[petewailes]

I'm willing to go out on a limb and say the S Class and the Model S aren't in the same category. The E would be closer, but given the mindset behind purchasing each, I'm not certain there is a competitor to the Model S.

There's no equivalent to "buying a Tesla" for another brand, which is a lot of why you buy one. The picture gets more interesting when you look outside the US, where they sell about 15/20% of the E class, BMW 5 series, Audi A4 and other similar cars, which are a much closer match to a Tesla.

[votingprawn]

Whilst I like and appreciate the technology in the Model S, I too would struggle to class them as luxury along side the S class.

I genuinely find the fit, finish, and comfort (cabin noise in particular - thank you double glazing!) in my 20 year old S Class to be better. The E-class feels a much better comparison to me.

[koreyb]

It is a tough comparison. E class starts at $52k USD, Tesla Model S at $72k (no fed tax credit, and the 60 will be discontinued soon so jumps to $78k w/ the 75), S class at $97k.

Model S tops out at $160k, S class at ~$250k w/ a S65 or technically a Maybach.

Interior and luxury the S class wins for sure. Performance and tech the Tesla wins.

[Cyph0n]

Are you sure that Tesla's tech is significantly better than that of a S class? The S class Benz has been at the forefront of safety tech for over a decade now; I recall it having adaptive cruise control in 2005 or so.

[koreyb]

I didn't write significantly. Anecdotally, it is better (I own both). Highway self-driving, OTA updates, situational awareness, screens, auto Homelink, GPS air suspension, etc.

[Cyph0n]

Ah, since you own both, I'll take your word for it.

[koreyb]

:) just one opinion

[Cyph0n]

An informed opinion. Most people would probably have tried only one of them.