Compare the2024 BMW 8 SeriesVS 2023 Mercedes AMG E-Class Cabriolet

The BMW 8 Series has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The 8 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The 8 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG E-Class Cabriolet.

Both the 8 Series and the AMG E-Class Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The 8 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 8 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG E-Class Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 8 Series first among large premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

The M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 94 more horsepower (523 vs. 429) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 384) than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the 8 Series Convertible gets better mileage than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet:

The 8 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 8 Series’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG E-Class Cabriolet:

The 8 Series M850i has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The M850i offers an available active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mercedes doesn’t offer an active suspension on the AMG E-Class Cabriolet.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 8 Series is 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the AMG E-Class Cabriolet.

For better maneuverability, the 8 Series’ turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet’s (38.2 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The 8 Series xDrive’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet’s (39 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The BMW 8 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 700 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG E-Class Cabriolet.

The front grille of the 8 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 8 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet with its top down (12.4 vs. 7.5 cubic feet). The 8 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk than the AMG E-Class Cabriolet with its top up (12.4 vs. 9.5 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the 8 Series’ rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the 8 Series has a standard power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a power trunk, so its trunk has to be closed manually.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

The 8 Series is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG E-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.