Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Porsche Taycan

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts from $278,900 before on-road costs, while the Porsche Taycan opens at $181,200. That makes the Porsche Taycan the more affordable entry point by $97,700.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $306,790 and $199,320 respectively.

The Porsche Taycan qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche Taycan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Porsche Taycan.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds a 360-degree camera that the Porsche Taycan misses.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Porsche Taycan gets a 10.9-inch display and 16.8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Porsche Taycan. The Porsche Taycan counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate, V2L and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Porsche Taycan offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2-zone in the Porsche Taycan.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses a Petrol producing 320kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.

The Porsche Taycan responds with a Electric making 300kW and 345Nm, paired to a 2-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 300kW. In the real-world sprint, the Porsche Taycan is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class measures 5,179mm long on a 3,106mm wheelbase, 216mm longer than the Porsche Taycan at 4,963mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 407L in the Porsche Taycan, giving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a 103L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class seats 5 vs 4.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche Taycan). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has longer coverage.