Edmunds - IL Track Tested: 2009 BMW 750Li vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550

[Merc1]

These are the big guns from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Well, not the biggest guns, but with prices near or above the $100,000 range, they're big enough. The BMW 750Li is all-new for 2009 and looking better than ever. It's 400-horsepower twin-turbo V8 makes it the closest thing to a "Motorsport" 7 Series we have ever seen. The Mercedes-Benz S550 is getting a facelift next year, but the current model has held up well. And with a 382-horsepower V8 of its own, it doesn't give up much to the new BMW.

One look at the track numbers and you'll be amazed what these two-and-a-quarter ton sedans can do. From 13-second quarter-mile sprints to 110-foot stops from 60mph, these two sedans are perfect examples of what can be accomplished when money is no object. Full details after the jump.





Full Story, Video and Test Results: Edmunds - IL Track Tested: 2009 BMW 750Li vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550


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[ZicZachZo]

The Bimmer would have fared better in the slalom if it had sport tires like the Benz.

 

[Zafiro]

What the heck, why do the 750li come with all season tyres?
Those tyres are garbage. Once again bmw proven they dont know much about tyres.

I dont regret changing my runflats to normal tyres. Tyres do make a difference, my new performance tyres stop the car better, more stable at high speed, the traction/grip is better compare to my previous tyres.

 

[cawimmer430]

Who cares about the tires?

The article clearly states that both cars are superb. That's all that matters.

 

[Sayyaaf]

I think my points against the new 7 series are confirmed by this article, the new 7 series seems softer than the older one. For those who watched the video, the 7 series has a very noticable body roll compared to the Merc. But I guess the steering is faster/preciser in the 7 too.

 

[ree]

I have to say, I really like both - especially with AMG package the Merc is stunning - but nevertheless like the beemers interior so much more…

 

[Zafiro]

Who cares about the tires?

The article clearly states that both cars are superb. That's all that matters.

LoL Wimmer. Tyres do matters, dont know about sizes though but if your after sporty abilities, performance tires are a must It improve the car significant.

 

[Mr Robert]

It improve the car significant.

It really does! All season tires are the worst possible option. They are utter crap in the summer and plain bad in the winter.

 

[Bartek S.]

I test drove 750iL last week. It's insane. Very comfy and sporty limo. I drove last summer S class pre-facelift, very nice and comfy but I personally would take 750iL before S550 any time.

 

[EnI]

So, the 750Li in this test wasn't equipped with Active Roll Stabilization & Integral Active Steering ... While S500 got the Active Body Control system on board?

A-ha.


Such active-suspension systems are essential for the cars of that size.

 

[Mr Robert]

OK, it is not easy for the testers to make a all out fair comparison as they are not the ones that spec the cars they are given to test, but is it too much to ask from them to have at least some sort of knowledge about the things they are about to review?

 

[Sayyaaf]

I knew there is something missing, so actually that car wasn't equipped with SportPackage.

 

[EnI]

I knew there is something missing, so actually that car wasn't equipped with SportPackage.

And the Benz was - according to AMG styling kit featuring on the car.

 

[Tarek]

The 1/4 mile time is really close for the 7er having more power and torque.

PS,the S looks stunning with the AMG cladding

 

[coolraoul]

So basically, they tested an S-Class with ABC suspensions and sport tyres against a 750 on standard suspensions and with all-season tyres, and saw the S-Class was faster in slalom despite having less power?

Wow this is unexpected...

 

[Mr Robert]

So basically, they tested an S-Class with ABC suspensions and sport tyres against a 750 on standard suspensions and with all-season tyres, and saw the S-Class was faster in slalom despite having less power?

Wow this is unexpected...

Correct, except they were equally fast in the slalom.

 

[Mr Robert]

The 1/4 mile time is really close for the 7er having more power and torque.

PS,the S looks stunning with the AMG cladding

Half a second. I don't know if that counts as really close in the high/mid 13's but some of the power advantage is shown in the difference in trap speed.

The BMW would be some 20-25 meters ahead after the quarter mile.

I agree regarding the AMG S-class, so sweet!

 

[Sunny]

Funny everyone missed the most important number: 21,000. That is how much the S costs more than the 7er as tested.

 

[Merc1]

Yeah stripped vs a loaded test cars. The BMW when done right is over 100K too.

M

 

[Tarek]

Funny everyone missed the most important number: 21,000. That is how much the S costs more than the 7er as tested.

Well they got a stripped one,the 7er will easily hit the 100K when loaded.

Still i expected much more from that new TT V8,no wonder MB didn't update the V8s just yet.