2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2026 BMW M4

$117,750 · Sedan

$81,300 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between ultimate luxury and exhilarating performance often boils down to priorities: Do you need serene transport or thrilling engagement? The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($117,750 MSRP) is engineered for quiet comfort, offering 442 horsepower and achieving 24 combined MPG, making its greater efficiency noticeable over long hauls compared to the BMW. Conversely, the 2026 BMW M4, priced $36,450 less at $81,300, boasts a punchier 473 hp, prioritizing raw output through its rear-wheel-drive layout. While the S-Class is significantly longer at 208.2 inches for supreme cabin space, the M4 surprisingly offers slightly more usable storage with 15.5 cu ft versus the Mercedes' 12.8 cu ft. This comparison pits a majestic cruiser, focused on ride quality, against a focused driver's tool that demands manual input via its 6-speed transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class's superior 21/31 MPG rating makes it far less costly to run daily compared to the less efficient M4.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class provides a larger, more traditionally accommodating sedan body structure suitable for frequent family use.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M4

The M4's 473 hp paired with a 6-speed manual transmission appeals directly to performance driving enthusiasts.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M4

The M4 delivers significantly higher horsepower for a price point that is $36,450 lower than the S-Class.

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

Your budget supports the $117,750 MSRP and you prioritize prestige and rear-seat comfort.
You need the all-wheel-drive system for better traction and stability in varied weather conditions.
Fuel economy is important, as the S-Class nets 24 combined MPG versus the M4's implied lower rating.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You insist on a tactile connection with the road, provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
Maximizing power output per dollar is key, as the M4 offers 473 hp for substantially less cash.
You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint (189.1 inches long) and a slightly larger 15.5 cu ft cargo area.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz S-Class	BMW M4
Length	208.2"	189.1"
Width	76.9"	74.3"
Height	59.2"	55.0"
Wheelbase	126.6"	112.5"

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	✓	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed 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	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	413 lb-ft	406 lb-ft @ 2650 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	6-speed manual
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 (required)
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.	15.6 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	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.8 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	710W	464W
Speaker System	15	16
Subwoofer Count	2	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	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	42.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	55.1 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	—
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.	35.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.8 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	51.0 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 10.5 in
Tire Size	255/45R19	285/35R Z
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	Performance

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.	8 yr./ 100000 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 M4.

How does the significant price difference affect the overall ownership experience?

The $36,450 gap means the S-Class buyer starts with a much higher depreciation baseline. While both require premium unleaded fuel, the M4 offers immediate savings, allowing funds for potential modifications or higher running costs.

Is the S-Class truly better for commuting despite its size?

Yes, largely due to efficiency and comfort; the S-Class gets 31 highway MPG, which is excellent for a large AWD luxury sedan. Furthermore, its superior ride quality absorbs road imperfections far better than the sport-tuned M4 coupe.

Which vehicle has better practical cargo capacity?

Surprisingly, the 2026 BMW M4 coupe wins this metric, offering 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the S-Class sedan's 12.8 cubic feet. This means the M4 can technically swallow slightly more luggage or groceries.

How significant is the difference between the 442 hp S-Class and the 473 hp M4?

The M4 holds a 31 horsepower advantage, translating to quicker acceleration runs, especially given its lighter, RWD setup geared purely for performance. The S-Class prioritizes smooth, effortless power delivery over outright track times.

Are either of these models good for carrying four adults comfortably?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Sedan) is inherently designed for luxurious rear-seat comfort and is the far better choice for four adults. The BMW M4 is a coupe, meaning its rear seating is significantly tighter and less accessible.

What is the primary difference in driving dynamics?

The S-Class is AWD with an automatic transmission, emphasizing smooth, secure handling and insulation from the road. The M4 features RWD and a manual gearbox, offering direct mechanical feedback for an engaging, enthusiast-focused drive.