BMW
7 Series
Mercedes-Benz
S-class
BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-class: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz S-class comes out ahead of the BMW 7 Series on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
7 Series
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., E65, F01, G11/G12) highlight significant concerns regarding high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and expensive repairs as the vehicles age, particularly when professional labor is required. These models are described as "over-engineered" with components prone to failure, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific "best" trim or model year. One owner of a 2015 diesel model reported satisfaction with its fuel economy, but no consensus exists on optimal configurations.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts and labor, especially for electronic components and engine-related repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Complex electronic system failures: issues with control modules, sensors, and infotainment systems that are difficult and costly to diagnose and repair. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Engine reliability concerns: specific mention of complicated, over-engineered engines (e.g., N63) that are expensive to fix; turbochargers noted as costly bespoke items on performance variants. Frequency: recurrent.
S-class
Overall
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and model year. Long-term owners of the W222 generation (2014-2020) report high satisfaction with its comfort, luxury, and reliability, with one owner noting over 165,000 miles with only minor, warranty-covered repairs. However, a strong and recurrent criticism is directed at the design and technology direction of the latest W223 generation (2021+).
Best version to buy
\nInsufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback indicates a preference for well-equipped examples, as many used S-Classes are noted to be "base spec/not really well equipped." For the W222 generation, models newer than 2015 are suggested for better reliability regarding early turbo V8 issues.
Known issues
- ⚠\nWater intrusion leading to electrical faults (CAN bus failures): potential for no-start conditions and dead screens.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-class is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the BMW 7 Series, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the BMW 7 Series is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
The BMW 7 Series seats more passengers than the Mercedes-Benz S-class on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the BMW 7 Series is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-class as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-class is more fuel-efficient on paper: 4.4 L/100km combined versus 12.8 L/100km for the BMW 7 Series, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW 7 Series than the Mercedes-Benz S-class. See the known issues comparison above.