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As you might know BMW's 7 series recently had a facelift. So here are 2 videos. One is the Mercedes S class Maybach. The other is the New M760Li (extra long, so maybach competitor). If you need to make an unbiased opinion, which one do you prefer and why?
Here is the new bmw M760Li V12
Test drove both 760 and S63 one after another on the same day, dealer has both franchises and lined them up for me side by side.
Found them equal on all terms, comfort, performance, etc, chose the Benz only for the fact I can modify it significantly more then the BMW.
Btw, I found the BMW very attractive in real life, much better looking then on pictures.
Just FYI, BMW doesn't offer any extended long-versions like the Maybach anywhere.
In the US, both brands only offer the longer standard models. As such the 750/60 is the same as a S560/S63.
Maybach is an extended long version and also offers the Pullmann, which is yet significantly longer and pricier.
In other countries BMW offers the short (i) and long (Li) versions. Mercedes calls the long versions L (S500L). BMW puts it on the badge, MB doesn't. To make it more confusing, BMW's long version in the US is only called i.
The 760 is getting killed off the same as the S600 has before. That engine will live on only in Rolls Royce models. It's a fine car with features not available in the S-Class (V12 was only RWD) and also offers a version of MBC on AWD. But it's know to have terrible brakes that easily fade and have poor stopping power.
My nod goes to the S-Class for simply having a much classier and elegant design inside/out.
There have been updates but the BMW interiors are basically the same. I had the limo rear seat package which takes away pass seat options. I will tell you the BMW looks younger and drives more sporty. I had the M package and it was a fun car and you lost the feel of the size it really drove a lot smaller and sportier. The problem is the tech overload in the car. You touch any button and I mean just touch and a screen comes up for adjustments. It is just too much at times. The biggest issue is it looks incredible in pictures but when your in the interior it looks cheap. The wood looks too polished and plastic. Even the leather just does not compare to MB Napa. It looks like a 3 series interior. Sit in both you will feel the difference instantly. I honestly would look at some of the Japanese high end cars over the BMW.
The MB just has a substantial feel to it. When you get in everything is just quality and has a solid feel. Yes, it's a bit old and stodgy but maybe that is what gives it that feel? Problem is the MB is just a boring car to drive. It does everything right but maybe too much.
There is no reason to buy a Maybach unless your in the back. Load up a S63 or S65. I also learned there was no reason to get the limo pack for my kids it was a waste and most of the options were useless.
If you drive back to back you will see the MB is just a rock solid car where the BMW is more spirited and does not have that high end feel to it. Sit in both and you will see how deceiving those pictures are.
BMW did right with the facelift in regards to headlamps design in G11/12 7 Series but that grill bigger than Antarctica totally spoils the front end and demolishes a good delivery to me . So, BMW remains ugly yet again
I prefer "regular" S Class over Maybach but direct comparison between these two cars Maybach thrashed out the other "Municher" regardless
There have been updates but the BMW interiors are basically the same. I had the limo rear seat package which takes away pass seat options. I will tell you the BMW looks younger and drives more sporty. I had the M package and it was a fun car and you lost the feel of the size it really drove a lot smaller and sportier. The problem is the tech overload in the car. You touch any button and I mean just touch and a screen comes up for adjustments. It is just too much at times. The biggest issue is it looks incredible in pictures but when your in the interior it looks cheap. The wood looks too polished and plastic. Even the leather just does not compare to MB Napa. It looks like a 3 series interior. Sit in both you will feel the difference instantly. I honestly would look at some of the Japanese high end cars over the BMW.
The MB just has a substantial feel to it. When you get in everything is just quality and has a solid feel. Yes, it's a bit old and stodgy but maybe that is what gives it that feel? Problem is the MB is just a boring car to drive. It does everything right but maybe too much.
There is no reason to buy a Maybach unless your in the back. Load up a S63 or S65. I also learned there was no reason to get the limo pack for my kids it was a waste and most of the options were useless.
If you drive back to back you will see the MB is just a rock solid car where the BMW is more spirited and does not have that high end feel to it. Sit in both and you will see how deceiving those pictures are.
As I mentioned before, drove both 760and S63 one after another but have to disagree with you regarding the perception of quality in BMW.
That car felt equal or even a bit better in the feel and look of interior finishes, I did not see anything inferior to S-Class at all.
I found the 760 to be an incredible value for the money, nothing to complain about the fit and finish and that V12 is just a fabulous, incredible engine, absolutely smooth and allowing Rolls like wafting ability, an unbelievably relaxing car to be in and drive.
If I had to choose between it and S65,I would go for the BMW, simply because of AWD.
I owned a couple of 65s and was always frustrated with the lack of traction in these cars.
As I mentioned before, drove both 760and S63 one after another but have to disagree with you regarding the perception of quality in BMW.
That car felt equal or even a bit better in the feel and look of interior finishes, I did not see anything inferior to S-Class at all.
I found the 760 to be an incredible value for the money, nothing to complain about the fit and finish and that V12 is just a fabulous, incredible engine, absolutely smooth and allowing Rolls like wafting ability, an unbelievably relaxing car to be in and drive.
If I had to choose between it and S65,I would go for the BMW, simply because of AWD.
I owned a couple of 65s and was always frustrated with the lack of traction in these cars.
I have a completely opposite view from you. I just traded in my 2017 7 series for a 2019 S560. The 7 series is totally void of luxury. None what so ever. The seats are church benches, the leather is cardboard and the trim looks fake. The interior design is also very boring and drab. After quite a few MB's I traded my 2015 S550 in for a 7 figuring I would welcome a change. That change soured fast after the new car/platform bliss wore off. The last straw was my wife. She had to drive the car for a day and that evening she said "I really don't like that car- I'm surprised you took such a step down buying it." When I agreed she said "why don't you get another S class.?" That was all it took lol, I texted my old salesman that night and he delivered the car a few days later. The 7 is a fine car on its own but there is nothing special about it and it is completely drowned out by the S class (and the A8 for that matter). The only thing I miss so far is the functionality of the idrive system. It was more intuitive and less confusing.
I have a completely opposite view from you. I just traded in my 2017 7 series for a 2019 S560. The 7 series is totally void of luxury. None what so ever. The seats are church benches, the leather is cardboard and the trim looks fake. The interior design is also very boring and drab. After quite a few MB's I traded my 2015 S550 in for a 7 figuring I would welcome a change. That change soured fast after the new car/platform bliss wore off. The last straw was my wife. She had to drive the car for a day and that evening she said "I really don't like that car- I'm surprised you took such a step down buying it." When I agreed she said "why don't you get another S class.?" That was all it took lol, I texted my old salesman that night and he delivered the car a few days later. The 7 is a fine car on its own but there is nothing special about it and it is completely drowned out by the S class (and the A8 for that matter). The only thing I miss so far is the functionality of the idrive system. It was more intuitive and less confusing.
Did you own a 740, 750 or the real luxury 7 series, the 760?
The latter is the subject of this discussion not the run of the mill 7s
There is quite a difference between them........
Did you own a 740, 750 or the real luxury 7 series, the 760?
The latter is the subject of this discussion not the run of the mill 7s
There is quite a difference between them........
Well, I own a 2019 760, and prior to the 760 I did own a fairly well loaded 2017 750. The engine is really the primary difference between the two cars. Otherwise, I had essentially the same options. Alcantara headliner, Bowers and Wilkins, LED Panoramic Moonroof, Full Merino Leather, Ambient Air, Massaging Seats; I don’t know about emilner above, however I think the seats are great, certainly not cardboard, and I feel the upgraded full merino leather is very nice quality. The cockpit layout and the intuitive iDrive system makes it a good driver’s car. Don’t really know what the S Class offers that is significantly better?
Ask a mechanic. As someone who does most maintenance on his cars, I avoid BMW mainly because the a**@#$& who designed the engine bay made sure that routine repairs are so cumbersome that the dealership service department is de facto subsidized. it doesn’t matter to me how equivalent the two cars are. I have no major gripes about servicing the W222. If all is equal, I will pick the Benz any day. There is a reason why the 7 series depreciates so much faster than the S class.
Well, I own a 2019 760, and prior to the 760 I did own a fairly well loaded 2017 750. The engine is really the primary difference between the two cars. Otherwise, I had essentially the same options. Alcantara headliner, Bowers and Wilkins, LED Panoramic Moonroof, Full Merino Leather, Ambient Air, Massaging Seats; I don’t know about emilner above, however I think the seats are great, certainly not cardboard, and I feel the upgraded full merino leather is very nice quality. The cockpit layout and the intuitive iDrive system makes it a good driver’s car. Don’t really know what the S Class offers that is significantly better?
Completely agree, as I said before, I found them (760 vs S63) equal in general, with the BMW being even more of a luxury car (smoother transmission, engine and ride comfort).
I was swayed to Benz only because of modification possibilities.
As far as servicing or repairs, lots of it depends on a pure luck, my brother's Lexus LS is constantly in service for various defects and he drives a loaner RX most of the time, my brand new S63 had bad shocks from brand new (not affecting the handling or ride, just a screeching sound when going over bumps).
Dropping it over for replacement today finally, after waiting for over a month for new parts.
Unfortunately, there is this typical car blog attitude from some members,
"my car is the best, all others are ****"......
Bmw has always been behind the S class. If you ask any country club Valet, they will always choose the S over the BMW to be outfront if the have the choice. That says it right there.
Bmw has always been behind the S class. If you ask any country club Valet, they will always choose the S over the BMW to be outfront if the have the choice. That says it right there.
I don't really care about valet's opinion but I don't believe they would move a M760i to make room for a S550.
On the other hand, I had a valet once move a 458 Italia to make room for my rental E350 in front of one of the top restaurants in LA.
20 bucks did it.........
Bmw has always been behind the S class. If you ask any country club Valet, they will always choose the S over the BMW to be outfront if the have the choice. That says it right there.
Valet stole my 750 last summer. So, screw your theory.
I don't really care about valet's opinion but I don't believe they would move a M760i to make room for a S550.
On the other hand, I had a valet once move a 458 Italia to make room for my rental E350 in front of one of the top restaurants in LA.
20 bucks did it.........
Haha. The point was that the car of choice in the end is always Mercedes, no matter where you are. Out of 100 people you ask, bmw/mercedes luxury sedan, the answer has always been very clear.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
The most recent design of the BMW 760 is, in my opinion, not attractive or compelling. Mind you, I have owned four, 12 cylinder BMW sedans and two 12 cylinder BMW coupes, so I’m no “MB or the highway” kind of guy. That said, the question the OP needs to answer, is “what are you looking for?” The exterior design of the BMW, IMHO, is a tarted up, “boy racer” example of what NOT to do to a luxury sedan. On the other hand, the Maybach is an elegant, understated, luxury saloon that gives nothing away to anything this side of Rolls-Royce. However, I feel very strongly that the Maybach is a car to be DRIVEN in, not to drive. When I see a solitary person driving a Maybach, I assume that the “driver” has been sent on an errand.
Bottom Line: Buy an S560, loaded to the gills and enjoy the ride. If that’s not god enough, wait until 2020 and go for a Bentley “New” Flying Spur. Cheers!
Being assumed to be a chauffeur is not a necessarily a bad thing nowadays.
Back in 2008, at gas station refueling my then new S65, I was accosted by some middle age woman yelling "1 percenters are the root of all evil, you look like one of them!"
I calmly responded I was just a driver for Senator Obama and did not own that car.
She stood there for a full minute with her mouth open, finally said " so, so sorry Sir" and walked away while I was trying hard to bite my tongue and prevent myself from bursting laughing.
Bmw has always been behind the S class. If you ask any country club Valet, they will always choose the S over the BMW to be outfront if the have the choice. That says it right there.
Country Club Valet? You mean the 20 something year old men who have no background in automotive industry besides driving a car from the front of a restaurant to a parking spot? We're going to let THEM dictate which offering is better?
How long are you keeping the car? If it's a lease, pick the one that calls out to you. If it's a long term keeper, I trust the Mercedes components as they tend to last longer with fewer unexpected problems. My wife loves driving in the rear seat of my S class (executive seating package), and I know she would LOVE riding in a Maybach but my garage would barely fit that car.
V12's are overrated. And a loaded S560 is a much better option in most cases and will allow you to squeeze into parking spots. So what if the rear seat doesn't feel like a first class seat from a wide body jet?
Did you own a 740, 750 or the real luxury 7 series, the 760?
The latter is the subject of this discussion not the run of the mill 7s
There is quite a difference between them........
You are correct.
A 740 interior base (no upgraded leather / trim) is as I have said on here (in my other name Chucky300 before it was banned by some crazy mod) is plasticy in feel - but the car is supposed to be entry level 7 series - and likely leases for what, $800 a month? A 750 to some degree with medium upgrade leather is a much nicer option - and if you go with individual appointment - it's basically a rolls royce in a bmw. (We had a 2014 Bmw 750 individual inside and out. Lovely Lovely car - quiet - comfortable - beautiful leather - wood - everything was totally yummy. If you put that car next to a base unloaded 740 - you're literally comparing two different animals. A 760 (one I have on order now due for delivery in Feb) with all the bells and whistles including tartufo individual leather - IS in fact a rolls royce in a BMW. Again - to compare that to a 740 is pointless. An S560 with Exclusive Nappa Leather can't be compared to a 740 base. If one doesn't want a "plastic" feeling car - they shouldn't be getting a 740 base. If they want the room of a 7 and don't care about how the leather and base wood feels - then sure - a 740 base is perfectly acceptable with a lovely ride quality. I think Dramatic answers about how "AWFUL" something is and "SOUR" is just plain ridiculous.