BMW
i7
Mercedes-Benz
EQS
BMW i7 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz EQS comes out ahead of the BMW i7 on 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
i7
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between strong appreciation for its luxury, technology, and driving experience, and significant criticism regarding its styling, market reception, and specific reliability concerns. The vehicle is consistently praised as a "luxury powerhouse" with an incredible, comfortable, and spacious interior, excellent sound systems, and a surprisingly capable and smooth driving dynamic that isolates occupants from road imperfections. However, it is frequently described as a "monumental flop" in terms of sales, leading to massive depreciation and deep discounts on new and used models.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific best version. Commentary mentions the i7 M60 performance variant and the availability of an executive package with a large rear screen, but no consensus on a preferred trim emerges from the data.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe depreciation and poor sales reception: described as a "monumental flop," leading to deep discounts and high inventory. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Exterior styling criticism: specifically the front-end design and large grilles are frequently called "hideous" and a turn-off. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical and mechanical reliability concerns: isolated reports of a transmission failure at 14,000 miles and an engine replacement at 32,000 miles on a 2023 model.
EQS
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with significant criticism focused on value, design, and perceived quality. The vehicle is acknowledged for its advanced technology, including the first SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system (Drive Pilot) on certain highways, and its comfortable, quiet ride as a long-distance cruiser. However, it is heavily criticized for its exterior styling, described as an "ugly" blob, and its interior, which some owners feel has a "cheap feeling" with glossy plastics that creak, failing to match the expected luxury ambiance of a traditional S-Class.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim. One mention suggests the AMG version takes a "severe range hit," implying non-AMG versions might be preferred for efficiency.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe depreciation: one-year-old models with low mileage reported to lose approximately 60% of value. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior material quality and build: "cheap feeling" interior compared to S-Class, use of glossy painted plastics that creak, piano black trim. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Software stability issues: key submodules require frequent hard reboots; system requires regular software updates. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the BMW i7, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mercedes-Benz EQS are a dealbreaker, the BMW i7 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW i7 or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mercedes-Benz EQS than the BMW i7. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the BMW i7 or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The BMW i7 is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz EQS as a Liftback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW i7 or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW i7 or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz EQS than the BMW i7. See the known issues comparison above.