German Car Zone

Originally Posted by Yannis

I don't like the design of the S class at all and A8 is starting to look dated so i would prefer the 7 series out of those three.

Originally Posted by jsciales

Recently, Car and Driver had a comparison of the 7er and the S-Class. The S-Class was equipped with the AMG sports package, but still lost to the 7-Series. No word on if it had ABC yet, but many an S-Class has ABC.

2009 BMW 750Li vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 - Sedans/Comparison Test/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

Originally Posted by Car & Driver

550i:

So what kept the S550 from the top step on the podium? Dynamics. The Mercedes was almost as quick as the more powerful (and heavier) BMW—5.3 seconds to 60 mph versus 5.2—and its midrange throttle response was a smidge better, the benefit of its seven-speed automatic and its naturally aspirated V-8 versus a turbo engine. And its exhaust note, though subdued, was distinctly more satisfying. The Benz stopped almost as well, too: 173 feet from 70 mph versus 171, fade-free. Adaptive damping and active body control kept cornering attitudes flat, without a hint of compromise in ride quality. And straight-line high-speed stability was above reproach.
But in our favorite game—back-road pursuit, no speed limit—progressive understeer limited the S550’s cornering speeds, and it couldn’t quite keep pace. One logbook observation summed it up: “The Benz is competent. The BMW is compelling. The Benz is willing. The BMW is eager.”



750Li:

More impressive, though, is what this big Bimmer can do on a fast back road. The combination of a new multilink front suspension (replacing the previous struts), a redesigned rear suspension, electronically controlled damping with four driver presets (comfort, normal, sport, and sport plus), active roll stabilization, and rear-wheel steering gives this car a level of cornering power and transient response that’s nothing short of phenomenal.
Though grip is modest at 0.82 g, the steering system, which turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts (up to three degrees) at speeds over 37 mph, enhances turn-in. This is reflected in the lane-change test, where the Bimmer had a decided edge, and was even more dramatic on mountain roads. The faster we went, the better the BMW performed and the more confidence it inspired.

Originally Posted by Sayyaaf

Eni: even with those systems the S class produces more Gs (0.86) Vs 0.82 for the beemer.

Originally Posted by EnI

So says the article. But their own data sheets disagree: both cars scoring 0.82 ... Check the pdfs available in the article.

But still ... They say BMW has quite an advantage in cornering power & response - especially at higher speeds.