2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$91,700 · Sedan

$117,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

So, you're caught between wanting genuine luxury performance and maintaining some financial sanity—that's a common dilemma when comparing the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The S-Class demands a hefty $117,750 MSRP, while the 8 Series Gran Coupe starts significantly lower at $91,700, saving you $26,050 right out of the gate. Performance differences are also notable: the Mercedes boasts 442 hp compared to the BMW's 335 hp, offering a clear 107 hp advantage. However, efficiency is surprisingly close, with both achieving a 24 MPG combined rating. While the S-Class offers superior rear-seat height at 59.2 inches versus the BMW's 55.4 inches, the 8 Series provides more accessible cargo space at 15.5 cu ft compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize ultimate prestige and power or excellent features for a lower cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is slightly more practical for daily driving due to its slightly smaller overall footprint and excellent 29 MPG highway rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers greater passenger comfort with its 59.2-inch height and AWD security for varying conditions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class pulls ahead for driving enthusiasts thanks to its substantial power advantage of 442 hp over the 8 Series' 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe provides a compelling package while offering a significant cost savings of $26,050 over the S-Class.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize saving $26,050, as the 8 Series MSRP is $91,700 versus $117,750 for the S-Class.
You need slightly more usable storage space, as the 8 Series offers 15.5 cu ft compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.
Rear-wheel drive dynamics are preferred over the standard all-wheel drive found in the S-Class.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...

Absolute power is paramount, given the S-Class's 442 hp engine generates 107 more horsepower than the 8 Series.
You frequently carry taller rear passengers, benefiting from the S-Class's 59.2-inch height.
You require all-wheel drive standard or demand the specific prestige associated with the flagship S-Class model.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	200.3"	208.2"
Width	76.1"	76.9"
Height	55.4"	59.2"
Wheelbase	119.0"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5000 rpm	442 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	21/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	378.0/522.0 mi.	420.0/620.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.0 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	Burmester
Stereo Power	464W	710W
Speaker System	16	15
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	59.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	59.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	275/35R19	255/45R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Is the $26,050 price difference between the two sedans justified by the Mercedes S-Class's performance?

Not entirely based on these metrics; the S-Class has 442 hp versus the 8 Series' 335 hp, but both cars share the same 24 MPG combined rating. You are paying a significant premium for the prestige and extra 107 horsepower in the S-Class.

Which car is easier to load groceries into?

The 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers better trunk capacity for cargo, measuring 15.5 cu ft compared to the Mercedes S-Class's 12.8 cu ft. This difference can be substantial for routine errands.

Do these vehicles offer similar fuel economy for commuting?

Yes, fuel economy is nearly identical; both models achieve a 24 MPG combined rating, though the S-Class highway rating is marginally better at 31 MPG versus the BMW's 29 MPG.

Is the drivetrain choice significant for buyers?

It is, as the 8 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive, which appeals to traditionalists, while the S-Class mandates all-wheel drive, offering more grip in inclement weather.

How much larger is the Mercedes S-Class externally?

The S-Class is noticeably larger; it measures 208.2 inches in length compared to the BMW's 200.3 inches, and it is significantly taller at 59.2 inches versus 55.4 inches.

Are the fuel requirements different between the two luxury sedans?

The BMW 8 Series only recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class requires premium unleaded fuel for its higher-output engine.