2025 BMW M5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 BMW M5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boils down to prioritizing raw performance versus daily efficiency and luxury presence. If you are debating high-octane thrills versus pragmatic daily driving comfort, the numbers tell a clear story. The M5 dominates acceleration with a massive 717 hp compared to the S-Class's 442 hp, making it the clear choice for sheer speed. However, this performance comes at a cost: the M5 returns only 14 combined MPG, dramatically less than the S-Class's respectable 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the M5 offers a short 27-mile electric range, something the S-Class lacks entirely. While the M5 has a slightly higher starting MSRP at $119,500 versus the S-Class's $117,750, the difference in fuel economy alone will affect long-term ownership costs significantly.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the M5's 14 combined MPG.
2025 BMW M5
The BMW M5 is slightly longer at 200.6 inches, potentially offering marginally better interior space than the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft of cargo room versus 16.5 cu ft.
2025 BMW M5
The M5 is the undisputed enthusiast choice, boasting 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the S-Class's output.
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class offers better operational value by providing 10 more miles per gallon while costing $1,750 less upfront.
Choose the BMW M5 if...
- You require maximum acceleration and power, indicated by its 717 hp output.
- You plan to utilize the plug-in hybrid capability for short daily electric trips, enjoying a 27-mile range.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for maneuvering, with a width of 77.6 inches.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...
- Fuel economy is a priority, as the S-Class achieves 31 highway MPG versus the M5's 17 highway MPG.
- You value highway cruising comfort, benefiting from the S-Class's 9-speed automatic transmission.
- You need the marginally larger cargo area, offering 16.5 cubic feet compared to the M5's 12.8 cubic feet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M5 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.6" | 208.2" |
| Width | 77.6" | 76.9" |
| Height | 59.4" | 59.2" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 126.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.4 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 717 hp @ 5600 rpm | 442 hp |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft @ 1800 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) | 12/17 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 14 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 190.8/270.3 mi. | 420.0/620.0 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 45/57 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 50 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 27 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 59 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 4.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 20.0 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Wood Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 12.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bowers & Wilkins | Burmester |
| Stereo Power | 655W | 710W |
| Speaker System | 18 | 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 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 12-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 12-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.2 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.9 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 x 11.0 in. | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 295/35R21 | 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. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 M5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
What is the most significant performance difference between the 2025 M5 and the S-Class?
The 2025 BMW M5 is vastly more powerful, producing 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a 275 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's 442 hp.
How does the efficiency of these two luxury sedans compare in real-world driving?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is substantially more efficient, achieving 24 combined MPG. The M5, even with its plug-in system, only manages 14 combined MPG, highlighting a major difference in fuel consumption.
Does the BMW M5 offer any pure electric driving capability?
Yes, the 2025 BMW M5 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that provides an estimated 27 miles of all-electric range before engaging the premium unleaded engine.
Which sedan is physically larger, the M5 or the S-Class?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is physically longer, measuring 208.2 inches compared to the M5's 200.6 inches, though the M5 is slightly wider at 77.6 inches.
Are both models All-Wheel Drive and what are their base prices?
Both vehicles utilize an all-wheel drive system. The M5 starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $119,500, whereas the S-Class begins at $117,750.
Which car provides more usable space for luggage?
The BMW M5 offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more generous than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's capacity of 12.8 cubic feet.
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