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Mercedes-Benz S-class vs Jaguar XJ vs Audi A8 vs BMW 7-series comparison

When you’re being hailed as the best car in the world, it’s only a matter of time before competition comes a-knocking.
2 min read15 Oct '14
Gavin D'SouzaGavin D'Souza
405K+ views

Mercedes-Benz S-class vs Jaguar XJ vs Audi A8 vs BMW 7-series.

Only the A8 gets the option of a night vision camera.

Great hi-fi in all cars, but Merc’s Burmester is best.

No panoramic or rear sunroof option on the 7-series.

730d’s straight-six diesel is super responsive, but loud.

Acres of space in the back of the 7-series and support is good, but seats are just a tad too firm in this company.

BMW i-Drive is the most detailed infotainment system.

Optional split rear cabin makes the A8 a strict four-seater. Bucket-like rear seats are very supportive.

S-class has the best seats overall, with the ideal balance of softness and support; no tray tables here though.

Run-flat tyres mean no spare wheel with the BMW.

A8’s seat massage function feels the most invigorating.

Rear passengers too get a daunting array of controls.

XJ may not have as much room as the rest, but it’s more than ample. Seat controls oddly spread around cabin.

Lumbar, massage controls accessible only via COMAND.

Adjustable shoulder support adds a whole lot of comfort.

Jag XJ just as enjoyable to drive as it is to be driven in.

Jag touchscreen is low-res and a bit slow to respond.

Few as they are, panel gaps are eyesores inside the XJ.

A8’s digi-analogue dials clear and yet informative.

Too much is optional on A8, including Matrix LED lamps.

A lot of cars are hugely impressive after a quick first drive, and some continue to impress when we test the wheels off them over an extended period. And then there are cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-class – cars so impressive that, even after a prolonged spell trying to pick holes in their abilities, it’s hard to think anything could possibly be better. But that’s not how things work here at Autocar India, and for the ultimate verdict on just how good a car – any car – is, you need to add a bit of perspective.

To really prove itself as the best, the S-class has to answer to its peers, and when you’re talking about quite simply the best diesel luxury limos on the planet, you can bet the comparison criteria are on a whole other level than usual. The fuel is actually a very important factor, because while the S 500, with its twin-turbo petrol V8, is for the oligarch with nary a care for issues as petty as fuel economy, the S 350 CDI is the more sensible and, unsurprisingly, far more popular choice.

And it’s a similar story with the other cars here – the Jaguar XJ, the Audi A8 and the BMW 7-series. All are available with petrol engine options but for most buyers, the six-cylinder diesel is the one to choose. The S-class is all new, while the other three have been given updates recently that have made them a bit more appealing. The BMW got an ever-so-mild update last year, the Audi a similarly light facelift earlier this year, and the Jaguar was given some more equipment and a much better price tag, thanks to local assembly at Pune. So they all bring something new to the table, which is good, because toppling the mighty S is not going to be easy. Time to get pampered.

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Autonomous Audi RS7 Sportback to take on Hockenheim

The German auto giant will try and beat the time set by its own R8 4.2 FSI quattro.
1 min read15 Oct '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Autonomous Audi RS7.

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Hyundai Elite i20 vs Fiat Punto Evo vs VW Polo vs Suzuki Swift comparison

The new Hyundai i20 feels larger and more upmarket than the old one. But is that enough to make you pick it over the best of the premium hatchbacks?
3 min read14 Oct '14
Gavin D'SouzaGavin D'Souza
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Toyota Etios, Liva facelift – What to expect

Amongst other changes, the updated Etios sedan and Liva hatchback get standard front airbags on all the trim levels.
1 min read14 Oct '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Toyota Etios (pre-facelift model).

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New Mahindra Scorpio S10 in demand

The demand for the top-spec Scorpio S10 2WD has not caused long waiting periods yet; 4WD version is on made-to-order basis.
1 min read13 Oct '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Mahindra Scorpio S10.

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Chevrolet has sold more than 1 million Beats globally

The Chevrolet Beat was launched in India in late 2009 and the company claims to have sold more than 1,78,000 units here.
1 min read14 Oct '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Chevrolet Beat (Spark in global markets).

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