DRIVEN + VIDEO: One Of The FIRST Video Reviews Of The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Up There With A Rolls-Royce?

As we've said numerous times, it's a big deal that an all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has debuted for the 2014 model year. It's an automotive icon and an event when this happens. This isn't by accident, either. Mercedes is continually leading the pack in terms of innovation and the 2014 S is no different.

In addition, the marque has made it abundantly clear that the S will fill the shoes of the dearly departed Maybach. Think of the long-wheelbase sedan as the 57 and the upcoming Pullman as the 62.

Our friends at Auto Express recently got behind the wheel and captured its experience in the front AND back seat. Given that this vehicle will be used as a "black car" and as an executive's saloon, they did it wisely.

One of the comments that stood out to me in this review was the reviewer's note about how quiet the cabin is. AND the critic notes at least twice that it is on par with the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

That's a pretty bold statement given the pricing discrepancy these days.

Check it out below...

Holydude - 7/29/2013 2:15:58 AM

+1 Boost

MB's been on a roll since they dropped that POS company Chrysler.

TheSteve - 7/29/2013 3:11:29 AM

+1 Boost

It still has Asian-looking external styling.

dayday - 7/31/2013 4:24:28 AM

+1 Boost

that's because China is in Asia.

Satriani1 - 7/30/2013 1:01:17 PM

-2 Boost

That Auto Express reviewer Luke Madden is probably a little young and inexperienced to be comparing cars in this upper luxury class -- he graduated from the University of Exeter in 2009/2010. At least Luke dressed up for this rerview, trying to blend in with the S-Class image. But seriously, would any rich, discerning buyer of Rolls Royce and Mercedes-S Class cars trust his views? I wouldn't trust him to review an A-Class, let alone an S-Class.

We should wait for more credible, authoritative comparison tests before jumping to conclusions.

Anyways, the Audi A8's facelift will be revealed on August 21 on Audi Media TV. In the meantime, here's what the new wheel will look like, lol.
http://tinyurl.com/pf3juzq

AMuS's rendering of the facelifted A8.
http://tinyurl.com/kfxmk8j

When the Audi A8 came out four years ago, all the major German car mag tests rated the A8 the best in its class/pack ahead of the S-Class and BMW 7 Series in their 2010 and 2011 tests. No doubt the new S-Class will have a fixed 'structural' advantage in certain areas because of its new body, but it would be interesting to see what Audi's response to the new S-Classwill be in those areas it can change in the facelifted A8.
http://tinyurl.com/jwo6l6s
http://tinyurl.com/23fznmj

At the end of the day, overall driver and passenger comfort will be an important issue.
http://tinyurl.com/k8fn5an
http://tinyurl.com/nwv8fo3
http://tinyurl.com/llx3bgx
http://tinyurl.com/me3q9uw
http://tinyurl.com/nt44vxd

In the next luxury class, Audi still remains ahead of the pack: the RS7 against the CLS63 AMG as well as the A6 against the facelifted E-Class and facelifted 5 Series, according to authoritative German reviews.
http://tinyurl.com/k9kk5ak

http://tinyurl.com/nofu2xz