The high heeled and imported luxury car loving clientele and admirers of the country, sometimes face a huge dilemma regarding which camp to join - Mercedes Benz or BMW in the premium executive luxury saloon segment. The Mercedes Benz stable flaunts its most distinguished model - S Class sedan that competes directly against the likes of BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Volkswagen Phaeton in the Indian imported luxury car market.
The lavish German saloons are offered with exorbitant price tags close to Rs. 1 crore or even more in the country. The rivalry is most intense between BMW 7 series and Mercedes Benz S Class, which becomes all the more interesting considering the fight for market dominance between the two German automotive marques on Indian soil.
Looks wise, the ultra modish Beamer 7 Series definitely seems sportier than S Class with its flaring curves and arches throughout its body span along with head turning attributes. The 7 Series comes trimmed with streamlined double headlamps, lens fog lamps and front grille possesses a certain futuristic feel. On the other hand, Mercedes Benz S Class seems like a more mature option than the Beamer and might draw in slightly older clientele in the country.
Coming to under the hood configuration, the Mercedes Benz S Class premium luxury saloon is powered with a 3.5 litre, 3498 cc, V6 powerplant, which churns out a peak power output of 365 bhp at 6,300 rpm and a maximum torque delivery close to 350 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Further, the suave BMW 7 Series luxury sedan comes assimilated with a 3.0 litre, 2979 cc, 6 cylinder, 24 valve power-mill that rolls out an impressive power and torque equation close to 320 bhp and 300 Nm, respectively. Hence, considering the power and performance ratings, the Mercedes Benz S Class has an upper hand over BMW 7 Series, because of its bigger engine and superior output.
At present, BMW 7 Series is available to the well established Indian luxury car at a price range starting from around Rs. 85 lacs, which ultimately goes on till Rs. 1.31 crore. The Mercedes Benz S Class comes in a price bracket between Rs. 82 lacs and Rs. 1.10 crore.
Thus, from price quotient both the German rivals seem fairly matched, however customers will have to decide whether to go for class and vintage appeal of S Class or with modern and sporty character of 7 Series.
