Automobile Magazine Comparison Test: 2015 Audi S8 vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG vs. 2014 Jaguar XJR - No Car Wins!

When it was all over, we debated long and hard about crowning a winner?.?.?.?and decided there wasn’t one. Why? Because the $113,395 Audi S8 is not really that much more desirable than a 420-hp A8L 4.0T ($88,495) or even the 333-hp A8L 3.0T ($79,695). Because the $116,895 XJR makes the 470-hp XJ Supercharged ($91,495), not to mention the 340-hp XJ AWD ($78,595), look like conspicuously smart buys. Because the $140,425 S63 AMG doesn’t cast a sufficiently tall shadow to blot out the 449-hp S550 4Matic ($96,825). What we have here is, therefore, a rare case of less is more, of three oversexed and underdesirable flagship sedans, of half-kept promises and transitory illusions.

Even though the Audi has the best fit and finish, the classiest instruments, the most tasteful interior, and the brightest headlights, the four rings don’t signify perfection in every respect.


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cidflekken - 3/18/2014 4:24:17 PM

-5 Boost

I'd easily take the S63 over the other two. My friend just got an S63 (first sold in my state) and loves it head and shoulders more than his 2012 Panamera Turbo S. And that's saying alot. The interior is impeccable and exquisitely detailed and the styling commands attention.

Car4Life - 3/18/2014 5:12:35 PM

-4 Boost

Yea, I think some reviewers are starting to feel bad for the competition.

The S Class is wiping the asphalt with its rivals...It almost seems unfair.

"Lets give everyone a trophy"...The S Class just drives off

aarononymous - 3/19/2014 1:44:16 PM

+4 Boost

when you say things like "first sold in my state" you lose credibility

chewy - 3/18/2014 6:40:10 PM

+2 Boost

More of a case where you can't go wrong with whichever one you pick. The only downside to the new S is that it doesn't translate as well to AMG styling upgrades from these photos as well as the last generation did.

MattDarringer - 3/18/2014 8:25:02 PM

-2 Boost

The XJR is the loser because it looks like a Merkur Scorpio. Hideous and its dismal sales confirm that.

JDMUSMuscle - 3/18/2014 9:57:37 PM

-11 Boost

Hmm, interesting. Obviously there was no winner there because they are all the same junk. It's like, you compare a junk to a junk similar.

I am waiting for the all new Lexus LS, which should come in a few years. That car should put an end to the competition completely, as Lexus LS is pretty much the king of the segment. Hell, more like the king of all sedans.

quizz - 3/19/2014 4:23:57 AM

+5 Boost

Your sociopathic lack of objectivity and love for trolling is tiresome. Can't you pretend to enjoy cars?

JDMUSMuscle - 3/19/2014 4:41:05 AM

-9 Boost

Lack of objectivity and love for trolling. Hmm, that is what you see, as you are an ignorant one. I do not even feel the need to explain it, as fools would never be able to appreciate the true "luxury".

When I speak, I am only telling the truth. And in fact, I do enjoy cars. Do you not know how much I love the Japanese automobiles?

Runamukk - 3/18/2014 10:24:07 PM

0 Boost

Hmmm...so the Sclass costs a lot more than all flagship sedans and sells considerably more? Only one King here folks.

nguyenvuminh - 3/19/2014 12:19:01 AM

+3 Boost

Well that threw me for a loop. I thought it was a comparison between the 3 cars but the conclusion compared them to their cousin. Haven't seen such a comparison in the past and not sure whether this is nothing more than the magazine afraid of upsetting the manufacturers that didn't win.

Gennissen - 3/19/2014 3:22:28 AM

+1 Boost

Strange criteria used in the conclusion indeed.

TauronB2G - 3/19/2014 9:22:26 PM

+1 Boost

Jaguar...I'm in tune with my inner hooligan.
T

cptlou - 3/20/2014 6:54:32 PM

+1 Boost

The S500 I sat in at the Toronto Auto show was not very nice for my tastes. Lets face it, The S8 won the shootout if you read between the authors lines. At least it was the best at somethings.

Veron11 - 6/7/2014 4:58:59 PM

+1 Boost

The car you have or wish to have is representing your personality, so luckly we have different ones!

S8, yes please <3