Compare The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. 2021 Audi A8 For Life In Southern California

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. 2021 Audi A8: Design & Prestige

The all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the biggest, boldest S-Class ever. And it stands out from the 2021 Audi A8 with stylish, premium exterior touches like flush door handles that pop out automatically to greet the driver. Of course, it also boasts the iconic three-pointed star hood ornament that adorns only the finest luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz. There are few symbols of prestige so iconic.

And on the inside, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was totally redesigned for a more modern, streamlined appearance. Most analog buttons and switches have been integrated into the huge, vertically-oriented OLED center console touchscreen, much larger than the LCD screen you get in the 2021 Audi A8. The Mercedes-Benz offers up to five screens up front as well as three screens in the rear with optional rear seat entertainment upgrades. And with 50% more processing power than the outgoing model, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class always responds quickly to your inputs. As it does every year, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows us the future of luxury motoring.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. 2021 Audi A8: Cutting-Edge Technology

But there's more to technology than touchscreens in a luxury car of this caliber. You also get a totally digital gauge cluster in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, complete with a 3D effect. Information seems to float in the air, and you don't even need to wear 3D glasses. The available Augmented Reality Head-Up Display turns virtually the whole windshield into an advanced HUD. If you need to make a turn at the intersection up ahead, an arrow is superimposed over the intersection on the windshield. Eye-tracking can figure out exactly where you're looking and project information on the windshield where it's most convenient. So you can keep your eyes on the road. You won't find any features like these on the 2021 Audi A8.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. 2021 Audi A8: Dynamic Performance

The 2021 Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class may both be full-size executive sedans, but if you want the full-size performance of a German sports sedan, you'd do well to choose the Mercedes-Benz. That's because it has the power you need for an exciting drive in a vehicle of this size and weight. From its standard inline-six cylinder engine, you get 429 horsepower! Entry-level 2021 Audi A8 models only make 335 horsepower from a V6 engine. An inline-six engine is preferred by enthusiasts for its smoother operation and more robust exhaust note. You can also upgrade to an available V8 with a staggering 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class!

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. 2021 Audi A8: Superior Safety

In addition to a durable safety frame and technology that helps you keep your attention on the road ahead, and not what's going on inside the vehicle, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes with some exclusive safety features. To protect passengers from side impact collisions, Mercedes-Benz PRESAFE^® Impulse Side uses a burst of air just before the moment of impact to nudge passengers away from the door. You also get a rear passenger front airbag, so everyone is safe regardless of where they sit. You won't find these features on the 2021 Audi Q8, making the Mercedes-Benz a safer choice for you and your loved ones.