Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. BMW 7 Series vs. Lexus LS - Comparing the world's most luxurious sedans
As usual, people enjoyed lives with their luxury life, but these luxury cars could make anyone's life complete.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-size luxury sedans, limousines and armored sedans produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of German company Daimler AG. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan produced by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is currently in its sixth generation.
The Lexus LS (Japanese: レクサス・LS, Rekusasu LS) is a full-size luxury sedan (F-segment in Europe) serving as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
In today's article, I will bring descriptions and specifications about the three most luxurious sedan cars in the world: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS
1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioners). The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced.
In 1981, the two-door, four-seat S-Class, designated as SEC, was introduced, sharing the petrol V8 engines with its four-door version, W126. After the introduction of new nomeculate scheme, SEC was simply renamed as S-Class Coupé. For 1996 model year, the coupé was separated from S-Class line and named as new CL-Class (in line with other two-door models: CLK, SL, and SLK); however, the CL-Class was reintegrated into S-Class model line (same with CLK becoming E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet). The first-ever S-Class convertible since 1972, internally named A217, was introduced and became the one-generation model only. After the end of W222 production in 2020, the successors to the C217 coupé and A217 convertible aren't planned, citing the low demand for those models and stronger demand for SUV models.
- Features on the S-Class 6th generation (2014-2020)
The W222 is the first S-Class using very-high-speed FlexRay optical fiber data bus technology, which interconnects (data fusion) all electrical/electronic systems, particularly the COMAND Online control interface (with Intel Atom processor), MBC road scanning active suspension and the multitude of new driver assistance systems, since all these require very high data bit rates.
Mercedes' Active Body Control hydraulic active suspension has been updated with a system dubbed Magic Body Control (MBC) that is fitted with a road-sensing system ("Road surface scan") that pre-scans the road for uneven surfaces, potholes and bumps. Using a stereo camera, the system scans the road surface up to 15 meters ahead of the vehicle at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph), and it adjusts the shock damping at each wheel to account for imperfections in the road. Magic Body Control is not available on any of the 4-Matic models, as of Model Year 2017.
- W222's 2018 facelift (2018-2020)
A mid-cycle refresh was introduced in the summer 2017 for the 2018 model year. The refresh introduces the new 48-volt integrated starter/alternator, ENERGIZING Comfort Control, updated autonomous driving technologies. The grille is updated to differentiate between six and eight cylinder engine versions and long wheelbase and V12 versions. The headlamps and taillamps are revised with new enhanced LED technology.
The new range of six-cylinder inline petrol and diesel engines are offered with electrification (20 kilowatts/22 horsepower). This marks the return of six-cylinder inline engines to the S-Class since the last one was offered in 2005. The engine is 2,999 cc (3.0 litre) for both petrol and 2,927 cc (2.9 litre) diesel engines. The sole gas V6 engine is in the S 560 e with plug-in hybrid system. The four-cylinder inline engine with hybrid system (S 300 h) was removed from the S-Class model range. Additionally, the old 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine is replaced by the new AMG-engineered 4.0-litre biturbo V8, consolidating the V8 engine range to one size now. 2019 marks the final year of S 65 AMG with 130 units to be finished in obsidian black metallic paint with bronze highlights on the body and alloy wheels. However, the 6.0-litre V12 AMG carries on in Maybach S 650 after the production end of S 65 AMG. Only S 600 continues unchanged.
Inline 6 and V8 engines are now paired with the 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission (AMG Speedshift MCT for Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+) while V12 engines continue to use the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.
Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ became the sole choice for the V8 version of S-Class from AMG, eliminating the previous rear-wheel-drive version.
The production of the sixth generation S-Class (W222) ends in September 2020 with the introduction of its successor, S-Class (W223), which made its world premiere on 2 September 2020 at the brand-new Factory 56 in Sindelfingen.
- Specifications (Indonesian-assembled only W222 S 450 L model year 2019)
a. Engine and transmission
- No. of cylinder/arrangement: 6/V
- Engine code: M256 E30 DEH LA GR
- Engine type: Turbocharger
- Displacement (cc): 2,996
- Power output: 270 kW (367 hp) at 5,500 - 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 500 Nm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC
b. Performance
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5,4 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- Average fuel (combined): 8,4 km/liter
- Fuel capacity: 78 liters
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Recommended fuel: Pertamax Turbo (RON 98)
- Recommended lubricants: Pertamina Fastron Gold or Fastron Platinum
- Manufactured and assembled in Indonesia by: PT. Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia (MBDI), Wanaherang, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat
c. Price and other variant
- Current price: IDR 2,47 billion (S 450 L, on the road November 2020)
- Other variant: Mercedes-Benz W222 S 450 L Edition 50 (limited edition 2020 year model to celebrate 50th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz' inaugural vehicle production and sales in Indonesia; engine type, performance, and features similar to the regular S 450 L, only available in obsidian black paint color)
(More specifications from Mercedes-Benz Indonesia)
2. BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle (including long wheelbase and limousine models). It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before they trickle down to other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series.
Unlike the 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, BMW has not produced a M model for the 7 Series (i.e. an "M7"). However, in 2014 an "M Performance" option became available for the 7 Series. The Alpina B7 serves as the only high-performance variant of the 7 Series.
- Features on the 7 Series 6th generation (2015-2019)
The iDrive operating system for secondary car controls now receives user input from a conventional control wheel, touchscreen, voice commands and is capable of recognizing gestures through a 3D scanner. It is also possible to save a gesture movement with an individual function.
A number of advanced driver assistance systems for the BMW 7 Series have been reworked to work autonomously or partly so—the parking system utilises a number of radar sensors and a stereo camera at the rear, allowing it to execute parking maneuvres independently and can be operated with a digital key fob. The cruise control driver assist is able to recognize speed limits and will adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly. The lane driving assist warns the driver of possible side or rear collisions. In addition, it is able to detect lane markings and traffic, as well as alter the steering responsiveness to improve driving comfort.
- Facelift (THE 7) (2019-present)
The updated 7 Series models were unveiled on 16 January 2019 as 2020 model year cars. Notable changes of the facelift include a larger kidney grille shared with the X7 (40 percent larger than the outgoing model) and sleeker headlights with optional laser headlights. The V8 models and the hybrid models were updated and a new hands-free driving system which operates under certain conditions was added to the range.
The new front is accompanied by a more prominent front fascia and a power dome on the bonnet. The rear of the car now has LED tail lamps joined by a central stripe and a new rear bumper. Other exterior changes include new optional 20-inch wheels.
Updates to the interior include a new 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. A new voice assistant is also added to the infotainment system along with the BMW iDrive system 7.0 with updated graphics and menus. The main technological feature is the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant which allows the driver to leave the steering wheel at speeds up to 56 km/h (35 mph) during urban city driving. The system manages steering, acceleration and braking of the car and cameras ensure that the driver pays attention on the road.
The turbocharged B58 inline-6 as utilised in the 740i/740Li is now rated at 290 kW (394 PS) and 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) of torque.
The 750i/750Li now shares the same engine enhancements as the M850i which now generates a power output of 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp) and 750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft) of torque. The rear-wheel-drive option for the 750i/750Li was discontinued, making the 740i/740Li the only model to be available with optional rear-wheel-drive.
The 740e/740Le hybrid model was discontinued in favour of the updated 745e/745Le iPerformance. The 745e/745Le iPerformance uses a turbocharged inline-6 engine shared with the X5 xDrive45e. The new engine combined with electric motors generates a power output of 290 kW (394 PS) and 599 N⋅m (442 lb⋅ft) of torque. A new 12 kW⋅h battery pack is employed for the electric motors to increase the electric range.
The M760Li xDrive oversaw a decrease in engine power output to 447 kW (608 PS), although the engine benefited from torque increased to 850 N⋅m for the US model. The engine in the European model generates a power output of 430 kW (585 PS) and 850 N⋅m of torque.
The updated 7 Series models went on sale in April 2019.
- Production
The BMW 7 Series is produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany. Complete knock-down (CKD) assembly is conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia and at the BMW Thailand plant in Rayong.
- Specifications (Indonesian-assembled only G11/G12 740Li model year 2019)
a. Engine
- Cylinders: 6
- Engine code: B58B30M1
- Engine type: Turbocharger
- Displacement (cc): 2,998
- Power output: 250 kW (340 hp) at 5,500 - 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 450 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic
b. Performance
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5,6 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- Average fuel (combined): 7,9 km/liter
- Fuel capacity: 78 liters
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Recommended fuel: Pertamax Turbo (RON 98)
- Recommended lubricants: Pertamina Fastron Platinum or Fastron Gold
- Manufactured and assembled in Indonesia by: PT. Astra BMW International, Sunter, Jakarta
c. Price and other variant
- Current price: IDR 2,61 billion (740Li, on the road November 2020)
- Other variant: BMW 730Li M Sport (cheaper price, lower engine type and performance, and less features than 740Li)
(More specifications from BMW Indonesia)
3. Lexus LS
As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as Toyota Celsior (Japanese: トヨタ・セルシオ, Toyota Serushio), was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans.
Development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan. At the time, Toyota's two existing flagship models were the Crown and Century models - both of which catered exclusively for the Japanese market and had little global appeal that could compete with international luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. The resulting sedan followed an extended five-year design process at a cost of over US$1 billion, and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque.
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The name "LS" stands for "Luxury Sedan", although some Lexus importers used the backronymic name, "Luxury Saloon". The name "Celsior" is taken from Latin word "celsus", meaning "lofty" or "elevated".
- Current generation (5th generation)
Developed under the 200B program, the fifth generation LS made its debut at the January 2017 North American International Auto Show. This model was previewed by the LF-FC concept that was first shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It is the second Lexus model to be built on GA-L platform, after the LC grand tourer. Dubbed as LS 500 (VXFA50/55), it is the first LS to be powered by a V6 engine. The 3.4 liter twin-turbo V35A-FTS V6 produces 309 kW (415 hp) and 600 N⋅m (440 lb⋅ft) of torque. The wheelbase is 33 mm (1.3 in) longer than the previous long-wheelbase model, the LS 460L. The height is also 15 mm (0.6 in) lower, with the bonnet and boot measuring 30 and 40 mm (1.2 and 1.6 in) lower, respectively.
In a couple of Lexus firsts, the fifth-generation LS is the first Lexus sedan to feature a six-sided window design, while the flush-surface windows integrate smoothly with the pillars. In the company's efforts to reconcile two conflicting goals, sufficient headroom with a low roofline, the new LS employs an available outer-slide-type panoramic moonroof instead of the conventional, internally retracting item.
The fifth-generation LS also features 3D-surround Mark Levinson audio with in-ceiling array speakers. The next-generation, remote touch infotainment interface called Lexus Enform, is said to be designed to mimic smartphone operation, with support for handwritten input. Alongside the 12.3 inch navigation display, the fifth-generation LS can be specified with an optional 24 inch, colour HUD for the driver's view. The fifth-generation LS was launched in Japan on December 18, 2017 and globally in the first quarter of 2018.
The LS 500h (GVF50/55) uses the Multi Stage Hybrid System that debuted in the LC 500h. Like the LC 500h, it uses a lithium-ion battery rather than the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery used in the previous LS 600h.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is fitted as standard to the LS. The available Advanced Safety Package introduced Lexus CoDrive, which help actively steer the vehicle should it detect a pedestrian.
At the 2017 Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau International Auto Show, Lexus unveiled the Chinese-market LS 350 (GSF50), which uses a naturally aspirated 2GR-FKS V6 engine from the GS 350, producing 237 kW (318 hp) and 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) of torque. Hong Kong models uses an 8GR-FKS engine producing 232 kW (311 hp) and 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) of torque.
- Indonesian market
The fifth generation of Lexus LS is currently sold for the Indonesian market as LS 500 and its hybrid type LS 500h only, not produced in Indonesia, but distributed in Indonesia by Lexus Indonesia, a sub-division company of PT. Toyota Astra Motor. The current price of LS 500 as of November 2020 is estimated at IDR 3,72 billion, which includes luxury tax.
4. Conclusion
From all three luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most sophisticated sedan with most features, most economical fuel efficiencies and most powerful engine performances.
And according to the government regulations, luxury cars priced above IDR 2 billion (starting from IDR 3 billion and over) and with engine displacement above 3,000 cc will get additional extra luxury taxes. And based from that regulation, the Mercedes-Benz W222 S 450 L and BMW G12 740Li cars will not recieve any of luxury taxes.
So, which one do you choose? If you pick the S-Class, it would be the perfect choice for anyone to ride.
5. Why I didn't feature Porsche Panamera in this article?
Porsche Panamera currently (maybe) the rarest model in this luxury sedan category, although having lesser units sold than the three cars above. The reasons are simple: improvident fuel consumptions, higher prices and luxury taxes, and its lower service maintenances.
