Head to head: Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8
German uber-cars do battle for the big end of town.
Mercedes-Benz S400L: from $229,530 plus on-road costs. 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo; 245kW/480Nm; 7-spd auto; 7.9L/100km; FWD
Audi A8 3.0TDI quattro: from $195,000 plus on-road costs. 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo diesel; 190kW/580Nm; eight-speed auto; 5.9L/100km; AWD
Value
Mercedes-Benz S400L
The entry-level petrol variant in the S-Class range is only available in long wheelbase layout, so starts behind the eight ball on retail price. But the S400L comes loaded with gear including four-zone climate control, digital radio, sat nav, internet connectivity and a comprehensive safety package with LED headlamps, radar cruise control, automated braking and eight airbags.
Audi A8
Has a significant price advantage with our test car in standard configuration – and is also cheaper in matching long-wheelbase spec at $206,900 – and matches the S-Class on creature comforts and safety equipment.
Winner Audi
Inside
Mercedes-Benz S400L
The latest-generation S-Class mixes a raft of modern technologies with classic luxury in the dramatic-looking cabin. It looks special – and even more so at night with its ambient lighting – is lathered in high-quality leather, is impeccably screwed together and feels sumptuous from any seat.
Audi A8
While still exuding a level of luxury beyond its understudies, the A8 has a generic overall design familiar to other Audi models that doesn't make it feel as exclusive as the S-Class. Seats aren't quite as comfortable and dash looks cluttered in comparison to Benz.
Winner Mercedes-Benz
Engine
Mercedes-Benz S400L
The German car maker has continued its downsizing mandate with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 replacing the 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8, with the engine producing 245kW and 480Nm – slightly less outright grunt but offering more pulling power across a broader spread of revs and reduced fuel consumption with a claimed average of 7.9L/100km.
Audi A8
Audi has ditched its petrol V8 from the flagship limousine, with the range now starting with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel. While it produces less power than the Benz – at 245kW – it has significantly more torque (580Nm) and uses less fuel with a claimed average of 5.9L/100km.
Winner Audi
How it Drives
Mercedes-Benz S400L
Relaxing and effortless, the S400L offers first-class travel in any environment – and from any seat. The engine and seven-speed automatic are seamlessly mated together, the air suspension simply irons bumps in the road and it's whisper quiet at highway speeds.
Audi A8
Has a bit more of a sporting character with sharper suspension, heavier steering and all-wheel drive grip from its quattro tranmission, but doesn't feel as fluid or as sumptuous as the S-Class on the road.
Winner Mercedes-Benz
Corporate Cred
Mercedes-Benz S400L
The S-Class has always been a mainstay for top executive transport, and while the sixth-generation doesn't live up to its predecessors as a pioneer in new safety features it sets new benchmarks for comfort and in-cabin ambience. It is impressive and will impress those in any seat.
Audi A8
The A8, while brilliant in isolation, looks – both from the outside and within the cabin – too familiar to stand out as the flagship of Audi's sedan range. Ultimately, it doesn't have as much wow factor as the S400.
Winner Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz S400L
The latest S-Class sets the standard for refinement in almost every aspect and wins this on the strength of the way it drives and its dramatic and tech-laden cabin.
Audi A8
The A8 is only a couple of years old – and recently refreshed – but doesn't feel as special as the S400, nor can it isolate the world from its occupants as serenely as the Benz. It does, however, offer a similar level of top-shelf luxury for marginally less and will please the accountant in the long run with its more efficient engine.
Winner Mercedes-Benz