BMW I7 vs Mercedes-Benz S450
What's the difference?

BMW I7

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2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz S450

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2021 price

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Rolls-Royce Spectre (bev)

Summary

2024 BMW I7

2021 Mercedes-Benz S450

By Laura Berry

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Superbly comfortable and easy to drive
31.3-inch display in the second row
Big battery gives 625km range

S-Class' return to splendour
Stunning high-tech cabin presentation
Outstanding ride and handling capabilities

Dislikes

Door release button can be accidentally bumped
Synthesized motor sounds and boost countdown
Illuminated crystal-effect dashboard trim

Price of entry prohibitive for most
3D instrumentation can make you woozy
A tad conservative in design

2024 BMW I7 Summary

It was always going to happen - an electric version of the BMW 7-Series - but how well does the i7 handle the limousine fundamentals - comfort, power, room and style?

Well, luxury transport has been missing one major component all these years and the i7 has it.

Let me explain...

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2021 Mercedes-Benz S450 Summary

It's only in the running for the title of world's best luxury car. No biggie here, then.

Like Rolex and Concorde, S-Class has become a byword for ultimate, and deserved or not, the Mercedes-Benz defines its segment despite the best efforts of the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS and (sadly now-defunct) Jaguar XJ, as well as pointing the way forward with new technologies that eventually trickle down to more proletarian models.

Replacing the half-million selling W222 unveiled in 2013, the W223 is the latest in a long line since the first W187 Ponton debuted in 1951, and includes the famous ‘Finnies' and Stroke-8 models that followed immediately afterwards, but it is the 1972 W116 that really set the template.

Now, seven generations in, the 2021 S-Class is all-new again, with progressive safety and interior features that should help keep it Australia's bestselling full-sized upper-luxury sedan.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW I7 2021 Mercedes-Benz S450

Verdict

The i7 xDrive60 M Sport is close to the perfect 7 Series. From the comfort of being driven in it, to the ease of driving it, even for hours on end.

The i7's range of 625km is outstanding for an electric vehicle, but a petrol powered 740i will get you about 900km on a full tank. How many kilometres a day will you cover? Do you have time and a way to charge the i7 daily if you do cover a lot of distance?

If driving range isn't an issue, the i7 will reward you with a smooth, effortless driving experience and your passengers will have a serene journey in luxurious, high-tech surroundings. Just don't bump the door release button accidentally!

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz set out to restore the S-Class' place amongst the greatest sedans in the world.

In the heavily-optioned, near-$250K-plus S450 as well as the extended S450L at $300K as tested (the sweet spot of the range for now), we reckon the Germans have succeeded, pushing safety, comfort and technology boundaries, in a package that is true to the heritage of the series.

Tax-fuelled sky-high prices will certainly keep the S-Class niche in Australia, but the car is more than good enough to dominate its tiny corner of the upper-large luxury car sphere.

The best new car in the world? We reckon it's highly likely. Mission accomplished, Mercedes.

BMW I7 vs Mercedes-Benz S450 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I7 vs Mercedes-Benz S450
What's the difference?