Words such as sumptuous and lavish don’t properly illustrate how luxurious the palatial Mercedes-Maybach S-class truly is. Passengers can stretch out and relax on hot-stone-style massaging leather recliners and enjoy the Burmester audio system while an atomizer fills the cabin with one of Maybach’s five signature fragrances.
Pros High-class cabin, stretch-out rear seat, seriously quick.
Cons Self-driving features still need work, still resembles an S-class too much.
For 2018, the Maybach sedan receives freshened styling, more powerful high-beam headlights, the latest COMAND infotainment system, wireless charging for front and rear seats, and Mercedes' Energizing Comfort system.
PROS Exceptionally comfortable and quiet Outstanding rear-seat functionality and features Chock full of standard safety features Strong engines and brakes
CONS Mercedes heritage might not be special enough
Based on the BMW X7 SUV,Turbocharged V8 makes 612 horsepower.Retuned suspension.
PROS Thundering acceleration Impressive array of advanced driver aids Exclusivity of the Alpina badge
CONS Not enough differentiation from the BMW X7 Interior is cluttered with buttons Ride quality can suffer on less than perfect roads
The Alpina XB7 is as fast as it is luxurious and as practical as it is well equipped. The trouble is the same is true of the closely related BMW X7 M50i, which is significantly cheaper.
PROS Hugely fast Very spacious and practical Outstanding infotainment system
CONS Too similar to an X7 M50i Much more expensive than the M50i A lot of road noise
PROS Big, refined power; understated design; Decent ride comfort, even on big wheels.
CONS Awfully big and thirsty, unsettling stability-control interventions, priced for exclusivity.