't go for S-class instead.

 

[ateekt]

Ghost for me please, closely followed by the S-Class. The Flying Spur comes last, as that's the only spot left.

 

[Human]

I will be in denial if I take it away from the W222 not being on par to it's British competitors. And with the Designo programme pics posted by Levi68, the bespoke ness is also on par. In the end it's up to personnal taste, Ilove Rolls-Royce and I always liked the mighty Mercedes-Benz. Yet if it comes down to purchasing my own luxury barge (which even if i had the money, will not, not interested at all) it will be the Bentley MULSANNE

Now all that ^ simply blows in the wind as soon as the new CL presents itself to the world. Then and there the worlds Best Car will be presented, no contest and sorry but thats it and that is final.

 

[Levi68]

Where & when did I compare 6er with Maserati Gran Turismo???

Back to S-class vs Flying Spur vs Ghost
Sure the cars as product can be compared ... Since eg. Flying Spur & Ghost aren't that much better cars (or perhaps they are even worse!) than S-class ... but when it comes to brands, image, volume exclusivity, price positioning ... Then such cars aren't really comparable. C'mon ... most people who are considering Ghost or Flying Spur won't go for S-class instead.

That is what I mean. You didn't get it. You argue in favor of brand, image, volume exclusivity, etc. but would you use the same argumentation for the Maserati GranTurismo when compared to the BMW 6 Series?

 

[EnI]

That is what I mean. You didn't get it. You argue in favor of brand, image, volume exclusivity, etc. but would you use the same argumentation for the Maserati GranTurismo when compared to the BMW 6 Series?

Of course I would. Maserati is a segment above BMW image wise, exclusivity wise, volume wise.

 

[DblPen]

nobody has driven s class yet and theres no reviews yet, so lets just calm down

 

[Levi68]

Of course I would. Maserati is a segment above BMW image wise, exclusivity wise, volume wise.

And yet, it is worse than the 6 Series in all measurable ways, except for the looks, but is is only my subjective opinion.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The fact that we can still talk about Mercedes in the same breath as Bentley and Rolls Royce, despite offerings like the A and CLA, is an astounding testament to just what a powerful and enduring brand Mercedes is. They invented the automobile and nothing can take that away from them.

For my money, I would pick a top line S any day. Technology and the ultimate in engineering excellence appeals to me more than some retro styling cues and perceived exclusivity.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Yet if it comes down to purchasing my own luxury barge (which even if i had the money, will not, not interested at all) it will be the Bentley MULSANNE

That is probably one car I would pick over the S-class. The Mulsanne looks simply glorious in person and has such a magnificent road presence. On the other hand the technology in the S-class makes me think twice. Wouldn't mind have either one...or both.

 

[Human]

That is probably one car I would pick over the S-class. The Mulsanne looks simply glorious in person and has such a magnificent road presence. On the other hand the technology in the S-class makes me think twice. Wouldn't mind have either one...or both.

It's true HoH, for me Mulsanne just seems perfect it the upper luxury segment but I can't deny the S-class it's sheer opulence and the technology (V8 models FULL HOUSE) is absolutely untouchable. I will still choose the Bentley if it was me buying it, then again if you are in that privileged position (Abu Dhabi comes to mind) you might as well have the S-class too.

 

[sanpt7777]

I would take the Mercedes-Benz any day. RR can't fool me with the Ghost, underneath its still a 7-Series BMW. The Benz on the other hand is designed from scratch. So that "hand made" talkings mean nothing to me. Bentley is outdated so... well, not my choice. So I say, again, I would pick the stunning, avant-gard, technologycally non-plus-ultra Mercedes S-Klasse. Besides, it's soooo german. I can't resist a German car.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Objectively, it seems the S-class is on par with the RR and Bentley.

But...it's lacking in certain touches, such hand-assembled interior, brand cachet, etc. etc. In a car to be either driven or ridden around in, I would probably choose the S-class or it's XL version as it accomplishes 99.9999% of what I'd want it to do and which is done it in a relatively inconspicuous manner. Also, I'd wager that the Benzer is going to be bullet-proof, reliability-speaking. Of course, if one were so inclined, it can be made bullet-proof.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

For me it's the S-Klasse. My brother in law is in the fortunate position to own a RR Ghost. I've driven it on my daily home-work-home distance. My "old" W221 had a more refined, better drive than the Ghost. Exteriorwise the S-Klasse is to my eyes even more of a classic beauty than both others (even when it's the most modern and recent of the three). Interiorwise, the S-Klasse is more 'in motion". Hard to explain, but it appeals to me more than the others.

So it's
1. S-Klasse
2. RR Ghost
3. Bentley FS

 

[Kilcrohane]

So it's
1. S-Klasse
2. RR Ghost
3. Bentley FS

so you might say "vision accomplished!".

 

[Mick Briesgau]

^^ yes, you might say so 100%

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Also, if I was in the position to own any of the 3 cars, I would like to think I am smart with my money and my expenses. I would think I would take the smallest hit in terms of depreciation with S-class vs. the other 2.