2023 BMW 7 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year, following a complete makeover that was widely praised. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to make a strong case for the luxury sedan with its sleek and elegant design. The long distance between the front axle and the dashboard added to its elegance, while the proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament highlighted its prestigious lineage. Inside, the S-Class featured a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and a distinctive dashboard design. The 12.8-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel were separated, allowing each to occupy its own plane and enhancing the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a new design language with a bold front-end styling that included an oversized grille and split lighting elements. While initially polarizing, the design grew on some observers over time. The profile maintained the familiar 7 Series silhouette, and the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimal interior with a broad horizontal layout and a curved pane of dark glass housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of excellent quality, and the available light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery added a cozy feel. The rear seats offered a premium luxury experience, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a choice between two powertrains. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system added up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque during high-demand situations. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models offered smooth handling and powerful braking. Fuel efficiency for the S500 was rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 achieved 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series initially offered two powertrains. The base 740i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The 760i xDrive upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 760i xDrive provided a sporty driving experience with quick and fluid responses. The ride quality was slightly stiffer than the S-Class, but it offered sharper cornering and responsive steering in Sport mode. The 7 Series was designed for drivers who valued performance alongside comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The trunk provided 13.8 cubic feet of space, and the cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded the rear seats and included a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. The S-Class's soft-close doors prevented slamming, even if reaching them was challenging.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered power-operated doors, though they could be frustrating to use. Inside, the front seats were comfortable with plenty of adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers with ease. The lounge seating option added a reclining passenger-side rear seat with massage functions. A 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen folded down from the panoramic sunroof, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk provided 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly larger than the S-Class. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D Surround system for an immersive experience. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering added to the S-Class's technological prowess.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, the latest version of BMW's infotainment system. It could be operated via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, the menu structure was complex. Voice controls helped navigate the system, but they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theater screen had inconsistent touchscreen inputs, and the iDrive system felt less intuitive compared to previous versions and rival systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist enhanced safety. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared warning messages. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth acceleration and braking, and the highway driving assistant automated driving at speeds up to 85 mph. A level 3 automated driving system was planned for German and Chinese markets, with potential availability in the U.S.