BMW offers great style and innovation, a ton of comparable and even better features than the MB, sells better, etc. Audi in no way can be compared to BMW, neither mercedes as a matter.

Overall BMW bypassed MB in almost everything, even the brand name. if you are talking 80s then yes MB was in a different class, now BMW is becoming the standard, while MB sank down since the days they were 27th on JD power rating.

I simply hope the 5 series won’t become a miniature 7. (And the same thing for the next 3 series)

@Viper: I agree on what you say about the next Audi A8 (Audi is the hardest competition for BMW at this moment, not MB)
However, I do think the S-class will always have its own audience. The problem with any Mercedes is that, if you want a fast one, you have to get the really big (and expensive) engines.
BMW has far better cars, even if the engines are lighter.

I took one look at that S class and thought -damn, how to Japyfie a Benz in one easy step. That thing is hidious!

Look, if there was one design that all found acceptalbe, it would be a pretty boring place. Your view of the 7 is that it’s ugly and it woun’t sell as well as the better looking S. My view is that people who like the 7 better, will buy it. Others that find the S better will buy that one. They do cater for different tastes.