BMW 5-series vs Mercedes Benz E-class

The BMW 5-series is currently the car to buy if you are looking for a powerful diesel luxury saloon; it did after all beat the Audi A6 in the AUTO BILD INDIA comparison test a few issues back. Back then, we had left out the Mercedes E-class, because the new generation car was due.

The new E-class is now out, but instead of getting the smaller and more efficient E250CDI powered by twin turbos, Mercedes-Benz has decided to take the capacity route to take on the BMW. Under the bonnet then is a 3-litre V6 diesel engine. So how does it compare to the 530d? Let’s find out…

BMW's cabin is well put together and is more driver focused. It does need a slight redesign nonetheless

There’s no doubt that the E-class is the better looking car of the two, both inside and out. It has more road presence; the ridges on the hood, the strong shoulder line and the chiselled and flared haunches, not to mention the limousine like stance draw stares in its direction. The BMW in comparison looks a lot less adventurous. It is an older generation car and it clearly shows in its relatively bland styling.

The same holds true for the insides though not everything about the 5’s cabin is boring; it has a great set of clocks, a sculpture for the gear shifter and the latest generation iDrive system, which is not only more comprehensive and user friendly than the Mercedes’ system, but a lot more high tech to view as well. The insides of the 5-series are also well put together, plush and ergonomically sound.

The only problem is; the Mercedes is better. The E’s design for the dash is more tasteful, the quality of plastics all round look and feel richer, and the various switches and knobs feel tauter in operation. Overall, the E’s insides have a sense of occasion that’s missing on the BMW; the latter’s more functional while the E is more embellished. To top it all, the stowage management is better on the Mercedes as well.

The BMW though, and we know it might sound a little odd given the different focus areas of the two cars, is quite comfortable to travel in. To begin with, it has softer, more accommodating front seats and ones with adequate support. One feels immediately at home in the BMW while in the Mercedes, the seats which are firmer and oddly bolstered, specifically for the lower back area, take time getting used to. Also, the placement of floor pedals feels more natural on the 5-series compared to the slightly raised pedals on the E.

At the rear too, the E’s seats are firmer and flatter. These aren’t uncomfortable, but the BMW’s are better countered and more couch like. One does however, sit low on the 5, which takes away from the feeling of airiness.

New E-class interiors are most tastefully executed. Display screen looks basic though and clock design is typically Mercedes

Surprisingly, the 5 rides nearly as well as the E-class at slower city speeds. The new E’s suspension setup is stiffer than the car it replaces and the latest 5-series seems to have lost some of its lumpiness, even though it still runs runflat tyres.

Both cars, even though a tad noisy over broken tarmac, have good absorption ability and neither sends a rude jolt to its occupants, no matter what the road might throw up. The differences however, begin to show up as the speeds rise. The E-class feels surer, more absorbent and relaxed over poor surfaces at speed. The BMW on the other hand feels skittish and gives in to deeper potholes sooner, which thud through with some vigour.

The upside of the slightly stiffer setup on the 5, is better handling. It feels tauter, more alert and talkative and as a result inspires more confi dence close to the limit. It has a sharper, more predictable turn in and a flatter cornering stance in its favour as well.

There’s comparatively more guess work involved when driving the E. Like the BMW, it has a quick steering, but the steering is lighter and less communicative. The car also feels more reluctant and nervous handling quick direction changes. In a straight line though, the E matches up with the BMW quite well. Both cars are beautifully composed and the E’s steering doesn’t feel all that light either.

BMW 5-series The 3-litre inline diesel, coupled to a more responsive automatic gearbox, is the better drivetrain in this comparison test

The 530d and the E350CDI are also great examples of how far diesel technology has progressed. These engines are refined, easy revving and besides mountains of torque, these also pack in a good deal of horsepower. The end result is fairly quick 0-100kmph acceleration times (both take about 7 seconds) and a top speed nearing 250kmph (limited in the Merc’s case). Driveability again, be it in kickdown or otherwise, never leaves you wanting for drive.

If we had to choose though, we’d take the inline six cylinder 3-litre of the BMW, mostly because of the quicker response and more precise 6-speed automatic it is coupled to. The Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic, like we have said in the past, is slow and leaves you wanting on a number of occasions. And even though it does get steering mounted paddle shifters for a sporty feel, the 'box itself fails to convey that on the move.diesel technology has progressed. These engines are refined, easy revving and besides mountains of torque, these also pack in a good deal of horsepower. The end result is fairly quick 0-100kmph acceleration times (both take about 7 seconds) and a top speed nearing 250kmph (limited in the Merc’s case). Driveability again, be it in kickdown or otherwise, never leaves you wanting for drive.

Mercedes Benz E-class V6 on the E is actually a 3-litre engine and not a 3.5-litre as the badging suggests. It is less powerful but churns out more torquep>

If we had to choose though, we’d take the inline six cylinder engine of the BMW, mostly because of its quicker response, and the more precise 6-speed automatic it is coupled to. The Merc's 7-speed automatic is relatively slower and leaves you wanting on a number of occasions. And even though the E does get steering mounted paddle shifters for a sporty feel, the 'box itself fails to convey that on the move.

BMW 5-series- The 5-series finishes a close second but remains the handling champion in this class.

Mercedes Benz E-class- The Mercedes E350CDI is our new champion in the powerful diesel luxury sedan segment.

Scorecard

Body: There might be little to choose between the Mercedes and the BMW in terms of front room, but the 5-series is more spacious at the rear. However, thanks to the rear occupants sitting much lower than in the E-class, the latter feels airier. The look and feel of materials on the inside of the E have a richer feel to them as well. It also scores a little more on safety.

Drive: If it were just performance we were looking at, the BMW would comfortably win. It's slightly quicker, but more importantly, it's more fuel efficient. It also feels better to drive, thanks in no small measure, to the 6-speed auto which is more fun to use than the 7-speed 'box of the Merc. Otherwise, both cars are nearly identical in almost every respect.

Comfort: Ride quality of the cars is pretty similar at slower speeds. But as speeds rise, the Merc clearly feels more competent. In terms of handling, BMW is still the king. It's both composed and fun to drive and brings out the boy racer in you, involuntarily. Operability, be it the working of various knobs or their placement, is better on the E.

Dynamics: The dynamic ability of the two cars is almost level. The BMW has better steering response but the E-class is more manoeuvrable, thanks to a light steering. It also manages a shorter braking distance in the 80-0kmph run. Straight line stability though is at par for both cars.

Cost: There's just about a lakh rupees difference in the pricing of the two cars. But the Mercedes will have better resale. However, with Mercedes offering an additional year in warranty, free of cost till the end of the year, really swings the cost advantage in the Eclass' favour.

Verdict

The new E-class is our winner. It looks better, has a higher wellness coeffi cient, and exudes better quality. It's also only a lakh or so more expensive. But, the fi ght was a close one thanks to the 530d's attributes like better handling, steering feel, fuel economy and comfi er seats. So, don’t write off the 5 just yet; different engines could well yield a different winner.