These two German luxury-yachts have been competing against each other for decades and they’re closer than they ever have been. They’ve always been pretty distinctively different from one another but this is the closest they every been. So putting them against each other is more interesting than it ever has been. In this new review from Auto Express, the new BMW 7 Series takes on the newly refreshed Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Both cars in this test were equipped with their six-cylinder diesel engines. Ironically, it’s the first time in a very, very long time that they both use straight-six diesel engines, making them even closer. Both are 3.0 liter I6 turbo-diesels but the Mercedes’ is a bit more powerful. It makes 282 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The BMW’s makes 261 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, so the Bimmer is a bit torquier. Thanks to the 7 Series being a bit lighter, though, it’s only a tick slower to 60 mph, doing the spring in 6.2 seconds vs the Benz’s 6.1. However, the BMW 7 Series was a tick faster in all rolling in-gear sprints.

This segment isn’t about performance figures, though. Cars in this segment are mostly measured on luxury, ride comfort, interior quality and technology. Here, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a bit of an edge over the Bimmer. It has the softer, plusher ride, a more traditionally luxurious interior that’s filled with tons of rich wood and its seats are a bit better. That’s not to say that the 7 Series is a tool shed on the inside, as it’s also extremely luxurious. It’s just that its cabin is a bit more modern looking, with more metal than wood, and it’s more tech focused than luxury focused. Also, its ride is a touch firmer than the S-Class’.

However, that slightly firmer ride translates to a better drive. The 7 Series has better steering and surprising agility for a car of its size. It’s no sports car but it’s slightly more engaging to drive than the Big Benz.

This segment is about luxury, though, not performance. In that regard, the S-Class slightly edges out the 7 Series, which makes it the winner of this test. The 7 Series is a very, very close second but second nevertheless.

[Source: Auto Express]