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 vs 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 vs 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 vs 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 vs 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 vs 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 vs 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.
Are you a Mercedes-Benz fan? Here are used S-Class for sale in the UAE and new S-Class for sale in the UAE.
Are you a BMW fan? Here are used 7-Series for sale in the UAE and new 7-Series for sale in the UAE.
