2025 BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (car2) is the $32,000 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), listing at $151,500 for the ALPINA versus $119,500 for the S-Class. Performance heavily favors the ALPINA, which delivers 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, dramatically outperforming the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, fuel economy is a distinct win for Mercedes, offering a combined 23 MPG compared to the ALPINA's 19 MPG, with highway ratings showing a 5 MPG advantage for car2 (29 vs 24 MPG). While the ALPINA is shorter in length at 200.5 inches compared to the S-Class's 209.5 inches, the BMW offers slightly more cargo volume at 15.5 cu ft versus 12.8 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers superior fuel economy with a combined 23 MPG, reducing running costs for daily driving.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is notably taller at 59.2 inches and longer at 209.5 inches, likely resulting in greater interior passenger space.
2025 BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe
The 2025 BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe generates substantially more power with 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the S-Class's 442 hp.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides luxury sedan capabilities at a $32,000 lower starting MSRP of $119,500.
Choose the BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe if...
- Maximum engine performance is the top priority, given its 612 hp output.
- You prefer the marginally larger cargo capacity of 15.5 cubic feet.
- All-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred for high-output driving dynamics.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...
- Achieving the best fuel efficiency is crucial, with a 23 MPG combined rating.
- A lower initial purchase price of $119,500 is a deciding factor.
- Superior driver comfort is desired, evidenced by the 59.2-inch height and 9-speed transmission for smoother cruising.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.5" | 209.5" |
| Width | 76.1" | 75.6" |
| Height | 56.0" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.4 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 612 hp @ 5500 rpm | 442 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 413 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 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 | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 17/24 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 306.0/432.0 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 | 10.3 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 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
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: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| 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 |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 12-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 12-way |
| 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 Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 21 x 10.0 in. | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 285/30R | 255/45R19 |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
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 ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
What is the performance deficit between the two models?
The 2025 ALPINA B8 holds a significant power advantage, producing 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which is 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque more than the 2026 S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.
How much does the price difference affect long-term running costs?
The S-Class has a $32,000 lower MSRP, and it also offers better economy at 23 combined MPG versus the ALPINA's 19 combined MPG, leading to lower overall ownership costs.
Which sedan provides more physical space?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is physically larger overall, measuring 209.5 inches long and 59.2 inches high, although the ALPINA has a slightly larger cargo area at 15.5 cu ft.
Are both vehicles compatible with standard fuel?
Both vehicles mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel; however, the S-Class requires less frequent refueling due to its superior mileage figures of 20/29 MPG city/highway.
How do the transmissions differ?
The 2025 ALPINA B8 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the 2026 S-Class employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
If I prioritize horsepower, which vehicle should I select?
For raw power figures, the 2025 BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe is the clear choice, boasting 612 horsepower, vastly exceeding the S-Class output.
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