2026 BMW 7 Series vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$99,300 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 BMW 7 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class often boils down to budget versus outright prestige and power. If saving money while enjoying near-flagship luxury is your priority, the BMW 7 Series presents a compelling case, boasting an MSRP of $99,300 compared to the S-Class's steep $119,500—a difference of over $20,000! Furthermore, the BMW prioritizes efficiency, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the Mercedes' 23 MPG. However, if acceleration and grip matter most, the S-Class delivers significantly more punch with 442 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the BMW offers 375 hp and Rear Wheel Drive. While the BMW is larger at 212.2 inches long, the S-Class trades a bit of passenger/cargo room (12.8 cu ft vs 19.1 cu ft) for its performance edge.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 28 combined MPG versus the S-Class's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 7 Series

The 7 Series offers substantially more practicality with a larger 19.1 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for its higher output of 442 horsepower and the enhanced traction of All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series clearly wins on value, undercutting the S-Class by $20,200 while still offering substantial luxury.

Choose the BMW 7 Series if...

You need to maximize fuel economy, as the 7 Series achieves 28 MPG combined versus 23 MPG in the S-Class.
You require significant trunk space, benefiting from the 19.1 cu ft capacity over the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.
You want flagship luxury sedan amenities while saving $20,200 off the initial purchase price.

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

You prioritize raw engine performance, leveraging the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.
You live in areas requiring better foul-weather traction, as the S-Class includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer the smoother gear transitions provided by the S-Class's 9-speed automatic transmission over the 7 Series' 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 7 Series	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	212.2"	209.5"
Width	76.8"	75.6"
Height	60.8"	59.2"
Wheelbase	126.6"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5200 rpm	442 hp
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1850 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	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	487.5/604.5 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	20.0 gal.

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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

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	39.8 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.0 in.	59.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.3 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	59.0 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
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	All Season	—
Tire Size	✓	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 2026 BMW 7 Series and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class compared to the BMW 7 Series?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at an MSRP of $119,500, which is precisely $20,200 more expensive than the BMW 7 Series base price of $99,300.

Is the performance difference between the two flagship sedans significant?

Yes, the S-Class holds a notable edge with 442 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the BMW's 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.

Which car is better for long road trips regarding fuel consumption?

The BMW 7 Series is the more efficient choice for road trips, offering a combined 28 MPG compared to the S-Class's 23 MPG combined rating.

Does one sedan offer superior physical dimensions for loading bulky items?

The 2026 BMW 7 Series is the more practical option here, measuring 212.2 inches long and offering 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, exceeding the S-Class's 12.8 cubic feet.

What is the main drivetrain difference between these two models?

The standard 7 Series utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive setup, while the S-Class comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive, providing better traction capabilities under normal conditions.

Do both luxury sedans require the same type of gasoline?

Yes, both the 2026 BMW 7 Series and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their advertised performance figures.