Tesla Model S vs BMW 7 Series
The Tesla Model S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 124 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the BMW 7 Series, a 96 mpg advantage and costs about $2,100 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Tesla Model S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Tesla Model S | BMW 7 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 124 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 132 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 116 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $600 ✓ | $2,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | Not available | 130 g/mi |
| Engines offered | Not available | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A1) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Large Cars | Large Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 62 | 69 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Model S vs 7 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Tesla Model S or the BMW 7 Series?
The Tesla Model S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 124 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the BMW 7 Series, a 96 mpg advantage and costs about $2,100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Tesla Model S runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,700 for the BMW 7 Series — a difference of roughly $2,100 per year.
What engines do the Model S and 7 Series offer?
Tesla Model S: no engine data on record. BMW 7 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Tesla Model S and the BMW 7 Series as Large Cars, so they compete directly.
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