DubiCompare: Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: The Battle Of The Ultimate German Luxury Saloons

Rivalry between cars is common as one car manufacturer wants to take on the other brand in the same segment. These two cars from different manufacturers might look the same overall, but skin-deep they are totally different machines following their respective brand ethos and legacy. On that note, we will be looking at two models that have a long-standing history of competing with each other in the luxury sedan segment.

In 1972, following a couple of premium car launches, Mercedes-Benz launched the original S-Class called the W116. Elsewhere in Germany, another car brand planning to take on the S-Class started working on their premium luxury sedan, and finally 5 years later, in 1977, BMW launched the 7-Series. Nearly 50 years later, these two luxury sedans have grown with their respective brands and have etched their name permanently in the automobile industry.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the few cars to have introduced revolutionary technology in the car realm, which was then passed down to the cars of the masses. On the other hand, BMW’s ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ DNA continued even on their luxury model offering a balance between drivability and comfort. Both these cars now have their own fan base and continue to be a strong contender in the segment. Today we will pit these two cars and see where they stand in their latest generation models.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: Dimensions

Dimensions	S-Class	7-Series
Length	5,288mm	5,390mm
Width	1,945mm	1,950mm
Height	1,504mm	1,544mm
Wheelbase	3,216mm	3,216mm
Rear Legroom	1,113mm	1,100mm
Boot Space	365L	541L

In terms of dimensions, the BMW 7-Series might seem slightly bigger on paper and also to the eyes because of its almost boxy silhouette following the brand’s design language. On the other hand, the flowing and sloping lines of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class compromise a bit on the boot space. However, both are roomy and spacious saloons.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: Exterior Design

Features	S-Class	7-Series
Lights	Digital LED Light	Crystal LED Light
Wheels	19-inch	20-inch
Puddle Lamps	Yes	Yes
Chrome Trim	Yes	Yes
Hood Ornament	Yes	No
Flush Door Handles	Yes	Yes
Illuminated Grille	No	Yes

The long-standing rivalry between these cars has forced both manufacturers to make them a complete package to compete against each other. However, in terms of exterior design, Mercedes-Benz and BMW continue to follow their design ethos and this is evident when you see both cars.

The S-Class has a clean and flowing design with smooth creases, as compared to the BMW’s aggressive and square-ish profile. The new 7-Series has also received a mixed reaction on its looks, especially with the modern-day rendition of the iconic kidney grille that now lights up. If we had to pick between the two for exterior design, the S-Class gets our vote for not trying too hard unlike the competition.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: Interiors & Features

Features	S-Class	7-Series
Instrument Cluster	12.3-inch Screen	12.3-inch Screen
Infotainment	12.8-inch OLED Screen	14.9-inch Screen
Audio	15-Speaker	18-Speaker
Rear Screens	Dual 11.6-inch Screens	31.3-inch Display
Rear Control	7-inch Tab	Dual 5.5-inch Screens
AI Assistance	MBUX	OS8
Android Auto	Yes	Yes
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes
Head-Up Display	Optional	Optional
Wireless Charger	Front & Rear	Front & Rear
Climate Control	Four-Zone	Four-Zone
Heated & Cooled Seats	Front & Rear	Front & Rear
Powered Seats	Front & Rear	Front & Rear
Massaging Seats	Front & Rear	Front & Rear
Ambient Lighting	Yes	Yes
Sun Blinds	Rear	Rear
Soft-Closing Doors	Yes	Yes

The S-Class and the 7-Series have tech-loaded, opulent, feature-rich, villa-like, luxury first-class cabins. If you are entering any of the cabins, you wouldn’t have to lift a finger to control a plethora of features that are equipped in both these luxury saloons. Being chauffeured in these cars is an experience next to none. Although both cars have similar features the implementation differs. We quite like the theater-like large rear screen at the back of the 7-Series and similarly, the 7-inch rear tab to control various features on the S-Class is better as compared to the beamer. Choosing a winner in this segment is based on the personal preference.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: Engine & Performance

Engines	S-Class	7-Series
Capacity	3L + Mild Hybrid	3L + Mild Hybrid
Max Power	429hp	318hp
Peak Torque	520Nm	520Nm
Top-Speed	250km/h	250km/h
Acceleration	4.9 seconds	6.7 seconds
Gearbox	9-speed AT	8-speed AT
Drivetrain	AWD	RWD

Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer a couple of engine options on their luxury cars. The entry-level powertrain on both models is a 3L petrol mild-hybrid engine. However, the S-Class features the 4Matic AWD as compared to the 7’s RWD. As a result, the overall performance is better in the S-Class in this powertrain spec.

Engines	S-Class	7-Series
Capacity	4L V8 + Mild Hybrid	4.4L V8 + Mild Hybrid
Max Power	496hp	536hp
Peak Torque	700Nm	750Nm
Top-Speed	250km/h	250km/h
Acceleration	4.4 seconds	4.2 seconds
Gearbox	9-speed AT	8-speed AT
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD

In their top-spec trims, the S-Class S580 and the 7-Series 760i xDrive are powered by a V8 mild-hybrid engine. BMW uses a slightly larger engine and as a result, the performance of the 7-Series is better than the S-Class in this top-spec powertrain spec.

In terms of ride quality and handling, both the S-Class and 7-Series feature adaptive active air suspension that reads the road surface and adjusts itself to offer maximum comfort and iron out any bumps and ruts coming to the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: Safety

Safety Features	S-Class	7-Series
Airbags	15	12
Park Assist	Yes	Yes
ISOFIX Anchors	Yes	Yes
360-degree Camera	Yes	Yes
ADAS	Level 2	Level 2
Pedestrian Safety	Yes	Yes

Being the flagship models from their respective brands, the S-Class and the 7-Series are equipped with the latest safety features. Both cabins are loaded with active and passive safety features including Advanced Driver Assisted Systems for crash avoidance and pedestrian safety. The S-Class is often regarded as the safest car in the world, and many safety features that have been implemented in the car started from the S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class v/s BMW 7-Series: Price

As these two are premium luxury saloons, they are priced on the higher end of the pricing scale. Also, customers get to choose from several colour options for the interiors and exterior. The similarities between both cars end here and the pricing sort of creates a gap between the two. Mercedes-Benz offers the S-Class in two trim levels in the UAE.

Trims	Price
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4Matic	AED 788,900
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580 4Matic	AED 856,900

BMW 7-Series is offered in three trim levels in the UAE according to the brand’s official website.

Trims	Price
BMW 7-Series 735i sDrive	AED 540,000
BMW 7-Series 740i sDrive	AED 585,000
BMW 7-Series 760i xDrive	AED 675,000

Despite the notable price difference between the S-Class and 7-Series, trying to persuade a dedicated Mercedes-Benz S-Class fan to consider the 7-Series, or vice versa, seems like a bit of a challenge. The appeal of these cars in this particular market goes beyond just the price, delving into the realms of brand loyalty and genuine automotive enthusiasm.