Vs Autoexpress: BMW 7-series vs Mercedes S-Class

[far2000]

BMW 7-series vs Mercedes S-Class

It builds the ultimate driving machines, but does BMW make the ultimate luxury car? We pitch the all-new 7-Series against the Mercedes S-Class to find out.

It takes a special car to claim the top spot in the luxury class. Not only does it need to be supremely comfortable to drive, but it must also offer first-class accommodation in the rear. Outside of the realms of the super-rich Rolls-Royce and Maybach arena, Mercedes’ S-Class has ruled the roost since its launch in 2005.
Its blend of seamless ride and hand-crafted build quality has left rivals trailing in virtually every area. But coming second is not something BMW’s engineers are used to. The new 7-Series aims to take the luxury car crown from one of the best in the business.
The controversial lines of the previous-generation model have been ironed out to leave a more conventional shape, while the fresh interior takes the BMW’s comfort to an all-new level.
Add the kind of technology that wouldn’t go amiss in a car driven by James Bond, and you should have a mesmerising luxury saloon.
Here we bring the two arch rivals together in an exclusive test. Our Mercedes is a long-wheelbase S320 CDI – the ultimate premium Merc. The stretched version of the diesel 7-Series won’t be added to the range until next year, so for now we slip into the standard car to see if it can claim one of the most coveted class titles in the world.


Full Car Reviews



1st Mercedes S320 CDI L

When it comes to luxury saloons, the S-Class is a tough act to beat.

• View Mercedes S320 CDI L

2nd BMW 730d SE

Flagship luxury cruiser gets a more conservative look, while occupants can play with a raft of hi-tech kit

• View BMW 730d SE

Verdict


Both of our contenders have been built with one simple aim in mind: to be the best car in the world. There’s no doubt that the new BMW 7-Series is a strong candidate for that accolade. It’s packed with cutting-edge technology, while also being beautifully built, spacious and great to drive. It has amazingly low running costs for this sector, too.
But the bland looks are a disappointment, while its relative lack of refinement is a big oversight for such a luxurious model.
You certainly can’t fault the hushed and cosseting nature of the Mercedes. There’s also a real sense of occasion to the S-Class, whether you’re travelling in the back or sitting behind the wheel. What’s more, the Merc feels as if it has been engineered without compromise. When money is no object, the S-Class still reigns supreme.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/232065/bmw_7series_vs_mercedes_sclass.html

 

[Zafiro]

The new 7er looks so freaking good. I've seen this grey colour in real life - its a stunning colour.

 

[Tarek]

But the bland looks are a disappointment, while its relative lack of refinement is a big oversight for such a luxurious model.

 

[Zafiro]

It's just some bullshit from Autoexpress. Remember what The Artist said about the new 7-series. Enough said!!

We had another review between 7er and S-class and guess what, the testers did like the design of the 7er better than the S-class. What does that tell us? That design is subjective

 

[Tarek]

That design is subjective

Of course it is,personally i much prefer the looks of the new one over the old but i also have to agree on the conservative looks compared to the extravagant E65

 

[Zafiro]

Of course it is,personally i much prefer the looks of the new one over the old but i also have to agree on the conservative looks compared to the extravagant E65

Compare to the last 7-series, the new one is bland but rather that than being ugly

 

[Merc1]

S-Class please.

M

 

[LaArtist]

It's just some bullshit from Autoexpress. Remember what The Artist said about the new 7-series. Enough said!!

We had another review between 7er and S-class and guess what, the testers did like the design of the 7er better than the S-class. What does that tell us? That design is subjective

I havent driven it..

so all my comments where just from viewing and feeling..

PS
S class rocks though..and soon even more

 

[Zafiro]

I havent driven it..

so all my comments where just from viewing and feeling..

I know you havent driven it, I was just talking about the design comments. But you praising a 7-series that will be written in all the history books

And I doubt you will be disappointed how the bimmer drives

 

[LaArtist]

^FYI i have always love the 7er..
everyone of them..besides the Ugly one..
and if any bimmer fan claims that they where 100% satisfied with that old 7er..
They are LIARS...

And thats not even a joke

 

[Zafiro]

^FYI i have always love the 7er..
everyone of them..besides the Ugly one..
and if any bimmer fan claims that they where 100% satisfied with that old 7er..
They are LIARS...

And thats not even a joke

Whatever you say but your comments regarding the new 7-series will have a place in our germancarforum book - "Memorable posts - posts worth to remember"

 

[fortuner]

As most of you no we have a sclass at home whener i sit in that car its like i am a small boy getting candy what a car the current s class is it looks great when you see it in real even the arches i have a white at home.the interior is classy simple easy to use and great quality in my view its the sclass any day ...I personelly think it doesent even need a facelift but yeah i suppose the market needs a facelift.one thing dont like in the spypics is the mesh in the front bumper i dnt like it on the c on thegl or on any mb i think mb should do something about that ..

 

[EnI]

Someone who wants an ultra comfortable luxury Autobahn cruiser will always choose S-class over 7er.

Two different approaches ...

In this class it's more S-class vs LS, and 7er vs A8. If you're buying a car based on characteristics not based on badge.

 

[cawimmer430]

Who cares how they finished in this test? Both are top-of-the-line cars, the flagships from two great companies. There will be more reviews where the 7er will win or loose, it doesn't matter.

I saw a new 730d today in downtown Munich and it was awesome. Bland looks? Conservative maybe, but not bland.

 

[bmer]

If the 7er in this test was a 720Ld, it would win this test by a large margin. AutoExpress' priorities are interior space and small engines. That's why they like the 320d more than M3.

 

[Centurion]

I agree with the remark they made about the design. I've seen the car a few times now and the design is not convincing. BMW have presented some great designs but the F01 is one of the weakest, no confidence or innovation in the executive at all. It's not ugly, just weak.

 

[GTA45E]

Both these cars are packing serious heat.. Give me the S though!

The F/L version, I`m afraid is going to set new standards in an already excellent car! I predict as usual the new f/l S-Class will beat the 7er in most tests. ( even in reliability and safty)

It`s simply more refined piece of cake in the most critical areas as a whole package. This is what makes the S-Class stand apart from the competition and is what makes it a World Car!