{"id":240286,"date":"2023-09-30T11:49:27","date_gmt":"2023-09-30T11:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=240286"},"modified":"2023-09-30T11:49:27","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T11:49:27","slug":"bmw-7-series-vs-mercedes-s-class-2023-twin-test-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/car-reviews\/bmw-7-series-vs-mercedes-s-class-2023-twin-test-review\/","title":{"rendered":"BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes S-Class: 2023 twin test review"},"content":{"rendered":"

We stretch out in the new BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class to find a luxury champ<\/h2>\n


\n<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re splashing out on a luxury limo, where should your cash go? BMW and Mercedes believe they both have the answer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From the smallest X1 to the chunky iX EV, BMW is on something of a roll at the moment, and the new 7 Series shows huge promise. In this head to head, we\u2019re trying\u00a0it out with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, its rival is certain to be a very stern opponent. The Mercedes S-Class has frequently laid claim to the title of being the world\u2019s best car, and previous contests between these two have often seen the three-pointed star rising to the top.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The S 580 e has some deeply impressive attributes, so the M760e will need to have channelled some of BMW\u2019s finest engineering know-how to help it come out on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/td>\n\n

BMW M760e xDrive<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Mercedes S580 e L AMG Line Premium Plus Executive<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Price:<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a3119,305<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a3121,295<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Powertrain:<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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3.0-litre 6cyl in-line turbo, e-motor \/ 563bhp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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3.0-litre 6cyl in-line turbo, e-motor \/ 510bhp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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0-62mph:<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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4.3 seconds<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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5.2 seconds<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Test efficiency:<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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34.1mpg \/ 7.5mpl<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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36.3mpg \/ 8.0mpl<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Official CO2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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25g\/km<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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16g\/km<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Annual VED:<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a3560<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a3560<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

BMW 7 Series<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

As standard, the M760e xDrive is loaded with the best tech that BMW can throw at its range-topping saloon, so it comes with a hefty price tag to match. In addition, our car featured the \u00a323,000 Ultimate Pack, which takes the total to \u00a3144,905. The S-Class tested here is in top-spec Premium Plus Executive trim, and aside from one or two colour and upholstery options, the \u00a3121,295 you see is what you\u2019ll pay.<\/p>\n

Tech highlights\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Even when compared with its sizeable predecessor, the seventh-generation 7 Series has grown a little larger. At 5,391mm, it\u2019s 130mm longer, plus it\u2019s 48mm wider and 5mm taller, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the car\u2019s overall size has increased, the engine capacities have shrunk. There will be no V12 engine options in this G70 version of the\u00a07 Series, so smoothness and silence instead come in the form of the all-electric i7. The other powertrains currently available to UK buyers take a half-and-half approach. In this top-spec M760e, a six-cylinder petrol engine is combined with an electric motor. Together, they produce 563bhp and 800Nm of torque \u2013 still a huge figure to propel a car with a significant 2.5-tonne kerbweight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Up to 48 miles of EV-only driving is possible, thanks to a 22.1kWh battery, while the electric motor itself offers up a fairly generous 194bhp\u00a0and 450Nm on its own. That motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox, and drive is sent to all four wheels.<\/p>\n

Safety:<\/strong> Automated driving systems enable the 7 Series to steer within its lane (by monitoring both road markings and vehicles ahead) and keep its distance from other traffic. For the benefit of German autobahn users, this functions works at speeds up to 130mph.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On the road<\/h2>\n

The impressive level of comfort and refinement in a car of this size is almost taken for granted, so for the 7 Series to also feel competent in corners comes as a big surprise.<\/p>\n

Around town:<\/strong> In fully electric mode, the M760e\u2019s powertrain is wonderfully smooth\u00a0and easy to modulate. The feel through the brake pedal is natural and progressive, which helps the driver to bring the car to an easy halt.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ride comfort is fantastic, too, and on the rare occasion that the distant thud of a pothole reaches the cabin, the noise is exceptionally well insulated.<\/p>\n


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Ownership<\/h2>\n

Sit in the driver\u2019s seat, and the contemporary look, superb build quality and hi-tech surroundings are immediately apparent. The front seats are sumptuous and there\u2019s a wide range of adjustment available, but we found the level of the dashboard line quite high, which means you need to raise the front seat more than you might expect to ensure decent visibility.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s in the back where many owners will be spending their time, and here the 7 Series is spectacular. A small touchscreen display is installed within both door panels, which lets each occupant adjust climate, seating and infotainment controls. In the case of our test car, that also includes the BMW Theatre screen. A 31.3-inch\u00a08k touchscreen smoothly folds out from the headlining (in sync with the electric rear blinds closing for the full cinema experience) and boots up to present a device that runs Amazon\u2019s Fire TV.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The screen\u2019s resolution is razor sharp, and it can be positioned either close to the occupants\u00a0in order to easily confirm selections on the touchscreen, or further away to make the most\u00a0of viewing films and television shows.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sound is catered for by UK firm Bowers & Wilkins. There are two systems to choose from; the standard version has 18 speakers and a 655-Watt output, while the uprated system (fitted to our test car as part of the Ultimate Pack) doubles the speaker count and lifts power to 1,965 Watts.<\/p>\n

Storage:<\/strong> A huge glovebox, deep door bins front and rear, and generous storage under the central armrests for both rows mean that there\u2019s plenty of room for hiding away a variety of items inside. In the rear, a pair of cup-holders slide out from within the central armrest, and a couple of USB-C ports sit inside its cubby. The optional Travel and Comfort System adds a pair of tablet holders for rear-seat passengers, plus an extra USB-C port for each.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Practicality<\/h2>\n

The latest 7 Series is certainly opulent up front, but it\u2019s even more impressive for those people who are lucky enough to be sitting in the back.<\/p>\n

Rear space:<\/strong> Predictably, rear-seat space and comfort are brilliant in the 7 Series. Headroom and kneeroom are both plentiful, and the seats themselves are wide and soft. Buyers who plan to be driven, rather than drive, will certainly feel like they\u2019re getting their money\u2019s worth with the BMW limousine.<\/p>\n

Boot:<\/strong> On paper, the German model\u2019s 525-litre boot volume seems impressive. However, it\u2019s quite an awkward shape. Most of the load bay\u2019s capacity is achieved in its length \u2013 it measures 1,130mm\u00a0from the back seats to the boot lip \u2013 but with a narrow opening and steps in the boot floor itself, it\u2019s not an easy space to exploit when carrying luggage.<\/p>\n

What to buy?<\/h2>\n

Which engine and trim we\u2019d choose<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n