BMW 8-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

German automakers do large luxury cars better than everyone else. Two of the best luxury cars on sale include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 8-Series. When shopping for a luxury vehicle, you’re bound to cross-shop these two. Sure, there are obvious differences like the badges and design, but as pricey luxury vehicles, these two cars have a lot in common. They have similar powertrains, performance, and features.

If you’re looking to compare the two vehicles against one another, you’ve come to the right spot. We’ll take a look at the S-Class and 8-Series to see which option comes out as the winner.

What the BMW 8-Series Gets Right

BMW offers the 8-Series in a dizzying number of configurations. There are three different body styles: coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe (four door). The 8-Series is available in 14 different configurations when you include body style and trims. That gives consumers a lot of options to choose from, allowing you to get into a vehicle that has exactly what you’re looking for.

While Mercedes used to offer the S-Class in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, the automaker discontinued the coupe and convertible body styles for 2022. It’s a similar situation with the AMG models. For people that like to have a lot of choices to choose from, the 8-Series has a vast lineup.

When it comes to performance, the 8-Series is a powerhouse. The M8 Competition trims come with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that produces 617 horsepower. In the right trim, that results in a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds. Without any AMG models, the Maybach S680 is the most powerful trim in the S-Class lineup. It comes with a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 that makes 621 hp. Because of the sedan’s weight and size, it takes 4.5 seconds to get to 60 mph. Few people will ever take their luxury cars to the track, but the M8 trims are more than capable enough for track use.

The BMW 8-Series is far more affordable than the S-Class. The 8-Series starts at $85,895 (with destination), while the S-Class costs $112,150. The BMW is $26,255 less than the S-Class, which is an incredible saving for a large luxury car.

Read Our Overview of the BMW 8-Series

What the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gets Right

Mercedes has always saved its cutting-edge tech features for the S-Class. The 2022 model pushes the boundaries for features we’ve seen in a production vehicle. The S-Class comes standard with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the “Hey, Mercedes” voice assistant, augmented reality for the navigation system, and a biometric authenticator.

Open up your wallet, and S-Class becomes available with a Burmester surround-audio system, facial recognition, a 12.3-inch 3D instrument cluster, and two 11.6-inch touchscreens for rear passengers. The S-Class has some of the most high-tech safety features for the class, too.

Both vehicles feature opulent interiors, but the S-Class sets the benchmark for the class. It has some of the nicest interiors of any car on sale, as well as a high-end design. Everything you touch and look at has a high-quality feel to it, while the cabin remains as quiet as a church on the highway.

In addition to having a nicer cabin, the S-Class offers more interior space than the 8-Series. The S-Class has more front headroom, front shoulder room, rear legroom, and rear shoulder room. Rear legroom is especially noteworthy, as the S-Class has roughly 7 inches more rear legroom than the 8-Series.

Read Our Overview of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Want Even More Luxury?

For consumers that think the S-Class isn’t luxurious enough, we’ve never met any of these people, but they do exist, Mercedes sells the Maybach S-Class. These are the pinnacle of the automaker’s sedan lineup, featuring a longer wheelbase, more opulent touches, and every tech feature imaginable. With a starting price of $185,950, the Maybach S-Class is reserved for a select few, but spoils owners.

Our Verdict

The BMW 8-Series has a lot of great qualities, but the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the winner in this comparison. The S-Class may not be available in the same number of configurations or have the same blistering performance, but it offers more luxury, tech features, and interior space than the 8-Series. It’s still the benchmark.

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