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

$91,700 · Coupe

$117,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 BMW 8 Series and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the substantial MSRP gap of $26,050, with the BMW starting at $91,700 compared to the Mercedes at $117,750. Performance metrics also show a significant split; the S-Class delivers 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, decisively outpacing the 8 Series' 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is surprisingly uniform, with both achieving a 24 MPG combined rating, though the S-Class manages slightly better highway efficiency at 31 MPG versus the 8 Series' 29 MPG. The S-Class is physically larger overall, being 17.0 inches longer (208.2 inches vs 191.2 inches) and features standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the 8 Series' Rear Wheel Drive layout. The 8 Series offers marginally superior utility with 14.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 8 Series

The 2025 BMW 8 Series offers superior maneuverability for daily driving due to its shorter 191.2-inch length and lower starting MSRP.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, despite its smaller cargo capacity, offers substantially more passenger space due to its larger overall dimensions (76.9 inches wide versus 74.9 inches wide).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class boasts a 107 hp advantage and superior torque (413 lb-ft) coupled with the enhanced traction of standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 8 Series

The 8 Series delivers a compelling performance-to-price ratio, costing $26,050 less while maintaining the same 24 MPG combined rating as the S-Class.

Choose the BMW 8 Series if...

Budget consciousness is paramount, given the $91,700 starting MSRP versus $117,750 for Car 2.
A RWD driving dynamic is preferred over the S-Class's standard AWD system.
Maximum practical cargo space is needed, as the 8 Series offers 14.8 cu ft compared to 12.8 cu ft.

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

Maximum outright power is desired, evidenced by the S-Class's 442 hp output.
All-weather confidence and traction from the standard All-Wheel Drive system are necessary.
The owner prioritizes maximum luxury and passenger volume provided by the larger 208.2-inch overall length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 8 Series	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	191.2"	208.2"
Width	74.9"	76.9"
Height	53.0"	59.2"
Wheelbase	111.1"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
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	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
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
Subwoofer Count	2	2
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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.9 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	14-way	12-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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	14-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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	33.6 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.5 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	46.9 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 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What is the direct fuel economy difference between the 2025 BMW 8 Series and the S-Class?

Both vehicles are rated at an identical 24 MPG combined. However, the Mercedes S-Class has a slight edge in highway cruising, achieving 31 MPG compared to the BMW 8 Series' 29 MPG rating.

Since both require premium fuel, are there differences in fuel requirements?

The 2025 BMW 8 Series states premium unleaded is 'recommended,' suggesting some flexibility. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class mandates 'required' premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation of its more powerful engine.

How does the 8 Series' smaller size affect its utility compared to the S-Class?

The 8 Series is 17.0 inches shorter in length, contributing to easier daily maneuverability. Despite this, the 8 Series Coupe provides 2.0 cubic feet more storage capacity at 14.8 cu ft versus the S-Class Sedan's 12.8 cu ft.

Is the significant horsepower gap noticeable in real-world driving between the two models?

Yes, the 107 hp difference (442 hp vs. 335 hp) strongly suggests the S-Class will offer significantly quicker acceleration characteristics, especially when combined with its 413 lb-ft of torque.

Which car provides better powertrain control via transmission?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering one more gear ratio than the 8 Series' 8-speed automatic, potentially leading to finer engine speed management.

What is the primary factor justifying the $26,050 price difference?

The price disparity reflects the S-Class's positioning as a larger, significantly more powerful luxury sedan with standard All-Wheel Drive and heightened interior luxury, while the 8 Series is a smaller coupe focusing on RWD performance at a lower entry point.