eGMCarTech's Face Off Friday: Mercedes-Benz S550 vs BMW 750Li

eGMCarTech's Face Off Friday: Mercedes-Benz S550 vs BMW 750Li
Today’s Face off Friday is between two of the ultimate luxury sedans on the market right now. What did we look at? Well right off the foot we took into account pricing, which usually matters the most when purchasing two big luxury sedans. The Mercedes-Benz S550 starts at MSRP of $86,535 while the BMW 750Li has a MSRP of $78,100.


Second, we take a look that the luxury, gizmos and comfort offered by the two cars. Both the S550 and the 750Li offer close to the same features, luxury and comfort, except for Mercedes-Benz S550’s extra features, like night vision and the digital odometer that looks like a analog speedometer, give it a little boost in this category.

Next, we take a look at design. Both cars have elegant and classy style inside out, which is what buyers of these cars are looking for. They both give off a rich appearance but again the little extra AMG body styling on the S550 give it a more sporty luxury feel.

Last, and unfortunately, we look under the hood since buyers of these cars care more about the luxury, design and the image the portray with these vehicles. The Mercedes S550 has 5.5 liter V8 engine that gives it 382 horsepower giving it the ability to do 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds. The BMW 750Li has a 4.8 liter V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower giving it a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds.

So overall, we think the Mercedes S550 takes the lead here just by a little. Of course the BMW 750Li has better handling than the S550, but as we said, drivers who purchase cars in this class care little about performance and more about appearance.

Now you decide who should be the winner, "The Ultimate Driving Machine" BMW 750Li or Mercedes-Benz S550 that is "Unlike Any Other" and why your choice should be the winner.


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jt716jt716 - 2/2/2007 6:38:23 PM
-1 Boost
S550 beats hands down


EL34EL34 - 2/2/2007 6:38:35 PM
-1 Boost
I love both cars equally, but my heart goes for the S-Class in black and tan.

;)


BMWRocksBMWRocks - 2/2/2007 6:39:36 PM
-1 Boost
I rather have both.


themantheman - 2/2/2007 6:43:39 PM
-1 Boost
S class is the obvious winner, i would take even the previous generation S class over the 7 Series(this BMW is the ugliest one)


EL34iEL34i - 2/2/2007 7:27:19 PM
+2 Boost
The wood trim in the 7-series looks a bit dull. Perhaps it's just the photograph.


silverarrow2silverarrow2 - 2/2/2007 7:06:35 PM
-1 Boost
And this time let's try to keep it between the "Bs" please.
We all know what's outher, so please don't bring any one else into it.

Thank you all.


rom64rom64 - 2/2/2007 7:21:37 PM
+2 Boost
I'd pick the S550.

And please, lexus fanboys, dont bring up the lexus LS460 on this post. Seriously, no more of this nonsense. Just answer the question.

I'm kinda wondering how long this thread will go w/o involving the LS460 between these cars.


EL34iEL34i - 2/2/2007 7:28:41 PM
-1 Boost
Overall, I like the cabin desgin of the S-class, but that the way Mercedes handled the hood between the instrument cluster and navigation screen is a bit much.


Matthew1Matthew1 - 2/2/2007 7:37:45 PM
+2 Boost
The S-Class interior not that appealing?

What? Just look at it. The fine wood, the sumptuous leather on every surface, the perfect colour co-ordination, the feeling of craftsmanship.

This interior is classic luxury at its finest. One could say it is almost too indulgent.

It is just stunning, really.




EL34EL34 - 2/2/2007 8:27:44 PM
-1 Boost
The S-Class interior is a masterpiece.

Mozart created many masterpieces and now Mercedes.


EL34iEL34i - 2/2/2007 9:47:00 PM
+2 Boost
"Mozart created many masterpieces and now Mercedes."

EL34 has composed much drivel, including the preceding meaningless statement.



mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 2/2/2007 7:45:50 PM
+1 Boost
Actually, I like the previous generation of both models better than the current ones, design wise. Both are about equal there, but I'd give the 7 a nudge for looking really beautiful. I would probably take the New S over the New 7, tho.


webguywebguy - 2/2/2007 7:54:21 PM
+1 Boost
Between the two brands, BMW gets my vote until I reach the class of CLS and above (excluding the M models)... then Mercedes reigns supreme. I’ve gotta go with the S here.

That "Battle" could have been a little (ok a lot) more in depth though.


bmw3030bmw3030 - 2/2/2007 8:17:44 PM
-1 Boost
as an owner/driver of a well loaded 745Li, previously a 740iL, before that an S420 (1996 model) and before that two more S classes, this is my two cents; the BMW is absolutely gorgeous, mega luxurious seats and unimaginably beautiful drive (even considering the fact that mine is a 745) - the current 7 sure as hell beat the old S Class (1999 - 2006) hands down ... the old S class didn't even look the part of a what a nice big body benz should be - now, the new one has actually taken quite a few styling cues from the new 7...overall i say its a gorgeous design that has gone back to the big body style the way the S class should be - it probably deserves just a tad higher ratings than the 7 but that's expected since it just came out and the 7 was destroying the S class before this...at least it's upped the ante, but i hate to break it to you boys the war continues next year with the unraveling of the new body 7 which will probably take the cake again...


EL34iEL34i - 2/2/2007 10:02:10 PM
+2 Boost
Nearly every aspect of the exterior design of the previous generation S-Class sedans was an exercise in awe-inspiring grace. The slab-sided, monolithic automotive design direction of decades prior was jettisoned in favor of graceful sinews and sophisticated understatement. While I enjoy most apsects of the current generation's interior design, the prior generation S-Class was simply the best traditional luxury sedan Europe had to offer.


EL34EL34 - 2/2/2007 10:12:12 PM
-2 Boost
i, you need to put on your glasses, the new S-Class is
perfect and you know it.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 2/2/2007 11:26:35 PM
-2 Boost
i like both cars but the S CLASS is clearly taking alot of cues from the 7 series: column shifter, the rear end, more edgy styling, few interior buttons, the central controller all thats 7 series its clear the 7 had a huge influence. but if the s class isnt the overall better car here something is wrong because the 7 series is a generation behind this s class. the current s class was released in 2002 its due for a complete re do, what in a year or two, when the next 7 series arrives than it would be more fair, but the fact that the current 7 series is so good by comparison saids alot about just how good the 7 series is especially for being a generation behind


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 2/2/2007 11:28:20 PM
-2 Boost
thats supposed to be the current 7 series was released in 2002, its at the end of its life cycle in 1 or 2 years


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 9:59:10 AM
0 Boost
bmwdrvr, I wouldn't say the 7 Series was "killing" the W220 (previous) S-Class. The reviews were very mixed.

One thing they agreed on, though: the A8 always won.

New S-Class is beautiful and easily takes top spot over the A8.


EL34EL34 - 2/2/2007 8:26:25 PM
-4 Boost
The Lexus LS460 can't hang with these cars, but it is a little better than the Buick/Cadillac.

I calls them how I sees them.


SSP350SSP350 - 2/2/2007 8:53:07 PM
+2 Boost
El34,
We all know you don't like Lexus. Why bother to bring up the subject when this is just about the S and the 7.
With that aside, I'll take the 7 over the S, just because it will most likely drive better.


EL34iEL34i - 2/2/2007 9:51:21 PM
+2 Boost
That's very similar to how the superior real estate agents in SoCal eschew any contact with you.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:01:43 AM
+1 Boost
I must say... even the LS430 came in second in a 2004 (?) comparison test. The results, if I remember, were:

1. A8L
2. LS430
3. Phaeton V8
4. S430
5. 745i (tie)
5. XJ8 Vanden Plas (tie)

Actually, I don't even need to remember it. Here's the article:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0409_luxury_sedan_comparison


CarboyCarboy - 2/2/2007 10:04:53 PM
+4 Boost
DON'T BRING UP THE SUBJECT OF LEXUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


EL34EL34 - 2/2/2007 10:08:53 PM
-3 Boost
I'm sorry I brought up ToyLex, but I knew the fan boys
would be chiming in to run down German Otto's.


MunichRobMunichRob - 2/2/2007 10:07:47 PM
-1 Boost
I love these 2 car's, I have the hardest time choosing between these 2 cars & the A8 for my favourite luxo-barge.

The 750i is my favourtie based on exterior looks & driving, the S-Class obviously pampers it's passengers a little bit more & has a nicer interior (which really can't be appreciated in pictures).

So just give me a white 7-series & black S-Class, then everybody's happy.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:08:34 AM
+1 Boost
I agree! A8, S-Class and 7 Series are so hard to choose between.

Here are the strong points of each:

S-Class- Pros: beautiful interior, good drive, great looks
Cons: high price, very tempting options list

7 Series- Pros: nice interior, excellent drive, good looks (to some)
Cons: bad looks (to some), not as sumptuous as S-Class or A8

A8- Pros: beautiful interior, great drive, understated/elegant looks
Cons: understated/elegant looks, not quite as good to drive as RWD 7 Series

I think I know what I would do. I'd a 750Li, an S8 and an S600. Although I'd probably take an S550/A8L over a 750Li, if I had to choose three (and couldn't take two sporty models), those would be it.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:09:21 AM
+1 Boost
I would *take* a 750Li...


LexusLexus - 2/2/2007 11:30:07 PM
-2 Boost
They both look pretty good, but to bad the Lexus LS beat both of them;) And to make it worse, the comparison was made in Germany.

Lexus


LexusLexus - 2/2/2007 11:33:27 PM
+1 Boost
But between the two, I would definitely pick the 7 Series. Two reason, first, the the S-Class front remind me of the old Camry gen. Second, the 7 Series will probably have better handling.


CarboyCarboy - 2/3/2007 9:05:26 AM
+2 Boost
ONCE AGAIN, DON'T BRING UP THE SUBJECT OF LEXUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


razzy23razzy23 - 2/2/2007 11:39:03 PM
0 Boost
the seven is the better car. and its already seven years old!!!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:13:37 AM
+1 Boost
No, it's five years old.

Sorry to ruin the joke, but it's simple math.

2007-2002=5


Designer1Designer1 - 2/2/2007 11:47:07 PM
+2 Boost
The BMW dash is ugly and yet MB came up and made an even uglier one. Why?


LexusLexus - 2/3/2007 12:39:18 AM
0 Boost
LOL:) Designer1, that was pretty mean man, but it was funny too.


M53RM53R - 2/3/2007 2:01:23 AM
+1 Boost
Lexus

Stop making a fool out of yourself.
The comparison was only about the safety systems and the LS won. Next comparison will probably be brakes and performance, expect the LS to get its @$$ kicked.

Right, enough about lexus...
Between the two cars, I would choose the 7 series, simply because I like the styling better and because of brand loyality. GO BMW!


MObarMObar - 2/3/2007 2:27:05 AM
-3 Boost
Both cars are excellent, but between the two (if I couldn't take both, haha) I'll take the 7 Series because it drives better, and to me at least, it looks nice (I'm not saying that the S550 looks bad at all), especially when the new redesign comes out, which will also have AWD. Plus, when optioned well, the BMW undercuts the S550 price by quite a bit.


LexusLexus - 2/3/2007 2:34:45 AM
0 Boost
M53R, don't be mad..., I just stating the fact. Until than Lexus LS has beat both of them.

Lexus


gR8nessgR8ness - 2/3/2007 2:35:50 AM
-4 Boost
LEXUS IS GAY... UNLESS YOUR 60... THEN IT'S THE CAR IN YOUR DRIVEWAY...


gR8nessgR8ness - 2/3/2007 2:38:48 AM
-5 Boost
My 745 ROMPS on the S in handling and drive by farrr... but the new S does take the cake in the looks department. So it's all on whether you are a true car guy/girl that loves a good driving car, or if you are a poser and just want to look good in whatever you are driving.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:11:08 AM
+1 Boost
Ha. I bet you haven't driven an S-Class. You must be so jealous of S550 owners.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:12:32 AM
+1 Boost
No, that's not what he said. He said that the 7 Series makes him feel like a "real man". His post had nothing to do with Lexus- just BMW and Mercedes. He was rambling about his supposed "745" being better than the S550.


LexusLexus - 2/3/2007 2:51:49 AM
0 Boost
gr8ness, just by reading your statement above really show me how mature you're really are.

Lexus


Agent63Agent63 - 2/3/2007 6:52:27 AM
+2 Boost
There is no way the current 7 series beats the old S-class in styling. Everything in the outgoing model went well. Smooth lines along with an elegant design well suited for Mercedes. As good as 7's are, imo the s-class beats it. It has always been the ultimate luxury sedan. Regardless, the 7 is still a good luxury sedan.

what car was first fitted with ABS brakes? what car was the first to be fitted with airbags? what car was first fitted with 3 point seat belts? what car was first fitted with sat.nav? enough said.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 10:10:20 AM
+1 Boost
"Lexus", you stated you'd pick the 7 Series because of its handling. What do you care, or know, about handling? You drive a Lexus!


razzy23razzy23 - 2/3/2007 10:27:19 AM
-2 Boost
Yes, S4! In the US, the 7 series is 5 years old. But the intro was done in europe in the fall of 2000. So technically, the model existed since 2000.


RupertRupert - 2/3/2007 2:27:42 PM
+2 Boost
umm...no

the 7 series was introduced in 2002, i should know, i do live in europe, and i see quite a few 51 plate 7 series here....(in britian number plates are done by date, twice per year. 51 was the first of this style. we are on 56 at the moment, in march 07 will come in)


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 2/3/2007 10:55:42 AM
-1 Boost
Look at this picture:
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/bmw/30238750.jpg

That's why I would take it.
It's-just-so-beautiful. (and simple)


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/3/2007 11:34:46 AM
0 Boost
Yes, the 740i was a beauty.

But the simplicity is gone. I miss it.

I've said this before- I feel like the A8 is the 740's reincarnate. Very simple, elegant, athletic designs, both of them.

But I'd still rather have the S550.

Bill, if you're still on AutoSpies, I believe I found your home page while looking up S550 pictures just now on Google. Are you "mbcarbuff" on some website? Because there was a gallery of white S550 AMG pictures that looked suspiciously like the ones you took, in the parking lot and all.

http://members.cox.net/mbcarbuff/


RupertRupert - 2/3/2007 7:19:43 PM
+1 Boost
I've got a 740 and I love it. I'd have one over the last S class, I hate its interior. But it is very good looking.
Merc can't get it right can they? It's either great outside disappointment inside (ie W220 S class) or great inside disappointment outside (ie current SLK)

S4, what you say about its athletic look is exactly what is missing from the current 7 series. It looks far too heavy and lumbering, it needs to slim down. The A8 does look sportier, and more athletic, and I'd have one over a 750 or perhaps even an S class.


delandelan - 2/3/2007 10:57:29 AM
+1 Boost
As an equal opportunity car lover I think they are both fantastic choices. I'd give the slight edge to he benz because of its balanced, symmetric exterior. I do prefer the bimmer's more refined grille though. I saw a s550 sitting on 22's and i was sold!


Sunshine1810Sunshine1810 - 2/3/2007 5:19:14 PM
0 Boost
I'd pick the MB S-class over the BMW 7-series. Why? Because the S550 drives better, (Yes I have driven both.) and the S class is available in all wheel drive. However, I much prefer the previous designs for both companies. I absolutely hate the transmission on the steering wheel. I felt like I was operating a chevy ford taurus. To me the shifter must be between the two front seats. The interior on the S looks bizarre while the 7 series looks like a bit too much. The exterior styling is probably nicer on the 7. I don't like the wheel arches on Mercedes Benz new models. Even though I would rsther have the MB S class, keep in mind that this car is all new for 2007 while the BMW is fairly old at this point and is due for a redesign within a few years.


M53RM53R - 2/4/2007 4:20:41 AM
+2 Boost
FAKE S4......
Since you have mentioned it, the lexus LS is the most bloated car in its class. Just thought i d let you know..... Oh and only people who cant afford german cars buy american or japanese... not 'real men'.


MunichRobMunichRob - 2/4/2007 5:09:41 AM
+2 Boost
"S4Cabriofoxone1" I guess the Japanese navy commercials or hello kitty dolls in the rear-windsheild of most Japanese car's are man enough for you...The Japanese are a pretty 'bubbly' nation if you catch my drift.

Not to mention there was, or still is an agreement between the major Japanese companies to refrain from using V-8's in car's, & keep hp ratings under 300hp as to not get into a power war.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/4/2007 12:20:02 PM
+2 Boost
"The 7 Series is to bloated and need to goes on a diet. As for the S-class, it already outdated, only people in their 70 would buy that. It boring, plain and dull.

Want to be real "MAN" like me...drive a Lexus or Infiniti. Only realy man drive a Japanese car. Trust me;) what know what I'm saying."

Oh, SHUT UP, "S4"! You can't mention "people in their 70" without mentioning the Lexus LS! My WIFE has a Lexus, HER friend has a Lexus, my friend got a Lexus only because it was cheaper than the S-Class! He wanted an S-Class! And he's not even 50!

LOL, S-Class, "boring, plain and dull", and not LS460...

You're really starting to push my buttons...


AmazingBimmerAmazingBimmer - 2/5/2007 10:55:35 AM
+1 Boost
Lexus and the way cheaper audi arent the subject of this debate.. for me.. of course the sublime 750Li. Edgier and more performance oriented. I liek the Benz as well though but wouldnt consider driving anything else in thes segment.!


loveu63loveu63 - 2/18/2007 12:15:58 PM
+1 Boost
i like both cars but i prefer the mercedes because it feels more luxury and it is one of the safest cars in the world.....


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