2025 BMW M5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW M5 detonates onto the scene with a staggering 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, showcasing blistering performance designed for the driver who demands surgical precision and raw speed. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class anchors its appeal in sophisticated, effortless transit, boasting a respectable 442 hp and significantly better efficiency, achieving a combined 23 MPG compared to the M5’s thirsty 14 MPG. This power gap of 275 hp is substantial, but the S-Class stretches its legs much further thanks to its efficiency advantage. While both luxurious sedans share an identical $119,500 MSRP, their priorities diverge drastically: the M5 prioritizes a massive 16.5 cu ft cargo hold and electrifying acceleration with a 27-mile EV range, whereas the S-Class offers a longer, more spacious overall length at 209.5 inches, emphasizing supreme passenger comfort over outright velocity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the M5's 14 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M5

The 2025 BMW M5 offers superior practicality for cargo with 16.5 cubic feet of space compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M5

The 2025 BMW M5 is the unequivocal choice for enthusiasts, delivering a dominating 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Despite identical $119,500 MSRPs, the S-Class offers drastically better running costs with a 9 MPG efficiency advantage.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

You crave absolute maximum straight-line acceleration, evidenced by the M5's 717 hp output.
You value hybrid flexibility, as the M5 provides an exclusive 27 miles of electric range.
You need maximum utility from a performance sedan, utilizing the M5's larger 16.5 cu ft cargo capacity.

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

Fuel economy is a non-negotiable, as the S-Class delivers 23 combined MPG versus the M5's 14 MPG.
You prefer a slightly larger footprint for luxury cruising, given the S-Class measures 209.5 inches in length.
You prioritize smoother operation via the S-Class's 9-speed automatic transmission over the M5's 8-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M5	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	200.6"	209.5"
Width	77.6"	75.6"
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	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	14 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	190.8/270.3 mi.	400.0/580.0 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	—	✓
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What is the primary functional difference between the 2025 BMW M5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The core difference lies in their mission: the M5 is engineered for high performance, boasting 717 hp, making it a proper M machine. The S-Class focuses on luxury, efficiency (23 MPG combined), and executive comfort, settling for 442 hp.

How significant is the performance deficit between these two $119,500 sedans?

The deficit is substantial; the M5 offers 275 more horsepower than the S-Class (717 hp vs 442 hp), which translates directly into vastly superior acceleration metrics.

Does the M5's plug-in hybrid system offer meaningful commuting benefits?

Yes, the 2025 BMW M5 includes a 27-mile electric range, which could cover many daily commutes without consuming any premium unleaded fuel.

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class significantly larger than the BMW M5?

The S-Class is indeed larger overall, measuring 209.5 inches long compared to the M5’s 200.6 inches, though the M5 surprisingly offers more trunk space at 16.5 cu ft versus 12.8 cu ft.

Which car provides a better ownership value proposition given the identical starting MSRP?

For day-to-day cost savings, the S-Class presents better value because of its superior efficiency, getting 9 more combined MPG than the M5.

Both cars use AWD, but how do their transmissions differ?

Both use shiftable automatics, but the M5 employs an 8-speed unit optimized for quick shifts, while the S-Class utilizes a 9-speed automatic likely tuned for smoother, efficiency-focused transitions.