2025 BMW M4 CS vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$123,500 · Coupe

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW M4 CS and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lies in power output, where the M4 CS delivers 543 hp against the S-Class's 442 hp, a margin of 101 horsepower. Conversely, the S-Class exhibits superior efficiency, achieving a combined 23 MPG compared to the M4 CS's 18 MPG. Pricing shows the S-Class has a lower MSRP at $119,500 versus the M4 CS's $123,500. Performance metrics favor the coupe, which produces 479 lb-ft of torque, marginally exceeding the sedan's 413 lb-ft. Dimensions highlight the S-Class's larger footprint at 209.5 inches in length, while cargo capacity is nearly identical at 12.8 cu ft for the S-Class versus 12.0 cu ft for the M4 CS. These specifications position the M4 CS as the pure performance option and the S-Class as the slightly more economical, albeit substantially larger, luxury sedan.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is superior for commuting due to its better fuel economy, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the M4 CS's 18 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

As a sedan with greater overall length (209.5 inches) and marginally more cargo space (12.8 cu ft), the S-Class offers better utility for family needs than the M4 CS coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4 CS

The 2025 BMW M4 CS is the choice for driving enthusiasts, boasting 543 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque compared to the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class provides a lower entry price point at $119,500 and better long-term running costs due to its 5 MPG efficiency advantage over the M4 CS.

Choose the BMW M4 CS if...

Your priority is maximum straight-line acceleration and power, supported by 543 hp.
You prefer the agility and styling inherent to a coupe body type.
You require the M4 CS's standard all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic.

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

Achieving 23 combined MPG is critical, providing a 5 MPG advantage over the M4 CS.
A $4,000 lower MSRP ($119,500) is essential for budget adherence.
You need the increased cabin volume implied by the S-Class's 209.5-inch length compared to the M4 CS's 189.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M4 CS	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	189.0"	209.5"
Width	75.5"	75.6"
Height	55.1"	59.2"
Wheelbase	112.5"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
LATCH System	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	543 hp @ 6250 rpm	442 hp
Torque	479 lb-ft @ 2750 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	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)	16/23 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	249.6/358.8 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	Burmester
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Stereo Power	—	710W
Speaker System	—	15
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 10.5 in.	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	285/30R	255/45R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 M4 CS and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What is the performance trade-off when comparing horsepower figures?

The 2025 BMW M4 CS offers significantly more power with 543 hp, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers 442 hp. This 101 hp difference means the M4 CS is engineered primarily for aggressive performance driving.

How do these two vehicles compare in terms of fuel consumption and type?

Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, but the S-Class is demonstrably more efficient, achieving 23 combined MPG. The M4 CS only returns 18 combined MPG, representing a 5 MPG penalty for its increased performance.

Which vehicle offers better utility based on size specifications?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 209.5 inches long compared to the M4 CS at 189.0 inches. While both show similar cargo space (12.8 cu ft vs. 12.0 cu ft), the S-Class's sedan body and increased height suggest a more spacious passenger cabin.

Is there a significant difference in the cost of entry for these two models?

Yes, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a lower starting MSRP of $119,500. The 2025 BMW M4 CS commands a premium price tag of $123,500, resulting in a $4,000 price disparity.

How do the transmissions and drive systems differ?

Both utilize all-wheel drive, but the S-Class employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the M4 CS uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This difference in gear count can subtly affect both efficiency and shift responsiveness.

Are either of these vehicles substantially wider than the other?

The overall width specifications are nearly identical; the M4 CS measures 75.5 inches wide, and the S-Class is slightly broader at 75.6 inches. This minimal 0.1-inch difference means both occupy a similar road footprint width-wise.