2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

Mercedes kicks off their S-Class range with the S450 Sedan, which starts with an MSRP of $91,250, a whole $7,600 more than the BMW 7 Series. Adding the optional 4Matic AWD system will up the price by $3,000. The twin-turbo V8 S560 starts off at $101,350 for the RWD version, with the 4Matic version again adding $3,000 to the bill. BMW's 7 Series catches up price-wise the higher you climb up the model range: the 750i xDrive will set you back $99,950, just below the $100,000 mark.

Gone are the days of jello-like luxo-barges getting away with sloppy and unresponsive handling; modern luxury sedans have to perform well in any road condition, whether it be an autobahn dash or a potholed inner-city expedition. Mercedes-Benz has taken this into consideration, and it shows in the corners; the S-Class doesn't mind being chucked into a corner, and remains relatively flat and composed, with comfort mode allowing for a bit more body roll. Steering is vague and disconnected, but it isn't challenging to place the wheels with reasonable accuracy. Sportier driving modes help to load up the steering, but it doesn't give it any more feel. The sheer weight of the S-Class can be felt in the corners, but the all-season tires feel like the biggest limiting factor here, especially in 4Matic configuration, where a stickier set of tires would give the driver a lot more confidence in the bends. In day to day driving situations, though, the S-Class provides a level of road comfort that is on par with sitting on your favorite couch at home.

Some might consider the 2019 Mercedes-Benz a good car because of its long list of technological features and its general sense of occasion, but beneath all the tech lies a supremely capable and comfortable vehicle in the style of luxury limousines of old. The reserved styling and silky smooth range of engines and transmissions offer a five-star driving experience that is not only comfortable when puttering around town but impresses with its dynamic ability when pushing on. Although the S-Class feels disconnected behind the wheel, it can be placed with precision and confidence, the only weak-point being the all-season tires. Stepping inside the S-Class, one is transported to the first-class waiting lounge at any big international airport; peerless comfort, most notably in the back, is matched by a level of safety and tech features that would leave most everyday motorists dumbfounded. With a starting price of $91,250, the S-Class delivers performance, safety, and luxury on a level that's difficult to match.

When dealing with this class of vehicles, buyers become less sensitive to differences in price between models, and for that exact reason, we would suggest going with the top of the range S560 4Matic which goes for $13,100 more than the entry-level S450. What you get for that extra thirteen grand is over a hundred more horsepower, 147 lb-ft more torque, and all-wheel drive, not to mention a feeling of well-deserved superiority. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 found in the S450 is more than capable of shifting the S-Class around, but the V8 model makes it feel fast, and that's something you can't really put a price on (of course you can).

Many wonder what the significant differences are between the E and S-Class sedans. The most obvious differentiation can be found in the size of both cars: the E-Class is a mid-size luxury sedan, while the S-Class is full-sized. This is also clearly apparent when you look at interior space, where the E-Class and S-Class offer similar front legroom space, but the S-Class's rear area is vastly superior. Engine choices available for the E-Class include an efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder capable of returning 25 mpg on a combined cycle. The E450 4Matic shares its engine with the S450. The E-class offers a more balanced offering for those who actually drive their cars themselves, whereas the S-Class has been built to cater for backseat drivers.

The battle between these two cars stretches back decades, with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class having the advantage of heritage. The 2019 7 Series is better than ever and goes toe to toe with the S-Class and comes out on top a lot of the time. Power is supplied via a similar engine offering consisting of a 3.0-liter turbo inline six-cylinder in the 740i and a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the 750i. Fitted with the smaller engines, the Merc produces significantly more power. The same goes for the V8 option, with the Merc making slightly more power yet consuming marginally less fuel. The BMW plays its trump card once you step inside the cabin, offering more space for passengers as well as a larger trunk. The BMW is cheaper to buy and provides a more dynamic driving experience, but is outmatched in terms of sheer comfort. Both cars are now in their sixth generation and have been around for over five years.