2023 BMW 7 Series vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, marking a significant departure from previous models. Its front-end styling featured an oversized beveled grille and split lighting elements, which initially seemed jarring but grew on observers over time. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, with a long hood and extended wheelbase, while the rear end offered a more conventional design with distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimal interior, highlighted by a broad horizontal layout and a curved pane of dark glass housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials used were of premium quality, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy feel. The rear seats, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, provided a luxurious experience akin to business class on an airline.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced a more timeless design with softly rounded forms and bold detailing. It featured a star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination, complemented by a sweep of chrome defining the roofline. The E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, with prices starting at $62,300. The interior of the E-Class was a blend of classic luxury and high-tech modernism, with Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel stretching across the dashboard. The E-Class offered a plush and comfortable ride, with an active ambient lighting system and attractive wood with aluminum inlays on the center console. Despite lacking the Multicontour Seating Package, the E-Class provided a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains initially. The base 740i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It was capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The 760i xDrive, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 7 Series was known for its sporty handling, slightly stiffer ride quality, and responsive steering, making it an excellent choice for drivers who valued performance alongside comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with two engine options. The E 350 4Matic had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The E 450 4Matic offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The E-Class excelled in providing a comfortable and quiet ride, with the Airmatic Package enhancing its ability to glide across road surfaces. While not a sports sedan, the E-Class offered a soothing and luxurious driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, which could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were generously padded and offered numerous power adjustments, while the rear seats provided ample space for tall passengers. The lounge seating option added a reclining passenger-side rear seat with massage functions. The 7 Series also included a 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen, although its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal effects.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided comfortable front seats with options for MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather. The rear seats offered good leg support and a tall riding position, though entering and exiting could be challenging due to intrusive rear wheel wells. The E-Class boasted practical storage solutions, including sizable door pockets and a roomy center console bin. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating full-size suitcases stored on their sides.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came equipped with iDrive 8, BMW's latest infotainment system. It could be operated via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, the system became complicated when accessing deeper menus. Voice controls helped mitigate this complexity, but they interrupted music or podcasts. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. However, the iDrive system felt bloated and less intuitive compared to previous iterations.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented video technology, and the ability to save up to 800 different vehicle settings. The MBUX technology was intuitive and responsive, with a digital voice assistant that was more conversational than before. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the front-seat passenger and a video camera for conference calls.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came with standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway driving assistant reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 15 additional technologies for $1,950. This package included upgraded Pre-Safe features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping systems. The ADAS worked well, though the lane-centering assist technology allowed a wider driving line on curves. The Automatic Lane Change function was useful but could be turned off if desired. The Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation systems could be liabilities in fast-flowing traffic but were also optional.