BMW has launched the facelifted 7 Series in India, bringing a redesigned exterior and interior, more features, and a more powerful powertrain. Its arch-rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, also received a facelift earlier this year. The two have been fierce competitors in the luxury sedan segment since their respective introductions. Now that the updated versions are on sale, which one makes the better buy? Let’s find out.
2026 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: Dimensions
The 7 Series has a slightly larger wheelbase and is overall a bit longer than the S-Class
The 2026 BMW 7 Series is longer and slightly taller than the S-Class, while the two sedans have a similar wheelbase and width. The BMW also offers a 195-litre larger boot, giving it a clear advantage in terms of luggage capacity. The 7 Series is also expected to offer more cabin space, as the S-Class’ underbody battery pack for its plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) powertrain takes up some of the available space.
2026 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: Powertrain specs
Both sedans get similar engines, but the S-Class has a PHEV powertrain
Both the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are powered by 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engines. However, the S-Class gets a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, while the 7 Series is offered with a mild-hybrid setup. As a result, the S-Class has a claimed all-electric range of 115km, a feature the 7 Series does not offer. BMW is yet to reveal the 7 Series’ claimed fuel efficiency, but the S-Class PHEV will be the more efficient of the two.
The S-Class is also more powerful, producing 35hp and 140Nm more than the 7 Series. Despite this, it is 0.3 seconds slower from 0-100kph, with the added weight of the PHEV components likely contributing to the difference.
Both sedans are rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models and come equipped with air suspension and rear-axle steering.
2026 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: Exterior
Exterior features are similar on both luxury sedans
On the exterior front, the features are similar, with both sedans getting an all-LED lighting system, including illuminated grille surrounds and carpet lights. The alloy wheel sizes are also similar at 20 inches.
2026 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: Interior, features
The 7 Series offers larger screens
While both sedans are loaded with features, the 7 Series emerges as the more tech-laden of the two. It gets a larger infotainment and passenger display, along with BMW’s Panoramic iDrive display, which shows key instrumentation across the lower portion of the windscreen. Its rear-seat entertainment display is also larger than the two rear entertainment screens offered in the S-Class.
While this is unlikely to influence a buying decision, one notable distinction is the roof design. The 7 Series gets a panoramic glass roof, whereas the S-Class is equipped with a panoramic sunroof.
2026 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: Safety
S-Class offers more airbags
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets 15 airbags, eight more than the BMW 7 Series. However, both sedans offer a similar suite of safety features, including Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a 360-degree camera, and auto-parking assistance.
2026 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: What to choose?
7 Series is slightly more affordable than the S-Class
The BMW 7 Series is Rs 25 lakh more affordable than the S-Class, yet it offers more technology, a larger boot, and quicker 0-100kph acceleration. With all these advantages at a significantly lower price, the 7 Series makes a stronger case for itself and is the more recommendable choice over the S-Class.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
