2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$91,700 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe pulses with agile, driver-focused energy, stemming from its accessible $91,700 starting price and potent 335 hp output. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrives as a statement of overwhelming luxury, commanding a $119,500 entry fee while flaunting superior power with 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. While both boast near-identical highway efficiency, netting 29 MPG, the BMW offers a sportier, slightly more compact footprint at 200.3 inches long, contrasting with the S-Class's imposing 209.5-inch length. The performance gulf—a massive 107 hp difference—is central to this comparison, as is the significant $27,800 MSRP gap that positions the BMW as the athletic contender against the S-Class’s technological monolith, despite the Mercedes offering standard All-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers superior fuel economy at 24 combined MPG, making daily drives less expensive than the S-Class.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, being nearly 9 inches longer overall and taller, provides a more voluminous and commanding cabin presence for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class's substantial power advantage, delivering 442 hp versus the 8 Series' 335 hp, ensures a significantly more exhilarating performance experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe saves the buyer $27,800 upfront while still delivering strong luxury credentials and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize driving engagement and a leaner package, indicated by the 200.3-inch length.
Cost savings are critical, as the $91,700 MSRP undercuts the competitor by $27,800.
You prefer the slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG.

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

You demand absolute peak power, as the 442 hp engine dramatically outpaces the competition.
All-Wheel Drive capability for adverse conditions is a mandatory feature.
You desire maximum presence, supported by its 209.5-inch length and 59.2-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	200.3"	209.5"
Width	76.1"	75.6"
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	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	378.0/522.0 mi.	400.0/580.0 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	—	✓

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What is the key performance difference between the 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the 2026 S-Class?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class holds a commanding lead with 442 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 107 hp advantage over the BMW's 335 hp. This power difference is the single greatest factor separating their driving dynamics.

How does the base price impact the value proposition of these two luxury sedans?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe starts at $91,700, offering a high degree of luxury for less money than the S-Class's $119,500 starting point. Buyers save $27,800 by opting for the BMW, although the S-Class includes standard AWD.

Which sedan offers better efficiency for daily commuting?

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe wins slightly on economy, boasting 24 combined MPG (21 city/29 highway) compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's 23 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway). Both achieve the same top highway figure.

Is the S-Class significantly larger than the 8 Series Gran Coupe?

Yes, the 2026 S-Class is noticeably larger, measuring 209.5 inches long and 59.2 inches high, which contrasts with the BMW's 200.3-inch length and 55.4-inch height. This extra size in the Mercedes usually translates to more spacious passenger accommodations.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Both models specify premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, though the BMW lists it as 'recommended' while the Mercedes-Benz lists it as 'required'.

Which vehicle has more usable cargo space?

The 2025 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offers 15.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, beating the 2026 S-Class's 12.8 cubic feet, making the BMW slightly more practical for luggage.