2025 Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series Comparison: Which Luxury Sedan Leads on UAE Roads?

The Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 SeriesBahrain BMW 7 SeriesEgypt BMW 7 SeriesKSA BMW 7 SeriesKuwait BMW 7 SeriesOman BMW 7 SeriesQatar BMW 7 SeriesUAE BMW 7 Series stand as the ultimate symbols of German luxury, each representing decades of engineering mastery in performance, comfort, and technology. In the UAE market, both sedans are top tier choices for those who seek prestige, whether they prefer to take the wheel themselves or relax in the rear executive seats. Below is a detailed comparison covering performance, design, technology, driving experience, and pricing in the Emirates.

Performance and Powertrains

Both Mercedes and BMWUAE BMWKSA BMWOman BMWQatar BMWBahrain BMWKuwait BMWEgypt BMW offer a selection of powerful mild hybrid engines designed to deliver smooth performance and outstanding fuel efficiency.

Mercedes S-Class:

• S 450 4MATIC: 3.0 liter inline six turbo engine producing 367 hp with all wheel drive, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.

• S 500 4MATIC: 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six generating 429 hp and 520 Nm of torque, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

• S 580 4MATIC: 4.0 liter V8 twin turbo engine delivering 496 hp and 700 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

• Maybach S 680: 6.0 liter V12 engine exceeding 600 hp, crafted for ultimate refinement and luxury.

BMW 7 Series:

• 735i: 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six with 268 hp and rear-wheel drive.

• 740i: 3.0 liter turbo inline six producing 375 hp and 520 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

• 760i xDrive: 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 with 536 hp and 750 Nm of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.

• i7 xDrive60 (Electric): 536 hp with an all electric range of up to 500 km per charge.

The Mercedes S 500 outperforms the BMW 740i with roughly 60 extra horsepower, faster acceleration, and the added stability of an all wheel drive system. However, BMW counters with lighter weight, slightly better fuel economy, and a more engaging, sport oriented driving feel.

Exterior and Interior Design

Mercedes S-Class:

• The design philosophy focuses on timeless elegance and refined prestige.

• The front fascia features a large chrome grille paired with sleek LED headlights.

• Flush door handles extend automatically to enhance aerodynamics.

• The cabin blends luxury craftsmanship with cutting edge technology:

  • 12.8 inch vertical OLED central display.

  • 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster with 3D functionality.

  • Ambient lighting system with 64 customizable colors.

  • Premium Nappa leather, natural wood, and chrome accents throughout.

BMW 7 Series:

• Bold and modern design with an illuminated kidney grille and split level LED headlights.

• Sleek body with sharp lines and large alloy wheels up to 21 inches.

• The cabin offers futuristic luxury with a digital, minimalistic layout:

  • Dual curved displays (12.3 and 14.9 inches) powered by the iDrive 8 system.

  • Illuminated Interaction Bar across the dashboard.

  • Premium materials, including Merino leather or optional fine cashmere upholstery.

  • Crystal glass control elements for an extra sense of sophistication.

Mercedes emphasizes calm, classic luxury, while BMW captures attention with bold styling and advanced digital artistry.

Luxury and Interior Features

Mercedes S-Class:

• Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats with Hot Stone function.

• Rear airbags for additional passenger safety.

• Burmester 4D surround sound system with 30 speakers.

• Rear seat MBUX Tablet for entertainment and comfort controls.

• Exceptional sound insulation with double glazed windows.

BMW 7 Series:

• Panoramic rear cinema screen, 31 inches wide with 8K resolution.

• Premium Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

• Touchscreens on rear doors for seat, climate, and lighting control.

• Executive Lounge seats with full electric recline and footrest.

• Sky Lounge panoramic roof with starlight LED illumination.

While the S-Class focuses on serene comfort and classic elegance, the 7 Series delivers a high tech, cinematic experience that feels like a moving luxury lounge.

Technology and Intelligent Driving Systems

Mercedes S-Class:

• Advanced MBUX system with intelligent voice assistant supporting natural speech commands.

• Augmented reality navigation displayed on the windshield (AR-HUD).

• Gesture control for hand movements.

• Semi autonomous Intelligent Drive system with 360 degree cameras.

BMW 7 Series:

• iDrive 8 operating system with advanced artificial intelligence.

• Driving Assistant Professional package for enhanced driver support.

• Parking Assistant Pro with remote control via smartphone.

• High resolution head up display (HUD).

Both models represent the peak of modern driving technology, combining comfort, safety, and smart connectivity. BMW adds a sportier interactive touch, while Mercedes focuses on seamless, calm, and luxurious driving refinement.

Driving Experience in the UAE

Mercedes S-Class:

• AIRMATIC suspension system that automatically adjusts stiffness based on road conditions.

• Exceptional comfort over bumps and speed humps.

• Powerful four zone climate control ideal for UAE weather.

• Rear wheel steering up to 10 degrees for easier maneuvering in tight spaces.

BMW 7 Series:

• Adaptive air suspension on all wheels.

• Excellent stability on highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road.

• Active Roll system reducing body lean in corners.

• Four-zone climate control with active air filtration and ventilated seats.

Mercedes excels in comfort and sound insulation, while BMW delivers sharper dynamics and a more engaging, sporty driving feel.

Prices and Availability in the UAE

Mercedes S-Class:

• S 450 4MATIC: from AED 670,900.

• S 500 4MATIC: from AED 719,900.

• S 580 4MATIC: from AED 754,900.

• Maybach S 580: from AED 828,900.

• Maybach S 680: from AED 1,112,900.

• Available at Gargash Motors and Emirates Motor Company (EMC).

BMW 7 Series:

• 735i: from AED 540,000.

• 740i: from AED 585,000.

• 760i xDrive: from AED 675,000.

• i7 xDrive60: around AED 600,000.

• Available at AGMC in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Motors.

Both models come with a 3 year or 100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years with maintenance packages. A wide range of interior and exterior color options can be customized upon request.