Video comparison – BMW i7 vs Mercedes EQS: heavyweight duel
BMW has made a choice that contrasts with its rival Mercedes. While the latter offers a very different S-Class and EQS in terms of design, the new i7 is a 7 Series, with an electric motor.
In fact, the seventh generation Series 7 will first be offered in its electric variant before enriching its offering with internal combustion engines and rechargeable hybrids. At Mercedes the approach is different. The star brand chose to separate the designs. The EQS is not just an electrical derivative of the S-Class. It has its own platform and architecture. On the other hand, there is only one 7 Series. BMW has chosen to offer a long version that stretches over 5.39 m against 5.22 m for the EQS.
For its first electric luxury limousine, BMW doesn’t want to rush a clientele consisting of big bosses and heads of state. The electric variant is therefore identical to its thermal alter ego. It includes key developments such as the double XXL bean light (optional) and the two-level light, which can benefit from the Swarowzki crystal projector, the equivalent of the Digital light in the Mercedes.
The EQS design is thought above all for aerodynamics. The general appearance of the limousine is closer to a sedan-coupe than a three-volume sedan like its rival. Specific rims with deflectors, retractable door handles and optimized shields allow the vehicle to exhibit higher air penetration than the BMW i7 (CX * Mercedes EQS: 0.20 / CX BMW i7: 0.24). A key factor in maximizing efficiency.
Practicality: limousine versus large sedan
On board, the two jewels of the automotive industry offer the best of today in terms of luxury and technology. As proof, the experience starts on the outside as these two cars are equipped with motorized doors that you unlock with your smartphone. From the beginning EQS has been doing the show with “Hyperscreen”. A fully digital dashboard. Unheard of in the history of the car in a production series. The driver and his passengers can take advantage of all the features the car has to offer. The i7’s interior is more sensible. There is no avalanche of screens, there are two, in a row. This new arrangement made it possible to incorporate almost invisible aerators.
The best way to appreciate a limousine is to sit in the back seats. And there, the two competitors come to blows, both offering comfortable, massaged and heated business seats as well as an individual control system. A central tablet on the Mercedes and screens on the handles on the BMW. The EQS offers classic screens placed in the headrests while the BMW diverges with a large screen, called a theater, that extends from the roof to immerse passengers in the immersion. This television integrates Amazon Fire TV, which will host, among other things, your subscriptions such as Netflix.
From a practical point of view, the EQS stands out with a better habitability/size ratio. It certainly offers less legroom than the i7, but it optimizes the volume of the trunk despite its 20 centimeters less.
Budget: €20,000 difference
Exclusive item, exclusive value. It will take a 6-figure investment to offer you the services of one of these two cars. Exactly €146,850 for the BMW i7 Xdrive 60 M Sport and €166,900 for the Mercedes EQS 580 4Matic AMG with equivalent finish and engine. Budget level, the Bavarian is leaving.
Price/utility ratio: a far EQS
The same goes for the price/utility ratio. Despite a higher standard equipment endowment compared to an I7 that regularly invites you to dip into the options catalogue, the EQS can’t make up for the price difference of more than €20,000.
*aerodynamic coefficient
