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Features Comparison: BMW 7-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS
| Model Year | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015 | 2015--2006-2013 | 2015--2006-2013 | 2015--2006-2013 |
| Model | 7-Series | 7-Series | 7-Series | 7-Series | 7-Series | 7-Series | CLS | CLS | CLS |
| Trim | 740Li | 740Ld | 750Li | ActiveHybrid 7 | 760Li | Alpina B7 | CLS400 | CLS550 | CLS63 AMG S |
| Engines | |||||||||
| Transmissions | |||||||||
| Drivetrains | |||||||||
| Tires | |||||||||
| Audio Systems | |||||||||
| Accessories | |||||||||
| Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value. | |||||||||
| Release latch by waving a foot beneath the bumper or a hand near a sensor. | |||||||||
| Pulls door tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort. | |||||||||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||||||
| Decklid can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||||||
| Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | |||||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||||||
| Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | |||||||||
| One-time charge for special order options | |||||||||
| Greatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade. | |||||||||
| Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors. | |||||||||
| Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors. Includes value of manual shades. | |||||||||
| Homelink. | |||||||||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||||||
| Rear disc brakes. | |||||||||
| If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | |||||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||||||
| Night vision system detects animals ahead of the car, then highlights them on the display. Some will also focus a light on the animal. | |||||||||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||||||
| Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking. | |||||||||
| If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking. | |||||||||
| Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to guide vehicle back into the original lane when detects that a lane change will cause a collision with a vehicle in the blind spot. | |||||||||
| Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | |||||||||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||||||
| Ceramic composite brake rotors. | |||||||||
| Adjusts seats and/or head restraints when sensors detect that the car is likely to be hit from the rear. Might also flash rear lights to warn approaching car. | |||||||||
| Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces. | |||||||||
| Warns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over. | |||||||||
| Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | |||||||||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes. | |||||||||
| Applies the brakes to reduce the severity of a likely collision due to wandering out of lane. | |||||||||
| Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | |||||||||
| Proactively helps keep the car centered inside a detected lane via steering assistance. | |||||||||
| Creates infrared-based image of the road ahead. | |||||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||||||
| Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car. | |||||||||
| Night vision system detects pedestrians ahead of the car, then highlights them on the display. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat | |||||||||
| Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | |||||||||
| Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||||||
| Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | |||||||||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||||||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||||||
| Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire. | |||||||||
| Uses the brakes to channel torque to the outside wheels and counteract understeer. Similar to stability control, but proactive, and acting to improve cornering performance rather than prevent loss of control. | |||||||||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||||||
| Additional features for stability control, such as performance calibration. | |||||||||
| Wide angle camera allows the driver to see well to each side from the very front of the car when pulling out of parking spaces or side streets. | |||||||||
| Cargo Management | |||||||||
| Above floor system for organizing cargo. | |||||||||
| Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | |||||||||
| Second-row center console that does not rise above the level of the seat cushions. | |||||||||
| Sack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior. | |||||||||
| Climate Control | |||||||||
| Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | |||||||||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||||
| Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||||||
| Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | |||||||||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | |||||||||
| Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | |||||||||
| Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | |||||||||
| Requires and does not include the value of rear air vents. | |||||||||
| Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||||||
| Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | |||||||||
| Heating elements defrost area where front wipers rest. | |||||||||
| Drivetrain | |||||||||
| When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction. | |||||||||
| Engine / Motor | |||||||||
| Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system. | |||||||||
| Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in. | |||||||||
| Smart alternator recharges battery only while braking, to improve fuel economy. | |||||||||
| Changes sound of exhaust and/or appearance of the tips. In some cases might slightly improve performance. | |||||||||
| Exterior | |||||||||
| Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. | |||||||||
| Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||||||
| Mirrored glass relects sun and thus heat away from the interior. | |||||||||
| Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering. | |||||||||
| Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering. | |||||||||
| Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |||||||||
| Infotainment | |||||||||
| Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | |||||||||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||||||
| Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||||||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||||||
| Includes CD player. | |||||||||
| CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player. | |||||||||
| Typically can help with hotel and restaurant reservations. | |||||||||
| Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | |||||||||
| A DVD player and two front headrest-mounted screens. | |||||||||
| Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs. | |||||||||
| High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | |||||||||
| Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | |||||||||
| Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||||||
| Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||||||
| Screen-based navigation system. | |||||||||
| Audio controls for rear seat passengers, usually to control output through headphone jacks. | |||||||||
| Access S Voice features of a Samsung Galaxy phone (III and up) using the car's voice controls. | |||||||||
| XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||||||
| XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | |||||||||
| SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | |||||||||
| Activate Siri using button on steering wheel. Make calls, hear and dictate texts and email, manage calendar, turn-by-turn nav. Requires iPhone 4S or higher. | |||||||||
| In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter. | |||||||||
| Converts text messages to speech. | |||||||||
| In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||||||
| In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||||||
| Dictate text for messages and/or emails. Annual fee. | |||||||||
| Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||||||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | |||||||||
| Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | |||||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||||||
| Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model. | |||||||||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||||||
| Based on input from a camera, individual lighting modules are dynamically and independently aimed and dimmed to produce the optimal light pattern for the situation, such as upcoming curves. | |||||||||
| Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| High beams automatically turned on and off. | |||||||||
| Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||||||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||||||
| Stopwatch, lap timer. Usually includes an analog clock. | |||||||||
| We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||||||
| Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||
| Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | |||||||||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||||||
| Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road. | |||||||||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||||||
| LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights. | |||||||||
| The information displayed by the instruments can be customized. Color display(s) of at least 20 square inches. | |||||||||
| Standard or optional in some hybrid vehicles. Fancy display of power flows, enhanced trip computer information. | |||||||||
| LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Front row reading lights. | |||||||||
| One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | |||||||||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | |||||||||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||||||
| Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | |||||||||
| Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability. | |||||||||
| Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | |||||||||
| Reports engine speed. | |||||||||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||||||
| Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||||||
| Seats and Interior Trim | |||||||||
| The outside seatback bolster automatically firms up in hard turns. | |||||||||
| Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together. | |||||||||
| Ceramic finish on some interior controls. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||||||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||||||
| Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||||
| Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||||||
| Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||||||
| Power lumbar, rollers, or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||||||
| Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | |||||||||
| Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | |||||||||
| Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||||
| Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||
| Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||||||
| The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part. | |||||||||
| The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back. | |||||||||
| The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back. | |||||||||
| Fold at press of a button on the instrument panel, to improve rearward visibility. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars. | |||||||||
| Synthetic suede steering wheel rim. | |||||||||
| No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||||||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||||||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||||||
| Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | |||||||||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||||||
| Motors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning. | |||||||||
| The steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors. | |||||||||
| Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting. | |||||||||
| Air springs automatically level the vehicle and enable manual adjustment of ride height. | |||||||||
| Same value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | |||||||||
| Air springs maintain the rear ride height. | |||||||||
| The rear wheels steer to improve steering responsiveness at high speeds and reduce the turning circle at low speeds. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||||||
| Transmission | |||||||||
| Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | |||||||||
| Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. | |||||||||
Option Package Contents
All-season 19-inch tires
Summer 19-inch tires
Executive Package
Cold Weather Package
M Sport Edition
Driver Assistance Plus
M Sport Package
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Multicontour seats
Individual Composition
Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather
All-season 19-inch tires
Summer 19-inch tires
Executive Package
Cold Weather Package
M Sport Edition
Driver Assistance Plus
Individual Composition
M Sport Package
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Multicontour seats
Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather
Summer 19-inch tires
Cold Weather Package
Executive Package
Driver Assistance Plus
M Sport Edition
M Sport Package
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Individual Composition
Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather
All-season 19-inch tires
Summer 19-inch tires
Executive Package
Cold Weather Package
M Sport Edition
Driver Assistance Plus
Individual Composition
M Sport Package
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Multicontour seats
Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather
All-season 19-inch tires
Driver Assistance Plus
M Sport Edition
Summer 19-inch tires
Individual Composition
M Sport Package
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Driver Assistance Plus
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Enhanced USB and Smartphone Integration
Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather
Premium 1 Package
Driver Assistance Package
Parking Assist Package
Premium 2 Package
Driver Assistance Package
Multimedia Package
Adaptive multicontour driver seat
AMG Line
Driver Assistance Package
Premium 1 Package
Parking Assist Package
Premium 2 Package
Driver Assistance Package
Adaptive multicontour driver seat
AMG Line
Driver Assistance Package
Premium 1 Package
Driver Assistance Package
Exterior Carbon Fiber Package
Adaptive multicontour driver seat
See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.
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