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This is really difficult. None of them in my view right now has it all. It's really tough to compare them given the ups and downs, though some of them used to be the all-in-one or ultimate choice at some point for previous gens.
My personal opinion: Cosmetically: W223 > A8 > 7-series Comfort: W223 > A8 > 7-series Driving dynamics "fun aspect": i7 > 7-series M760 > W223 > A8 > W223 PHEV Drivetrain: 7-series M760 > A8 > i7 > W223 > W223 PHEV As a daily-drive and all-in-one versatile vehicle: 7-series M760 > W223 PHEV > W223 > A8 > i7 Overall: non of them is ideal but I'd go with W223 PHEV > W223 > i7 > 7-series M760 > A8. I personally prioritize versatility with comfort and cosmetics if I have to let go some aspects when choosing a toy.
This is all based on the current generation for me. If the 2020-2022 BMW M760 V12 was in that list, I would rank it first for every single category. Also, given the design and issues of the newer high-end sends, I am also tempted to look into Bentley, a pre-owned one makes a ton of sense nowadays.
At this point, I wouldn't buy in the segment until I'd seen what the 223 refresh brings to the table. The A8 was well done when it came out, but it feels antiquated in there now; they need to reroll that one. The 7 is uneven for me, I don't like some choices in and out, while other aspects were more pleasing. Non-starter though; seeing the front in person was enough for me to know I wasn't buying, and I didn't test drive it.
At this point, I wouldn't buy in the segment until I'd seen what the 223 refresh brings to the table. The A8 was well done when it came out, but it feels antiquated in there now; they need to reroll that one. The 7 is uneven for me, I don't like some choices in and out, while other aspects were more pleasing. Non-starter though; seeing the front in person was enough for me to know I wasn't buying, and I didn't test drive it.
Well said. It's easier to get a well-rounded luxury SUV nowadays for those who are interested in newer pure-luxury cars than the flagship sedans. W223 facelift can* win the market again big time if they fix some of the issues as the competition is just not there now. Taking some time-off from pure-luxury for a year or 2 may not be a bad idea too when there is nothing out there.
People love to hate SUVs, but I like them, not as good to drive as a sedan but they work very well in the day to day. My neighbor has a GLS which in my mind would be, perhaps should be, the SUV analog to our cars. It isn't, it's nice in their, but it's clearly down on the lux quotient compared to the S Class. That's an interesting positioning, since I think they may have sold more of them if they did make it an SUV variant. I'd lump it in with the EQS in this regard, if they had gone the 7 series way and made the EQS an electric variant of the 223 I think they sell more of them; just as they would with the GLS.
But, I'm new to the brand, maybe I just don't get Mercedes buyers, and I'm mistaken.
People love to hate SUVs, but I like them, not as good to drive as a sedan but they work very well in the day to day. My neighbor has a GLS which in my mind would be, perhaps should be, the SUV analog to our cars. It isn't, it's nice in their, but it's clearly down on the lux quotient compared to the S Class. That's an interesting positioning, since I think they may have sold more of them if they did make it an SUV variant. I'd lump it in with the EQS in this regard, if they had gone the 7 series way and made the EQS an electric variant of the 223 I think they sell more of them; just as they would with the GLS.
But, I'm new to the brand, maybe I just don't get Mercedes buyers, and I'm mistaken.
I've owned so many cars from the 2018-2023 era (probably 11 cars that I even lost track) ... The X7 is one of the best vehicles I owned out of all of them. Am not sure if it is the best but certainly one of the best. I don't like to hold on my cars for too long, and my garage always has more than it's ideal capacity too, and having the chance to "own" not just test-drive the majority of luxury ones, I can tell you that I would have no problem whatsoever taking an SUV as a daily drive, but only of it its as dynamic and versatile as the X7. The GLS (which I never owned) felt too heavy and harder to maneuver and kick-start (just felt too bulky), but man, the X7 makes u feel that u are about to take a coupe for a quick spin. It's light, strong, large but very easy to maneuver with the rear-wheel steering. I like our X5 too, but the X7 M50i is something else. It is actually the car that made me not like the quietness and numbness of my W222 as I wanted that muscular driving style. Med-size SUVs are really great and a must-have in my garage. If there is a full EV X7 now, with reasonable range, I would get another one tomorrow.
People love to hate SUVs, but I like them, not as good to drive as a sedan but they work very well in the day to day. My neighbor has a GLS which in my mind would be, perhaps should be, the SUV analog to our cars. It isn't, it's nice in their, but it's clearly down on the lux quotient compared to the S Class. That's an interesting positioning, since I think they may have sold more of them if they did make it an SUV variant..
Its about money. If they made a GLS that truly was just like an S Class it would be way more expensive. The only SUV I have ever driven that I truly feel doesn't give anything up to a flagship sedan is a Range Rover.
But if the GLS was just like your S class, does it sell more, or less? I say this because I buy this S Class GLS, I would not buy the current offering. Are I and Frenetic outliers? I don't have an answer to that, I'd lay my money there if I had to make a bet but it's an interesting hypothesis more than anything else.
The true comparison should’ve been a normal 7 series hybrid (I don’t know if there is a v6 version of it). The S class is my favorite as I won’t have a chauffeur and the big screen in the rear would hardly be used, just as the smaller ones in the other saloons. To be partial, I do own the W223 with 10° rear steering and 4Matic and there’s nothing like it! From the turning radius to the crab crawl out of parable parking. The get up from naught is awesome and is a head turner at every single light and petrol station. Again, an apples to apples comparison would have been a bit more precise and comprehensive. 2021 S580L 4MATIC
But if the GLS was just like your S class, does it sell more, or less? I say this because I buy this S Class GLS, I would not buy the current offering. Are I and Frenetic outliers? I don't have an answer to that, I'd lay my money there if I had to make a bet but it's an interesting hypothesis more than anything else.
It would sell less, most GLSs sold are under $100k. It also outsells the Range Rover which costs more.
Bottom line is the GLS is a family vehicle, not designed specifically for high luxury. I would very happily buy one as a family vehicle, but for me personally to daily I would much rather have a Range Rover.
Originally Posted by DonS550
The true comparison should’ve been a normal 7 series hybrid (I don’t know if there is a v6 version of it). The S class is my favorite as I won’t have a chauffeur and the big screen in the rear would hardly be used, just as the smaller ones in the other saloons. To be partial, I do own the W223 with 10° rear steering and 4Matic and there’s nothing like it! From the turning radius to the crab crawl out of parable parking. The get up from naught is awesome and is a head turner at every single light and petrol station. Again, an apples to apples comparison would have been a bit more precise and comprehensive. 2021 S580L 4MATIC
It’s apples to apples. Just don’t option the rear screen in the 7.
I saw someone on reddit comment on this article and summed that picture up near perfectly. "Looks like two elegant older women who have accepted their age with grace and a third older woman who has so much plastic surgery that she's unrecognizable and can't move her lips"...
I saw someone on reddit comment on this article and summed that picture up near perfectly. "Looks like two elegant older women who have accepted their age with grace and a third older woman who has so much plastic surgery that she's unrecognizable and can't move her lips"...
Thats not a nice thing to say about the Audi lol
This highlights the problem though. The W223 was all new 2 years ago, it shouldn't be considered an "older woman" alongside the Audi design which dates to 2019. The 223 is just not very fresh or exciting.
The A8 had an outstanding technology that impressed me when it was first revealed.. However, I've never liked the exterior design. Look too outdated from day-1. I love the interior though and the smoothness of their engines and transmissions compared to the Benz. Being someone who is always looking towards the next toy, I've considered the S7 because of it's styling and powertrain, but the amount of plastic inside was more than I expected when I saw it and drove it in person. For that price, I expected a bit better interior wise. Didn't try the A8 or S8 as I never liked the exterior that much to begin with.
The A8 just looks way too plain, looks like a $70,000 car, not a $130,000 car. Now no V8 unless you get the S8 too.
Agreed, the exterior is just too slab sided, the previous D4 generation was a prettier car.
Its about to be all EV for the next generation too. It will be interesting to see how it does considering the A/S8 are already pale in comparison for sales, may become even more niche/rare when they go full EV.
I drove the Audi last when shopping this go around and it felt dated, not classic, dated. My hope is that they move to a next generation interior/exterior styling with the electric A/S; doesn't have to be huge but it's time to move on.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
