Comparison tests MB S-Class vs Audi A8 vs BMW 7 series review
- Thread starter hovabongZA
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SKY
Kraftwagen König
I believe this thread should be moved to internal combustion @mods.
It is interesting to hear some complains about the interior parts of the MB. I read this first from @Busty, who insisted in some parts of the S-Class interior not being as good as they might look.
I would say the Audi, while having a top notch interior and a comfortable drive, lacks the class and the style a car of this segment should have. BMW has made the 7er competitive again in terms of the reviews, and it seems to have the best engine, gearbox and the iDrive remains the best in the industry. But its style remains to subtle for the drama demanded in the segment.
Right now I would go for the S-Class, but I believe the LCI 7er, with its updated exterior and hopefully a few tweaks in the interior as well (new air vents, speedo, interior door handles and shifter/iDrive area) might take the crown until the W223 debuts.
It is interesting to hear some complains about the interior parts of the MB. I read this first from @Busty, who insisted in some parts of the S-Class interior not being as good as they might look.
I would say the Audi, while having a top notch interior and a comfortable drive, lacks the class and the style a car of this segment should have. BMW has made the 7er competitive again in terms of the reviews, and it seems to have the best engine, gearbox and the iDrive remains the best in the industry. But its style remains to subtle for the drama demanded in the segment.
Right now I would go for the S-Class, but I believe the LCI 7er, with its updated exterior and hopefully a few tweaks in the interior as well (new air vents, speedo, interior door handles and shifter/iDrive area) might take the crown until the W223 debuts.
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
Not even the mighty S-Class is exempt from quality issues that plague the rest of the MB line up. I will say this again when it comes to interior quality MB is at the bottom with respect to the Germans.
SKY
Kraftwagen König
Now you mention it, it is hard to think about a MB that features a better interior than the equivalent Audi. 5er and above also seem to have better quality interiors than the MB competition.
This is subjective as most comparison tests have noted that per model the Audi is above both BMW and Mercedes in interior build quality. If you had to go over each interior in detail per component you will find them more or less on par with each other. Look at the German car mags they have rated the Mercedes E and S class to be equal to the equivalent Audi and BMW in interior build and material quality
Robbie
Schwarzwald Sprinter
Although this is the first and I think only review I have seen in which it beats the S-class. Car UK, Autocar, etc all prefer the S-class. The A8 does appear to be quite a big improvement, but for me Audi is not a really big player in this class. I would still take a 7-series over an A8. I also find the interior quite unattractive of the A8. I don't recall seeing AMS's comparison of these three.
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
The ride quality in Audi's larger cars is exceptional. The Q5 with air suspension is more comfortable and less floaty than the equivalent GLC and the same is true for the Q7 and GLE.
My problem with the A8 is the appliance look. The dashboard has the charm of a Neff oven/microwave combination. Last month I was in Knightsbridge and Kensington and the facelift S-Class outnumber the A8 and 7-Series by 10:1. Out of all recent Audis, the A8 is the least aspirational.
empower77
Kraftkurve King
I am not sure if MB is the only one. My 2014 X5 had some pretty dismal trim pieces especially on the door cards. The hard plastics as well as on the grab handles - plastics so hard and sharp I almost cut myself once. Another complaint I had was that the rear door handle had a plastic trim piece in front of it that was clearly put there since they used to same trim from the front. Very cheap hard plastic.
That said, I have also felt some pieces on the A4/ Q5, and wasn’t completely impressed.
Generally speaking it seems that Germans are cutting corners for almost two decades with reckless abandon.
Companies that I am very impressed with however are Mazda and Kia. If you looked at late model Mazda’s they eschew old Audi/ VAG interior fit and finish with a strong emphasis on quality with glorious materials oozing class
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
Sure ,but MB are the worse. Currently their cars offer the weakest build quality out of the 3 Germans.
MBs quality is at a downward spiral. Audi has remained the same while BMWs have increased.
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
So you speak from first-hand, long-term usage experience?
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
If I want a SWB luxury car and I was planning on holding onto it for awhile, and thus I am ambivalent about resale value, I'd go with a 7er.
If I want a LWB luxury car and am not planning keeping it beyond year 4 or 5, I'd go with an S, which has a bit better residual. Though, I am more likely paying more up front.
Nah, instead I think I'd go with option D....Panamera, probably the SportTurismo 4S as that's the Goldilocks of the litter and with the ST, I won't feel like I am missing out on the cool Transformer spoiler that's on regular hatch Turbo.
If I want a LWB luxury car and am not planning keeping it beyond year 4 or 5, I'd go with an S, which has a bit better residual. Though, I am more likely paying more up front.
Nah, instead I think I'd go with option D....Panamera, probably the SportTurismo 4S as that's the Goldilocks of the litter and with the ST, I won't feel like I am missing out on the cool Transformer spoiler that's on regular hatch Turbo.
Merc1
Premium
I don't think I've seen anybody post with such authority on subjects they have seemingly zero experience.
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
Hmm interesting question so according to you in order for one to have an opinion about quality they need to have first hand experience and long- term usage experience?
mercpassion
Highway Hunter
I find it rather contentious that the S Class 'suddenly' appears have ride quality issues..the so called potholes and bumps all of a sudden appear out of nowehere lol. IMO another strange finding from this particular reviewer. I wonder if some members with real experiences can add to this? Such as @Mick Briesgau..
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
In short - for objectivity, yes.
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
No, I disagree. You’re wrong.
You need to sit in different models and then judge, the Mercedes models are more or less on par with Audi and BMW. None of these brands has perfect interior quality in lower models, there is an area of the interior you will find cheap plastic in all brands. If you want examples, look at @Mick Briesgau review of the 7-series, he said there are some parts of the interior that show cost cutting compared to his S-class. The Audi A4 is no better than a C-class or 3-series, it has cheap hard hollow feeling plastic on the center console between the gearshift and handbrake buttons and also the lower door panels are also hard plastic. The 5-series grab handles on the doors have cheap feeling plastic on the underside. The C-class with the porous wood does have a hollow sound on the center console and door panels when you tap them with your knuckles. The 3-series center console has hard plastic on the side of the center console between the seats.
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