The BMW 7 Series prioritizes sporty handling and cutting-edge technology with a starting price of $92,000, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class emphasizes luxury comfort and traditional prestige with a base price of $104,800. The S-Class offers more spacious rear legroom (40.4 inches vs 39.3 inches) and superior sound system options, whereas the 7 Series delivers sharper steering response and a lighter curb weight (4,800 lbs vs 5,060 lbs).
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury sedan emphasizing performance, technology, and value proposition
German ultra-luxury sedan known for refinement, comfort, and segment prestige
Starting Price (2026). Rear Legroom. Curb Weight. 0-60 mph (740i/S580). EPA Fuel Economy (AWD). Infotainment Display Size. Warranty Coverage (Basic)
Choose the BMW 7 Series if you prioritize dynamic driving dynamics, advanced tech integration, and want to save $12,800 at purchase. Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if rear passenger comfort, traditional luxury brand heritage, and the prestige of owning the segment's most established nameplate matter more to you than sporty performance.
BMW 7 Series: $110,000 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $115,000
BMW 7 Series: 523 hp (M760i xDrive) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 503 hp (AMG Line)
BMW 7 Series: 22 mpg | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 23 mpg
BMW 7 Series: 5.1 sec | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5.2 seconds (3.0L turbo)
BMW 7 Series: 14.9-inch curved display | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12.8-inch main + optional 55-inch hyperscreen
BMW 7 Series: 2 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 3
BMW 7 Series: 18.0 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 17.6 cu ft
BMW 7 Series: Optional xDrive | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Optional 4MATIC
BMW 7 Series: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW 7 Series: 8.7/10 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 8.9/10
BMW 7 Series: 536 hp | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 5.2 seconds | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 24 mpg | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: $96,200 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 14.9 inches | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 18.0 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 375 hp | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: $98,900 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 23 MPG | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 12.0 inches | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 58.9 inches | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 536 hp (M760i) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 375 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 429 hp V6 Turbo
BMW 7 Series: 3.6 sec (M760i xDrive) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 3.8 sec (AMG S580)
BMW 7 Series: 14.9 in | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12.8 in
BMW 7 Series: $100,850 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $110,550
BMW 7 Series: 4-zone climate control | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 10-zone Executive Plus
BMW 7 Series: 130 mph (standard) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 130 mph (standard)
BMW 7 Series: 126.4 inches | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 3,065mm
BMW 7 Series: $96,800 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $109,750
BMW 7 Series: 23 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 22
BMW 7 Series: 4.7-6.2 seconds | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4.8
BMW 7 Series: 37.0 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 37.2
BMW 7 Series: 19.8 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 21.9
BMW 7 Series: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4 years/50k miles
BMW 7 Series: 258-536 hp | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 400-500 miles | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: $97,800 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: $12-15 (gasoline) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 5 minutes (fuel) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: 4,800 lbs | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5,060 lbs
BMW 7 Series: 235-290 g | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: N/A
BMW 7 Series: $92,000 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $104,800
BMW 7 Series: 39.3 in | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 40.4 in
BMW 7 Series: 5.1 sec (740i) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5.4 sec (S580)
BMW 7 Series: 23 MPG | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 21 MPG
BMW 7 Series: 17.8 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 20.8 cu ft
BMW 7 Series: 655 W Harman Kardon | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4,700 W Burmester
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $109,550
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Level 3 (Drive Pilot)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 62%
Turning Radius (With All-Wheel Steering)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 38.4 feet
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4,730 lbs
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5.2 seconds
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12.8 inches (with 17.7" optional Hyperscreen)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cyl (255 hp)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 35.7 inches
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12.8 inches
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 78 (Average)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $134,900
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 429 hp (S500 Twin-Turbo V8)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5.1 seconds
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 39.8 inches
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 760W (Burmester)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 82/100
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $792
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 17.7 inches
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 23 mpg
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 503 hp (S580)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 4.6 seconds
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 17.5-inch (central)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5 out of 5
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 516 lb-ft (S580)
BMW 7 Series: N/A | Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Drive Pilot (optional)
How to choose between BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Compare BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Contains 77 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Which luxury sedan is better for long rear-seat passengers?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is superior for rear passengers with 40.4 inches of legroom versus 39.3 inches in the 7 Series. The S-Class also offers executive rear seat massage functions, heated/cooled seating, and optional deployable entertainment screens that justify the premium for chauffeur-driven executives.
Is the BMW 7 Series worth the $12,800 price savings?
Yes, for tech-focused buyers. You gain a larger 14.9-inch infotainment display, faster 5.1-second acceleration, 2 MPG better fuel economy, and 260 lbs less weight. However, you sacrifice 1.1 inches rear legroom, a 4,045-watt more powerful audio system, and the prestige of the S-Class nameplate.
Which car has the better technology and infotainment system?
The BMW 7 Series edges ahead with iDrive 8's larger 14.9-inch display, gesture controls, and AR navigation. However, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class counters with the superior Burmester 35-speaker system (4,700 watts), LED Intelligent Light technology with 84 individually controlled diodes, and AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping.
Which sedan is faster and more fun to drive?
The BMW 7 Series is noticeably sportier with a 5.1-second 0-60 time (vs 5.4 seconds), lighter curb weight by 260 lbs, and M Sport suspension engineered for responsive handling. The S-Class prioritizes comfort with AIRMATIC suspension, so the 7 Series is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts.
What's the reliability and warranty difference?
Both offer identical 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranties and 10-year/unlimited powertrain coverage. Historical reliability ratings from Consumer Reports show the Mercedes-Benz S-Class averaging 3.5/5 reliability scores, while the BMW 7 Series averages 3.8/5, giving BMW a slight edge in reported dependability.
How to Choose Between BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Starting Price (2026): BMW 7 Series has $92,000, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has $104,800.
Rear Legroom: BMW 7 Series has 39.3 inches, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 40.4 inches.
Curb Weight: BMW 7 Series has 4,800 lbs, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 5,060 lbs.
0-60 mph (740i/S580): BMW 7 Series has 5.1 seconds, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 5.4 seconds.
EPA Fuel Economy (AWD): BMW 7 Series has 23 MPG combined, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 21 MPG combined.
Infotainment Display Size: BMW 7 Series has 14.9 inches, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 12.8 inches.
Warranty Coverage (Basic): BMW 7 Series has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 4 years/50,000 miles.