BMW
i7
Mercedes-Benz
S-class
BMW i7 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 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.
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 more power on its best-equipped version than the BMW i7, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, 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 S-class?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW i7 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 i7 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
The BMW i7 seats more passengers than the Mercedes-Benz S-class on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the BMW i7 is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-class as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW i7 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
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 S-class?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.