Which of these luxurious 6-cylinder limos best caters to the towkay who loves to drive and be driven?
Which of these luxurious 6-cylinder limos best caters to the towkay who loves to drive and be driven?
MERCEDESBENZ S320L 3.0 versus
BMW 740Li 3.0 versus
LEXUS LS350 3.5
LIMOUSINES of yesteryear only needed to be excellent at pampering the owner while he or she was being chauffeured.
But for today’s captains of industry who also enjoy being the captain of their luxurious land barge whenever their crewman (the chauffeur) is on shore leave, the limo also needs to be nice to drive.
The all-new Lexus LS350 is up against very serious competition in this story, for both the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class were Best in Class winners in previous ST-Torque awards. So for this contest, the LS350 has brought a bolder design, enhanced driveability and advanced safety features to appeal to towkays.
Like the Lexus LS350, the Mercedes-Benz S320L is also an “entry-level” limousine. But with a facelifted exterior and upgraded cabin that now includes wireless charging and paddle shifters (gasp), you’d be hard-pressed to call it a “base” model.
Taking on the S320L and LS350 is the BMW 740Li. Unlike its rivals, this Bimmer is actually the mid-tier variant, equipped with a long list of standard features. It is also expected to be more fun to drive.
Can the Lexus LS outshine its two entrenched rivals? Or will one of these German stalwarts emerge victorious? Sit back and relax, read on and find out.
S320L
ENGINE & GEARBOX
Mercedes’ turbocharged 3-litre V6 engine with 272hp and 400Nm has the fewest ponies in this company, but operates in the creamiest and quietest manner.
S320L’s 9-speed automatic is relatively seamless, and the managing director behind its wheel will love the convenience of the column-mounted shifter.
740Li
ENGINE & GEARBOX
BMW’s turbocharged 3-litre inline 6-cylinder with 326hp and 450Nm is the most muscular motor, yet it is also the most efficient. Impressive.
The 8-speed automatic is the smoothest and most responsive gearbox. Enthusiastic towkays might also enjoy using the gearshift lever’s manual override, as the -/+ points are in the optimum positions.
LS350
ENGINE & GEARBOX
Lexus’ naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 with 310hp and 380Nm is the keenest engine of the group, and its soundtrack is surprisingly the sportiest, too.
LS350’s 10-speed automatic has the most number of forward ratios, but its tendency to frequently “hunt” at low speeds makes it the least seamless transmission in this group.
RIDE & HANDLING
S320L has the quietest and gentlest ride, which towkays will appreciate after a long day at the office. But this saloon is also the biggest here, making it the least manoeuvrable in places such as carparks and narrow city streets
RIDE & HANDLING
The 740Li strikes the best balance between ride comfort and handling capability. It’s also the most agile limo, thanks in large part to its standard rearwheel- steering system.
RIDE & HANDLING
LS350 is nimbler than expected, although passengers seated in the rear may not like the firm ride. The Lexus’ handling would have been sharper if the suspension wasn’t using comfort-biased tyres.
S320L
COCKPIT
The group’s most sophisticated and most comfortable cockpit features dual 12.3-inch displays that dominate the dashboard, and armchair-like seats that support wellfed bodies. The “missing” sunroof, however, reduces the classiness of this otherwise atas cabin.
METERS
S320L’s instrument panel has the largest real estate and the sharpest graphics. Its menu management is also the easiest, thanks to the operatorfriendly touchpads integrated with the steering wheel.
BACKSEAT
Passengers in the Mercedes are likely to fall asleep as the bench is the cushiest and roomiest, with headrests that are even softer than the 740Li’s. The three-position seat memory settings are a welcome touch, too.
740Li
COCKPIT
The group’s most driver-oriented cockpit has its dashboard angled towards the driver. Bosses will love the excellent infotainment system, which comes with a “personal assistant” in the form of an on-call concierge service that’s complimentary for the first three years of 7 Series ownership.
METERS
BMW dials’ magnifier function is useful for businessmen who squint when reading P&L statements, while the head-up display is prettier than the LS350’s. Like the Lexus, the 740Li’s display themes are tied to the chosen drive modes.
BACKSEAT
Tai-tais will love being chauffeured in the BMW as the mood lights on the B-pillars make it easier for them to check their hairdos and retouch their makeup on the go. Like the Lexus, the BMW backseat’s higher hip point makes ingress/egress less tricky.
LS350
COCKPIT
Lexus’ levels of luxury and solidity are the highest here. It’s also the only one with ventilated seats. But the infotainment system has annoyingly clumsy controls.
METERS
Lexus’ instrument cluster is the least attractive and also the hardest to read at a glance. With all the pertinent information squeezed into a relatively small area, some towkays might find it confusing, too.
BACKSEAT
Lexus is the least spacious, but it’s literally the coolest thanks to an extra pair of ceilingmounted air-con vents and a chilled box for drinks. The centre armrest’s touchscreen is nifty, but it has fewer controls than the 740Li’s detachable tablet.
"THE LS350 IS THE MOST SOLIDLY BUILT, THE S320L FEELS THE MOST REFINED, WHILE THE 740Li IS THE MOST ATHLETIC."
BOOT
Lexus’ 440-litre boot is the least ideal for lugging boxes, as it has the lowest internal height. But golf-loving directors will appreciate the numerous straps, which can help secure golf bags and golf umbrellas.
BOOT
S-Class’ 530-litre cargo hold is the most convenient in the dark, as it has a pair of LED lights inside the trunk and on the underside of the boot lid for illumination. It’s also the only one with a 12-volt power outlet for roadside emergencies.
BOOT
BMW’s 515-litre cargo volume is the least useful, with substantial wheelarch intrusion and no elastic straps for securing loose items. Underfloor storage, which is available in the S320L, would have made the 740Li a better cargo-carrier.
LAST WORD
The Lexus LS has totally shed its conservative image. Its aggressive styling may put off traditional clientele, but its tremendous presence means it’ll always be visible in a company carpark.
We reckon that the LS350 will also be highly visible in many rear view mirrors given its newfound driveability. It is more nimble than ever, and its naturally aspirated powertrain, complete with a rorty soundtrack, encourages more spirited driving, too.
The LS350 is so impressive that we forgive its comparatively limited backseat space and rather small boot. But we couldn’t overlook the car’s instrument cluster (too compact) and Remote Touch Interface (too clumsy). But if you’re a modern CEO who wants a limo that reflects your non-conformist personality, look no further than the latest LS.
The Mercedes-Benz S320L is the archetypal towkay’s choice of car and might thus be seen as boring. But it’s hard to argue against the saloon’s strong points that include a super-cushy ride, a dazzling dashboard and a roomy backseat.
Our biggest complaint about the S320L is its lack of verve. Because it’s the least powerful of the three saloons, the boss rushing to his board meeting might arrive late. But he’ll definitely be cossetted during the journey and arrive with his feathers unruffled.
The 6-cylinder limo that best caters to towkays who love to drive is the BMW 740Li. It has the nippiest performance and nicest handling, further enhanced by the rear-wheel-steering. Moreover, the 7’s infotainment system is the most pleasing to use, and the vehicle has so many standard features that we’d run out of page space trying to list them all.
But bean counters, take note – the 740Li is the costliest limousine in this company. Its current price of $470,888 is $35k dearer than the LS350 and a whopping $60k more than the S320L.
The towkay who also wants to feel like a boss whenever he’s behind the wheel, however, might feel that the $470k 740Li is money well spent.
MERCEDES-BENZ S320L 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 2996cc
BORE X STROKE 88mm x 82.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 272hp at 5250-6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 1300-4500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 140.2hp per tonne
GEARBOX 9-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 7.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h (governed)
CONSUMPTION 12.2km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 187g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Multi-link, adaptive dampers
REAR Multi-link, adaptive dampers
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Potenza S001
SIZE 245/45 R19 (front), 275/45 R19 (rear)
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 5271mm
WIDTH 1905mm
HEIGHT 1496mm
WHEELBASE 3165mm
KERB WEIGHT 1940kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.3m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $410,888 (after $20k VES surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
+ CUSHIEST SEATS, SOFTEST RIDE, SILKIEST DRIVETRAIN
- LEAST ENGAGING DRIVE, FEWEST PONIES, NO BACKSEAT INFOTAINMENT CONTROLS
BEST IN REFINEMENT
BMW 740Li 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-6, 24-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 2998cc
BORE X STROKE 82mm x 94.6mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11:1
MAX POWER 326hp at 5500-6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 1380-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 184.2hp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 5.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h (governed)
CONSUMPTION 14.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 154g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Multi-link, adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Potenza S001
SIZE 245/45 R19 (front), 275/40 R19 (rear)
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 5238mm
WIDTH 1902mm
HEIGHT 1485mm
WHEELBASE 3210mm
KERB WEIGHT 1770kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.8m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $470,888 (after $10k VES surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
+ PUNCHIEST POWER, MOST AGILE HANDLING, MOST ADVANCED FEATURES
- HIGHEST STICKER PRICE, LESS REFINED THAN S-CLASS, LEAST USEFUL BOOT SPACE
BEST IN PERFORMANCE
LEXUS LS350 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3456cc
BORE X STROKE 94mm x 83mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.8:1
MAX POWER 310hp at 6600rpm
MAX TORQUE 380Nm at 4800rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 145.9hp per tonne
GEARBOX 10-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 6.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 220g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Multi-link, adaptive dampers
REAR Multi-link, adaptive dampers
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Turanza T005A
SIZE 245/50 R19
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 12
TRACTION AIDS ABS, VDIM
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 5235mm
WIDTH 1900mm
HEIGHT 1450mm
WHEELBASE 3125mm
KERB WEIGHT 2125kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $435,800 (after $20k VES surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
+ GREATEST ROAD PRESENCE, MOST RESPONSIVE ENGINE, IMPECCABLE CONSTRUCTION
- FIRMEST RIDE, LEAST INTUITIVE INFOTAINMENT, LEAST REFINED GEARBOX
BEST IN BUILD QUALITY
STORY JEREMY CHUA PHOTOS TAN MENG CHOON ART DIRECTION MICHAEL CHIAN
