BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The BMW 7 Series starts from $279,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class opens at $278,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $307,890 and $306,790 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 7 Series packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the BMW 7 Series and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The BMW 7 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW 7 Series stands out with power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW 7 Series gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers nappa leather.

The BMW 7 Series uses a Petrol producing 280kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 520Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 280kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW 7 Series measures 5,391mm long on a 3,215mm wheelbase, 212mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class at 5,179mm (3,106mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 7 Series generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 500L in the BMW 7 Series and 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a 10L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,565/year for the BMW 7 Series and $2,394/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,565 (BMW 7 Series) vs $2,394 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 7 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). Both match on warranty length.