ferrari-exotica: BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S Class: Similarities and Differences

Very few vehicles comfortably occupy the stratosphere of high-end luxury cars and local dealers Stewart Motors recently introduced one such - the 7 Series BMW.

Sharing the rarified airspace is the Mercedes Benz S Class, handled locally by Eurostar Motors a division of Motor Sales.

It is always interesting listening to people espouse attributes of one vehicle or the other and give reasons why one is preferred.

One thing is certain both brands share meticulous German technology and are backed by a tradition of indulgence.

But at the top end where the 7 Series and the S Class sit, it is almost redundant listing luxury features, for that is what they are built around. However, behind the luxury is also a level of performance and safety considerations that could boggle the mind.

For instance, the BMW 7 Series employs radar technology to avoid rear-ending vehicles in front (incidentally not available in Jamaica). An integral active steering, a sort of four-wheel steering that alters the angle of the wheels, BMW says makes it world debut on the 7 Series.

At Mercedes Benz, there is infrared night vision and claims of the first airbag supplemental restraint system along with electronic stability programme.

All these features are presented and packaged in finishes fit for a King (think heads of state
and diplomats).

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Remember, however, this opulence and performance comes at a price - and it's high - consider starting at $12 million to own a 7 Series and upwards of $14 million to enter the S Class line.

Mercedes S Class starts with the S320, offering choices of diesel or gasoline up to a V12 powertrain. BMW has its 730d (diesel), 740i, 740Li 750i and 750Lsi.

Top speed in the Bimmer reaches 250 km per hour in the 750i and 245 km/h in the diesel. According to specs provided by Stewarts the 740i consumes 9.9 litre per 100km while a Benz S350 takes a bigger gulp at 10.2 Litres for every 100km.

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