BMW i7 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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW i7 starts from $319,900 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 $41,000.
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 $351,890 and $306,790 respectively.
The BMW i7 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW i7 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 i7 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i7 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 i7 stands out with power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins 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 i7 gets merino leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW i7 uses a Electric producing 400kW and 745Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 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 BMW i7 has the clear power advantage at 400kW vs 320kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i7 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i7 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 i7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW i7 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.
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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i7 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the cheapest at $278,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i7 by $41,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the largest boot at 510L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i7 makes the most power at 400kW. The BMW i7 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.7s.
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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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