DecodedCarsBMW i7 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2026 BMW i7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class — two large cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $2,700 a year less in fuel for the BMW i7 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The BMW i7 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (1 vs 15).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW i7 is a large car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 212 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 127-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,343 lb (M70 Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 208 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,740 lb (S500 4matic 4dr Sedan Lwb).
Buying used? The 2024 i7 and the 2024 S-Class have the fewest problems in our data.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW i7 if…
- You want an EV with more range (314 miles)
- You want more room (4 in longer)
Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if…
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (1 vs 15 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW i7
- Long EV rangeUp to 314 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 BMW i7 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →