2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

$117,750 · Sedan

$90,800 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is the starting MSRP, presenting a $26,950 gap, with the BMW listed at $90,800 versus the Mercedes' $117,750. Performance metrics favor the S-Class substantially, boasting 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the BMW's 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a 24 MPG combined rating for the S-Class (21/31 MPG city/highway), though the BMW's rating is unstated, the S-Class still requires premium fuel. Dimensional differences place the S-Class at a longer 208.2 inches compared to the BMW's 200.3 inches. Conversely, the 8 Series offers superior utility with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft, alongside a slightly lower overall height at 55.4 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $90,800, suggesting a more approachable entry point.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The 8 Series Gran Coupe offers 15.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing 2.7 cubic feet more storage than the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers superior power figures with 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque compared to the BMW's lower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW offers substantial size and adequate performance for $26,950 less than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

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

Absolute peak power is the priority, as the S-Class offers 442 hp versus the 8 Series' 335 hp.
Superior highway efficiency is desired, achieving 31 MPG highway while using AWD.
A larger physical presence is preferred, given the S-Class's length of 208.2 inches.

Choose the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe if...

Budget adherence is critical, with the 8 Series Gran Coupe starting $26,950 lower at $90,800.
Maximizing trunk space is necessary, as it offers 15.5 cu ft compared to 12.8 cu ft.
Rear-wheel drive dynamics are preferred over the standard All-Wheel Drive system of the S-Class.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz S-Class	BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Length	208.2"	200.3"
Width	76.9"	76.1"
Height	59.2"	55.4"
Wheelbase	126.6"	119.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	442 hp	335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	413 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
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	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/31 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/620.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	710W	464W
Speaker System	15	16
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
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	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	42.1 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	37.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.8 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	54.6 in.
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	19 x 9.0 in
Tire Size	255/45R19	275/35R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.

What is the required fuel type difference between these two luxury sedans?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its powertrain operation. In contrast, the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe specifies premium unleaded fuel as 'recommended,' suggesting slightly more flexibility or reduced sensitivity.

How does the drivetrain philosophy separate the S-Class from the 8 Series Gran Coupe?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes an all-wheel drive (AWD) system paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for stability and traction. The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is configured with a standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Is the Mercedes S-Class significantly larger than the BMW 8 Series?

Yes, the S-Class has a larger footprint, measuring 208.2 inches long compared to the 8 Series' 200.3 inches, creating a difference of 7.9 inches in overall length. The S-Class is also slightly taller at 59.2 inches.

Can the BMW provide a competitive cargo capacity despite its lower price?

Yes, the 2026 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe leads in utility by offering 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space. This is notably larger than the 12.8 cubic feet available in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

If fuel economy matters, how does the S-Class perform based on the available data?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is rated at a combined 24 MPG, broken down into 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. While the 8 Series MPG figures are not provided, the S-Class sets a baseline for its AWD configuration.

Which vehicle offers greater raw performance capability?

The S-Class clearly dominates in power output, providing 442 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This surpasses the 335 hp and 369 lb-ft produced by the 8 Series Gran Coupe.