There’s hardly a extra iconic luxurious automotive rivalry than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Collection. Because the 7er’s debut again in 1977, it’s been a endless arms race between the 2 marques in pursuit of probably the most luxurious flagship attainable. As a reminder, the S-Class simply entered a brand new technology again in February. In the meantime, BMW’s G70 7 Collection technology is simply hitting its midway level. Does a significant replace imply the getting old G70 nonetheless has what it takes to deal with the legendary S-Class? We line them up facet by facet for a simple comparability.
Exterior Design
Even a cursory look makes it apparent that the brand new 7 is, nicely, new. It has inherited an virtually XM-like high quality within the entrance, full with a brand new headlight design, grille, and extra. From the facet, BMW’s virtually brutalist design throws the 7er into whole distinction with the S-Class; sharp, angular edges and well-defined traces make it unquestionably a extra aggressive design than the Merc. Similar goes for the whole lot taking place within the rear. Sharp, rectangular taillights look imply and ultramodern in comparison with the Mercedes’ bulbs. Frankly, quite a bit modifications within the new 7 Collection. However general, the narrative doesn’t change a lot. The 7 Collection is clearly the extra aggressive design. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, nonetheless, takes on a sure magnificence that we’re unsure the 7 Collection matches.
Inside Design
Inside, BMW strikes the 7er additional into the long run by ditching the massive display screen launched with iDrive 8 and transferring in direction of the Neue Klasse design language. iDrive X powers the panoramic show, a middle touchscreen, and — for the primary time ever — a passenger-side display screen. Sorry — “BMW Passenger Display,” so-dubbed by the automaker. Whereas screens stay current within the BMW cockpit, they’re removed from the dominant drive you see within the S-Class, and we expect the display screen implementation within the new 7er is a large enchancment from the previous automotive and the Mercedes. The 7er additionally inherits the Neue Klasse-style steering wheel.
In different areas, the automobiles provide separate, however equally compelling, charms. BMW nonetheless touts its 31.3-inch Theater Display for rear passengers — conspicuously absent from the Mercedes. In the meantime, Mercedes retains some superiority with options like heated seatbelts and distant consolation controls. From a consolation standpoint, we gained’t actually have any perception till we will drive each. Given the Benz’s understated exterior design, it’s a bit ironic that we discover the inside a bit busier than the 7 Collection — and simply want the latter’s clear simplicity.
Efficiency
Essentially the most highly effective new S-Class presently confirmed for manufacturing is the hybrid 580e, which places a helpful 576 hp (424 kW). BMW nonetheless affords a hybrid 7 Collection because the automotive reaches its half-life, with probably the most highly effective M760e xDrive getting an influence improve to 612 hp (450 kW). It’s a achieve of 30 kW/41 hp on the outgoing hybrid mannequin and might now sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Even the entry-level, all-gas mannequin is not any slouch, although. The 740i sees energy improve to 400 hp (294 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm), proving what all people already knew in regards to the legendary B58 engine — it’s a nicely of untapped potential. Factoring within the electrical 7ers on the market — the i7 sees energy bumps throughout the lineup, too — makes evaluating the Merc and large bimmer virtually pointless; for now, the 7er merely outguns the S-Class.
Expertise
Screens, screens, and extra screens. As talked about, BMW strikes towards iDrive X with the 7 Collection LCI, eschewing greater screens in favor of the Panoramic Show and a svelte heart show. That stated, you don’t lose any usability from the previous mannequin to the brand new, and certainly, the tech variations between the S-Class and new 7 are largely aesthetic. Wi-fi telephone compatibility, configurable driving modes, generative AI integration, and configurable ambient lighting are all customary options within the luxurious flagship phase. All in all, it appears the 2 are about even on the tech entrance. However in all places else? We predict the LCI 7 Collection is the clear entrance runner. What do you assume?
