VS
At a Glance
Power
717hp @ 5600
496hp @ 5500
Torque
738lb-ft @ 1800
516lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
13 MPG Combined / 25 Range
22 mpg est.
Engine
4.4 L/268ci
4.0 L/243ci
Choosing between the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW M5 delivers 717hp @ 5600 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 496hp @ 5500. On fuel, the M5 returns 13 MPG Combined / 25 Range while the S-Class uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $121,500 for the M5 and $119,550 for the S-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW M5Touring 2025 - From $121,500
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 580 4MATIC Sedan 2026 - From $119,550
Performance
Power Output (hp)
717hp @ 5600
496hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
738lb-ft @ 1800
516lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.4 L/268ci
4.0 L/243ci
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
Plug-In Hybrid
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - Combined (mpg)
13 MPG Combined / 25 Range
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
17mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
20gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.6in
209.5in
Width (in)
77.6in
76.9in
Height (in)
59.7in
59.2in
Wheelbase (in)
118.3in
126.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5530lbs
4795lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
S-Class
Value
S-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW M5
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Lower starting price ($119,550)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M5 or S-Class?
The M5 gets 13 MPG Combined / 25 Range and the S-Class gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The S-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the M5 or S-Class?
The M5 produces 717hp @ 5600 and 738lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the S-Class delivers 496hp @ 5500 and 516lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The M5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M5 and S-Class?
The M5 starts from $121,500 and the S-Class from $119,550. The S-Class is cheaper by $1,950 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the M5 or the S-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.