BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Specs Compared
Also searched as Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs BMW 7 Series specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.
The BMW 7 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $200 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the BMW 7 Series leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Large Cars · 106 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 7 Series | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 25 mpg ✓ | 24 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,700 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 130 g/mi | 106 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 6.0, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Large Cars | Large Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 69 | 106 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class dimensions and size
The BMW 7 Series is 3.9 inches longer than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class on a wheelbase 0.4 inches longer, and 1,000.9 lbs heavier. At over 200 inches, the larger of the two is past the comfortable limit of a standard 192-inch single garage bay once you allow walking room.
| Dimension | BMW 7 Series (2026) | Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 212.2 in | 208.3 in | 3.9 in |
| Width (excl. mirrors) | 76.8 in | 76.8 in | identical |
| Height | 60.6 in | 59.1 in | 1.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 126.8 in | 126.4 in | 0.4 in |
| Curb weight | 5,741 lbs | 4,740 lbs | 1,001 lbs |
Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class: what the numbers mean
Running cost over five years: at the EPA's 15,000-mile-a-year assumption the BMW 7 Series burns about $2,700 of fuel annually against $2,900 for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That $200 yearly gap compounds to roughly $1,000 over five years and $1,600 over eight — often more than the price difference between two trims of the same vehicle, and the single largest running-cost line item separating these two.
City versus highway split: the BMW 7 Series is the stronger commuter at 25 mpg city, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class pulls ahead on the interstate at 31 mpg highway. If most of your driving is stop-and-go traffic the city figure is the one to weigh; for long-distance highway mileage the reverse is true, and the two vehicles effectively swap places depending on how you drive.
Powertrain choice: the BMW 7 Series is recorded with 4 distinct engine configurations (SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with 4 (SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 6.0, SIDI; PHEV). Across 69 recorded BMW 7 Series configurations and 106 for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.
Drivetrain and class: the BMW 7 Series is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Large Cars and Large Cars respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.
Tailpipe emissions: at their cleanest configurations the Mercedes-Benz S-Class emits 106 g/mile of CO2 versus 130 g/mile for the BMW 7 Series. Emissions track fuel consumption almost exactly, so the cleaner vehicle here is also the cheaper one to fuel.
7 Series vs S-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The BMW 7 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $200 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 7 Series runs about $2,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class — a difference of roughly $200 per year.
What engines do the 7 Series and S-Class offer?
BMW 7 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI. Mercedes-Benz S-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 6.0, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as Large Cars, so they compete directly.
More 7 Series comparisons
More S-Class comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-7-series-vs-mercedes-benz-s-class