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, performance, and prestige in the UAE, offering a significantly more powerful engine range and superior comfort features. However, the BMW 5 Series presents a compelling counter-argument as a far more accessible and fuel-efficient luxury sedan, making it the smarter choice for daily driving and budget-conscious luxury seekers.
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Price Comparison
Starting at275,000 AED699,900 – 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 Ultimate Luxury & Prestige

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the undisputed champion for those demanding uncompromised luxury, advanced technology, and a commanding presence on the road. Its opulent interior and powerful engines set it apart.

2

Best for Daily Driving & Value

The BMW 5 Series offers an excellent balance of luxury, performance, and practicality at a significantly lower entry price. It's the ideal choice for a premium daily driver in the UAE.

3

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

With engines ranging up to 612 hp and acceleration as quick as 4.4 seconds, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers exhilarating performance that the 5 Series simply cannot match.

4

Best for Fuel Efficiency

The BMW 5 Series, with its 1.9L engine achieving 6.1 L/100km, is the clear winner for fuel economy, offering considerable savings compared to the more powerful S-Class.

Pros & cons

BMW 5 Series

Pros

  • Significantly more affordable starting price
  • Superior fuel efficiency (6.1 L/100km)
  • Lighter kerb weight for agile handling
  • Good trunk capacity at 520 L
  • Practical 5-seat configuration

Cons

  • Lower power output and slower acceleration
  • Lacks the ultimate luxury and prestige of the S-Class
  • Rear-wheel drive only, no AWD option
  • Smaller overall dimensions

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Pros

  • Vastly superior engine power (up to 612 hp)
  • Much quicker acceleration (as low as 4.4 seconds)
  • Available with All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction
  • More luxurious and spacious interior (longer wheelbase options)
  • Higher top speed of 250 km/h

Cons

  • Significantly higher purchase price
  • Lower fuel economy (up to 13.3 L/100km)
  • Heavier kerb weight impacts agility
  • Larger size can be less convenient for city parking

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is undeniably more luxurious, positioning itself as a flagship sedan with superior materials, advanced technology, and comfort features that justify its significantly higher price point. The 5 Series offers luxury, but the S-Class takes it to another level, making it the choice for ultimate opulence.

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

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the clear winner for performance, offering a range of powerful engines up to 612 hp and achieving 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.4 seconds. The BMW 5 Series, while capable, has a maximum of 184 hp and a 7.9-second acceleration, making the S-Class far superior in raw power and speed.

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

The BMW 5 Series is considerably more fuel-efficient, boasting a combined fuel economy of 6.1 L/100km from its 1.9L engine. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class consumes between 7.8 and 13.3 L/100km depending on the engine, making the 5 Series the more economical choice for daily commutes.

What is the price difference between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the UAE?

There's a substantial price difference, with the BMW 5 Series starting at 275,000 AED. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, being a higher-segment luxury vehicle, starts at 699,900 AED and can go up to 1,300,900 AED for top trims. This makes the 5 Series a much more accessible luxury option.

Which car offers more space, the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class generally offers more interior space, especially for rear passengers, given its longer overall length (up to 5.5 m) and wheelbase options. While the BMW 5 Series is comfortable with its 5.0m length, the S-Class provides a more expansive and executive-level cabin experience.