Mercedes-Benz CLS vs BMW 7 Series

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 BMW 7 Series
2024 BMW 7 Series
$96,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 BMW 7 Series
$96,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2005-2023

Years produced

1977-1979

MSRP

$69,200

MSRP

$96,400

Listings

776

Listings

4139

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped back seat

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Poor value for money

Pros

  • Spacious, luxurious cabin

  • Potent powertrain options

  • Fuel-efficient

Cons

  • Overly complex infotainment

  • Uneven performance in PHEV form

  • Polarizing design

Reviews Summary

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS in 2004, the curvy 4-seater was the most radical-looking sedan the company had ever made. The world had witnessed more obscure sedans with extreme style—the Rover SD1, Citroën DS, and Aston Martin Lagonda—but never from the conservative designers at Mercedes-Benz. It was genuinely shocking but in a very good way. Today, despite having inspired all sorts of competition, the third-generation 2019 CLS is just as striking. And while it remains a rarer sight on the road, the new CLS claims to lead among luxury cars with superior technology and powertrains.

Reviews Summary

Redesigned for 2023, the 7 Series is BMW's full-size flagship sedan, arch-rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and newcomers like the Genesis G90. For 2024, BMW has added the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 750e and lightly updated the infotainment system. Unfortunately, these additions don't change the 7 Series calculus. The 750e offers a boost in power and efficiency over the low-end 740i, but it costs more, has a disjointed driving personality, and quickly eats its electric charge. Despite the update, the car's digital systems remain frustratingly complex.

Verdict: The 2024 BMW 7 Series has lots to offer luxury buyers, including features like a rear-seat theatre and cashmere upholstery, plus performance and fuel efficiency that are often superior to most rivals, few of whom offer PHEV options. But the car's frustrating digital systems and controls undermine the experience.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 362 hp I6

Engine

3.0L 375 hp I6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

362 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

375 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

31
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 BMW 7 Series
2024 BMW 7 Series
$96,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 BMW 7 Series
$96,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2005-2023
1977-1979
MSRP
$69,200
$96,400
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.5

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

6.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Cramped back seat

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Poor value for money

Pros

  • Spacious, luxurious cabin

  • Potent powertrain options

  • Fuel-efficient

Cons

  • Overly complex infotainment

  • Uneven performance in PHEV form

  • Polarizing design

Summary
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS in 2004, the curvy 4-seater was the most radical-looking sedan the company had ever made. The world had witnessed more obscure sedans with extreme style—the Rover SD1, Citroën DS, and Aston Martin Lagonda—but never from the conservative designers at Mercedes-Benz. It was genuinely shocking but in a very good way. Today, despite having inspired all sorts of competition, the third-generation 2019 CLS is just as striking. And while it remains a rarer sight on the road, the new CLS claims to lead among luxury cars with superior technology and powertrains.

Redesigned for 2023, the 7 Series is BMW's full-size flagship sedan, arch-rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and newcomers like the Genesis G90. For 2024, BMW has added the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 750e and lightly updated the infotainment system. Unfortunately, these additions don't change the 7 Series calculus. The 750e offers a boost in power and efficiency over the low-end 740i, but it costs more, has a disjointed driving personality, and quickly eats its electric charge. Despite the update, the car's digital systems remain frustratingly complex.

Verdict: The 2024 BMW 7 Series has lots to offer luxury buyers, including features like a rear-seat theatre and cashmere upholstery, plus performance and fuel efficiency that are often superior to most rivals, few of whom offer PHEV options. But the car's frustrating digital systems and controls undermine the experience.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.0L 362 hp I6
3.0L 375 hp I6
Drive Train
RWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
375 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
24
25
MPG Highway
31
31
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