BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW 5 Series⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz S-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦BMW 5 Series⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz S-Class⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class ultimately wins for buyers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, advanced technology, and formidable performance in the UAE, especially in its higher-end trims. However, the BMW 5 Series presents a highly compelling alternative, offering a superb balance of premium features, enjoyable driving dynamics, and superior fuel efficiency at a significantly more accessible price point.
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Price Comparison
Starting at249,000 AED599,000 – 1,300,900 AED
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,999 – 5,980 cc · 6 – 12 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 hp367 – 612 hp
Torque (Nm)290 Nm500 – 900 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.9 s4.4 – 5.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)235 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)6.1 L/100km7.8 – 13.3 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity70 L65 – 76 L
Gears89
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.1 m × 1.5 m5.3 / 5.5 m × 1.9 / 2.1 m × 1.5 / 1.5 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m3.1 / 3.2 / 3.4 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,670 kg1,940 – 2,275 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)520 L495 – 550 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats4 / 5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive SteeringAirbagsAluminum WheelsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBluetoothBody Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored MirrorsCargo Area LightCD PlayerCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCollision DetectionCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsFire ExtinguisherFog Lamps - Front OnlyFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFrameless DoorsFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHeadlight WashersInternet ConnectivityKeyless EntryLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsMP3Multi-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRadioRear AC VentsSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSensorSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTiptronic GearsTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWireless Headphones
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)Air ConditioningAirbagsAll-Wheel SteeringAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody KItBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCooled SeatsCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDifferential LockDigital ClockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDVDDVD PlayerDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeEmergency Brake AssistFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent Emergency CallIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMagnesium Paddle ShiftersMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresRunning BoardScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTailgate with HatchTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Unrivaled Luxury

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the undisputed champion for those demanding the absolute best in automotive luxury, offering a more opulent cabin, advanced comfort features, and a greater sense of prestige.

2

Best for Daily Driving & Value

The BMW 5 Series is ideal for everyday use, providing a premium experience, engaging drive, and excellent fuel economy (6.1 L/100km) at a starting price of 275,000 AED, making it a stronger value proposition.

3

Best for Raw Performance

For sheer power and acceleration, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes the lead, with engine options delivering up to 612 hp and a 0-100 km/h sprint as quick as 4.4 seconds, far surpassing the 5 Series' 184 hp.

4

Best for Fuel Efficiency

The BMW 5 Series is the clear winner for fuel economy, consuming just 6.1 L/100km. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with its larger engines, has a higher consumption, ranging up to 13.3 L/100km.

Pros & cons

BMW 5 Series

Pros

  • Significantly more affordable starting price (275,000 AED)
  • Superior fuel efficiency (6.1 L/100km)
  • Agile handling due to lighter kerb weight (1,670 kg)
  • Generous trunk capacity (520 L)

Cons

  • Less powerful engine options (max 184 hp)
  • No All-Wheel Drive option listed (Rear Wheel Drive only)
  • Lower top speed (235 km/h)
  • Fewer cylinder and engine size configurations

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Pros

  • Exceptional power and acceleration (up to 612 hp, 4.4s 0-100 km/h)
  • Broader range of engine options (up to 12 cylinders)
  • More luxurious and spacious cabin with longer wheelbase options
  • Advanced All-Wheel Drive system available
  • Higher top speed (250 km/h)

Cons

  • Substantially higher starting price (from 699,900 AED)
  • Higher fuel consumption (up to 13.3 L/100km)
  • Heavier kerb weight (up to 2,275 kg)
  • Potentially less nimble in urban environments due to larger size

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class better for luxury in the UAE?

While both offer premium experiences, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sets the benchmark for ultimate luxury, with more advanced features, superior materials, and a more expansive cabin. For those prioritizing an opulent ride and cutting-edge comfort, the S-Class is the definitive choice.

Which car offers better performance, the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class clearly wins in performance, offering engine options up to 612 hp and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.4 seconds. The BMW 5 Series, with its 184 hp engine, provides competent performance for daily driving but cannot match the S-Class's raw power and speed.

Which is more fuel-efficient, the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The BMW 5 Series is significantly more fuel-efficient, with a consumption rate of 6.1 L/100km. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, especially with its larger engines, has a higher fuel consumption, ranging up to 13.3 L/100km. For better economy, the 5 Series is the superior option.

How do the prices of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class compare in the UAE?

There's a substantial price difference. The BMW 5 Series starts at 275,000 AED, offering accessible luxury. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class begins at 699,900 AED and can go up to 1,300,900 AED for top trims, positioning it as a much more exclusive and premium offering.