It’s hard to believe that it has been over two years since the new, benchmark-setting S-class went on sale in India. It doesn’t feel that long ago because of just how impressive and modern the big Merc was and continues to be, despite its decidedly old-school luxury appeal. However, when we put it up against the rest of the class – the A8, 7-series and XJ – it was surprising to see that the Merc’s victory wasn’t as dominant as it traditionally has been in the past. The A8 and XJ put up a good fight, and even the BMW, the oldest of the bunch, managed to hold its own quite well.

Well, the oldest is now the newest, as BMW India has just introduced the all-new ‘G12’ 7-series, which we’ve already been bowled over by. As can be expected from a company as big as BMW, they haven’t held back with their new flagship limousine. Every one of the old car’s shortcomings has been picked at with a pair of tweezers and every strength of the S-class has been targeted with a sort of vengeance that could only come from a century-old rivalry. As ever, it’s great to drive, but this time, it’s got genuinely impressive luxury chops too and enough tech to embarrass the Starship Enterprise. This might just be the one that breaks the new S.

But wait, there’s a third way – because Jaguar also has a new XJ. Granted, it’s just a facelift, but it gets JLR’s latest tech on the inside, some classy new detailing on the outside, and diesel V6 with a ridiculous 300hp and 700Nm! Moreover, what we loved about the XJ before hasn’t changed – it is still a uniquely British proposition, oozing with charm like no other. So which will it be – the new tech-fest, the current favourite or James Bond?

Extended Cuts

All these cars can be had in ‘standard’ form elsewhere in the world, but in chauffeur-driven India, they’re all LWB or long-wheelbase versions. This makes all of them look visibly stretched and that’s a good thing when you want to arrive in style. The new 7-series in particular looks properly limousine-like. Just imagine the valet swinging open that huge rear door and you stepping out like the boss you are. There are some details on the 7 that not everyone agrees with though – some find the grille too large and don’t like the way it meets the headlamps, others find the rear too ordinary, and not everyone’s a fan of the M Sport pack on this car. Still, most agree that it has immense presence, with a lot of chrome and bling that announces its arrival with a megaphone.

The S-class is quite the opposite. Sure, it too has a humungous chrome grille but everything else is very restrained and regal. Even the leaf-shaped adaptive LED headlamps are smooth and elegant as they bend up into the flanks. The shape of the car is smooth and the distinct three-box shape gives it that classic luxury sedan look. Strangely, the only qualm with the S-class’ look is a result of the cars that came after it – the new C-class and the upcoming E-class mimic the S so closely, that it just doesn’t look as special as when we first saw it.

And then there’s the Jaguar. Despite not being the winner, it would still be the favourite of many because of how it tugs at your heartstrings, and the looks are a huge part of that. What a shape! How does something so sleek and low even work as a luxury limousine? It’s been given a facelift, and all that’s changed are headlamps, tail-lamps and bumpers – but what a difference it’s made. The new ‘J-blade’ LED signature lights are just so menacing and, combined with that aggressive nose, it clearly looks the sportiest of the lot. Sorry BMW.