Days ago, the BMW 7 Series vs. Audi A8 attracted thousands of visitors to our blog and started one of the most heated conversations we have seen on our site. To add more fuel to the fire, we are back with a new, even more detailed comparison and this time, we included the other “usual suspects”, read “7 Series’ competitors”.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS are competing with BMW and Audi for the crown of best high end luxury sedan. All four luxury sedans play an important role in the overall sales and strategy of the aforementioned automakers.
With the help given by our friends over at Automarket, we’re going beyond a photo comparison and talk about performance and engines as well.
Since we are looking to be objective and simply just relate the facts, we are going to rely on the scoring system implemented by Automarket.
Exterior Design
The Audi A8 aligns itself with the other models in the line-up, featuring similar design lines and carrying the front-end and headlights that became famous among Audi fans. BMW 7 Series gives us a new and fresh design as well, moving away from the highly criticized but yet very successful “banglelized” 7 Series. The S-Class and LS are considered to feature a much safer design language.
Rankings:
1-2 BMW 7 Series; Audi A8 (4 points)
3. Mercedes-Benz (2 points)
4. Lexus Ls (1 point)
Interior Design
As expected, the new A8 excels with its interior design, one that for a long time has made BMW owners very jealous. The gadgetry offered and luxurious high-end materials makes the Audi one of the leaders in this segment, but truth is, BMW’s simplicity and use of high quality materials places the new 7 at similar levels. If you’re adding the Individual options, then BMW fans get all the luxury they ever craved for.
Surprisingly to some, the new 7 Series takes the first place in the interior design area, followed by the the S-Class and only third, the new A8.
Truth is that when it comes to interior design, personal taste varies from individual to another individual and the choice can be subjective.
BMW 7 Series (4 points)
Mercedes S-Class (3 points)
Audi A8 (4 points) (2 points)
Lexus LS (1 point)
Engines
The new A8 will be offering with three turbo diesel engines and one petrol. Two out of the four engines will be V8, while the others are V6 TDI. In contrast, BMW offers four petrol engines and three diesels, one of the largest motor offerings along with the S-Class. The new 7 Hybrid extends the engine options even further. The S-Class adds the S63 AMG and S65 AMG as their top models in the S family. Lexus LS offers the least amount of engines, a single petrol unit and one hybrid.
Excluding the S65 AMG, the new BMW 760Li offers the highest performance. The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500. Second comes the Mercedes S600L outputting 517 horsepower. Lexus comes third with the LS600h offering 394 horsepower. The new A8 tops at 372 horsepower with their high-end model. (S8 will be unveiled in the future).
Extended engine offerings:
Mercedes S-Class (4 points)
BMW 7 Series (3 points)
Audi A8 (2 points)
Lexus LS (1 point)
Power:
BMW 7 Series (4 points)
S-Class (3 points)
LS (2 points)
Audi A8 (1 point)
Overall dimensions
The new A8 is the longest and widest in its segment, of course, excluding the long wheelbase models, measuring 5,137mm respectively 1,949mm. Second comes the 7.
Audi A8 (4 points)
BMW 7 Series (3 points)
S-Class (2 points)
Lexus LS (1 point)
Performance
From 0 to 62 mph, the fastest models are the BMW 760Li and the MB S600 L, their timed performance stopped the clock at 4.6 seconds. The top Audi A8 model shows in its official numbers a 5.7 seconds from 0-62 mph. LS 600h needs about 6.3 seconds to get there.
1-2 BMW 760Li, Mercedes S600 L (4 points)
3. Audi A8 (3 points)
4. Lexus LS (1 point)
Conclusion
Okay, we’ll give you this: it may not be the best, most accurate or appropriate comparison, but based on the facts we have, official numbers and other factors, this is simply a guide on how to outline a comparison between these fine cars. While some of us are looking for ultimate luxury in a car, there are many others out there that are more concern with the overall performance, driving experience, price, efficiency and comfort, just to name some of the few factors.
With this being said, let’s have a look at the podium:
BMW 7 Series (22 points)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (18 points)
Audi A8 (16 points)
Lexus LS (8 points)
http://www.bmwblog.com
