BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$279,900RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's standard kit: $279,900 (nothing to add)
$278,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW 7 Series & Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the BMW 7 Series. ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
BMW 7 Series
- REC-006556 · published 6 Mar 2026The air conditioning (A/C) wiring harness may become damaged during routine microfilter (cabin air filter) replacement.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- 7 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- REC-006316 · published 1 Apr 2025The front axle brake hoses could become defective over time due to high temperature and moisture.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006128 · published 23 Oct 2024Due to a software issue in the Engine Control Unit (ECU), the main wiring harness may become exposed to increased engine temperatures and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005923 · published 18 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, vehicle management systems connected to the fuse box may fail.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 33 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
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 — features our data doesn't list for 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.
Drivetrain
The BMW 7 Series uses a Petrol producing 280kW and 540Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class responds with a Petrol making 280kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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 540L in the BMW 7 Series and 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, giving the BMW 7 Series a 30L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the BMW 7 Series and $2,394/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the BMW 7 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 7 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 7 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW 7 Series: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 64, but the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is $1,000 cheaper
The BMW 7 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 64), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BMW 7 Series ahead by 5), practicality (BMW 7 Series ahead by 3). The BMW 7 Series will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the cheapest at $278,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 7 Series by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 7 Series uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
ANCAP's published ratings include no record for Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and we hold no ANCAP data for BMW 7 Series, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 7 Series has the largest boot at 540L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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