When it comes to V8 engines, it seems like choosing between BMW and Mercedes-Benz might be a tricky thing to do. When it comes to the latter and the S-Class range, the S560 now comes with a new engine, sharing some of its underpinnings with the 4-liter twin-turbo mill from the new S63 AMG model. That leaves the BMW 750i somewhat behind, as it is using an older engine, in the shape of the N63 4.4-liter V8.

The 7 Series is also due for a facelift next year and when the new model arrives, you can expect an upgrade in the engine bay as well. If our sources are correct, the same engine used on the G30 M550i model will be used, the most powerful incarnation of the N63 mill launched so far. It will be making some 465 HP which will bring it within hitting range of the S560’s 469 HP. At the moment, the 750i has 450 HP and 650 Nm of torque at its disposal, a bit short compared to the 700 Nm of the Merc.

Even so, in the video below things aren’t exactly going down as you’d expect. On paper, the S-Class is the faster car of the two. It will do 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in 4.6 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). On the other hand, the BMW 750i will do the same sprint in 4.7 seconds and reach the same limited top speed.

However, while figures on paper might offer a slight glimpse into how fast a car truly is, the video shows a different picture. Sure, the cars were most likely tested on different days and different weather conditions but even so, considering the fact that the BMW is the older model and it comes with less power, I have to admit I’m impressed with its performance. Outrunning a Mercedes-Benz S560 is not easy feat to pull off.