BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes E-Class: A Positive Guide to Choosing the Best Luxury Sedan for You

The battle between the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been going on for decades, with both German giants consistently delivering some of the best midsize luxury sedans in the market. If you're stuck deciding between these two icons, you're not alone. This article breaks down the key aspects of each car and highlights their strengths and drawbacks to help you make a more informed decision.

BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class are both powerhouses of the luxury sedan market. Each brand offers a driving experience that blends comfort, performance, and advanced technology. However, they cater to slightly different preferences. In this guide, we'll walk through a detailed comparison, looking at design, performance, technology, pricing, and practicality, all while making sure we don't get too bogged down in technical jargon.

Let's dive in!

Design and Exterior: Aesthetic Showdown

When it comes to design, the choice between the 5 Series and E-Class can be very personal. Both vehicles have undergone recent redesigns that stay true to their respective brand identities. So which one looks better? That depends on your style.

BMW 5 Series Design

The BMW 5 Series has always leaned towards a sportier, aggressive look, and the current generation continues this tradition. The kidney grille dominates the front fascia but has not reached the gargantuan proportions seen in other BMW models like the 7 Series or X7. The sharp headlights and clean lines give it a very modern, almost aggressive stance, hinting at its sporty nature.

• Pros:
  • Sporty appeal: The 5 Series looks fast even when parked. Its athletic design is perfect for those who appreciate performance and dynamism in their car's appearance.
  • Aerodynamic and sleek: Every curve on the 5 Series feels purposeful, contributing to its performance-focused engineering.
• Cons:
  • Conservative evolution: Some might argue that BMW plays it safe with the 5 Series design, which, while elegant, lacks the boldness to make heads turn like it used to.
  • Grille size controversy: While not as big as in other BMWs, the larger kidney grille has been divisive among fans.

Mercedes E-Class Design

On the other hand, the Mercedes E-Class focuses more on a refined, elegant look. The E-Class sedan is the epitome of sophistication, with flowing lines and a classic silhouette that screams luxury. The front fascia is dominated by the tri-point star logo and a sleek grille that lends the car an understated yet commanding presence.

• Pros:

  • Timeless elegance: If you prefer a more classic and refined design, the E-Class has the edge.
  • LED Lighting: The multi-beam LED headlamps and taillights not only look futuristic but also provide excellent visibility at night.

• Cons:

  • Understated for some: The E-Class’s traditional look might not appeal to younger drivers or those wanting a more aggressive, modern aesthetic.
  • Ageing design elements: Some reviewers feel that certain design elements, like the rear fascia, haven’t evolved as much as the competition.

Summary of Design

If you're after a sporty and modern look, the 5 Series edges ahead. However, if classic luxury is more your style, the E-Class will suit you better.

Interior and Comfort: German Engineering at Its Finest

When it comes to interior comfort, both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class excel but in slightly different ways. Mercedes is often lauded for its luxurious interiors, while BMW focuses more on driver engagement.

BMW 5 Series Interior

Stepping inside the 5 Series, you're greeted with a driver-focused cockpit that prioritizes ergonomics. The materials are premium but don’t scream opulence the way a Mercedes might. BMW is all about understated luxury, and that reflects in the 5 Series' cabin. Everything feels solid and built to last.

• Pros:

  • Driver-focused cockpit: The 5 Series makes you feel connected to the car with its intuitive layout and easy-to-reach controls.
  • Premium materials: High-quality leather, soft-touch plastics, and wood or aluminum trims ensure a luxury feel.
  • Comfortable seating: BMW seats offer excellent support, particularly for long drives, thanks to multi-way power adjustability and memory functions.

• Cons:

  • Less flashy: Compared to the E-Class, the 5 Series interior is more subdued, which might not impress passengers seeking luxury over sportiness.
  • Infotainment complexity: While BMW’s iDrive system is highly capable, it can be a bit tricky to master for first-time users.

Mercedes E-Class Interior

The Mercedes E-Class cabin is where the brand’s reputation for luxury truly shines. From the moment you sit inside, you're enveloped in high-end materials, ambient lighting, and a design that’s both elegant and comfortable. The dashboard is dominated by two large screens that blend seamlessly into the design.

• Pros:

  • High-end materials and design: Every surface feels luxurious, with supple leather, polished wood, and brushed metal.
  • Technology integration: The dual-screen setup and MBUX infotainment system are incredibly intuitive, and the voice control feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.
  • Comfort is key: The E-Class offers excellent rear seat space, making it a better option for those who frequently have passengers.

• Cons:

  • Overly reliant on tech: Some drivers might find Mercedes' over-reliance on touch controls a bit distracting while driving.
  • Slightly more cramped for drivers: While rear-seat passengers enjoy more space, the driver’s seat in the E-Class can feel more snug compared to the 5 Series.

Performance: Thrills vs Comfort

When it comes to performance, both sedans offer a variety of powertrains that suit different types of drivers. But there are clear differences in how they handle and feel on the road.

BMW 5 Series Performance

Performance has always been BMW’s forte, and the 5 Series doesn’t disappoint. With engines ranging from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four to a beastly twin-turbo V8 in the M5, there’s a 5 Series for every driver.

• Pros:

  • Engaging handling: Even in the less powerful variants, the 5 Series feels more connected to the road than most rivals.
  • Variety of engines: Whether you're looking for fuel efficiency or all-out power, there’s a wide range of engine options to choose from.
  • All-wheel drive (xDrive): For those living in areas with harsh winters, the 5 Series offers excellent traction and control with its xDrive system.

• Cons:

  • Harsh ride: The sportier setup might lead to a stiffer ride, which could be uncomfortable on rougher roads.
  • Overly sporty for some: The 5 Series prioritizes driving pleasure, which might make it feel too stiff or aggressive for those wanting a softer, more comfortable ride.

Mercedes E-Class Performance

The E-Class focuses more on comfort and refinement. However, Mercedes isn’t one to be left behind in the performance department. With engines ranging from a modest inline-four to a fire-breathing V8 in the AMG E63, there’s plenty of variety here as well.

• Pros:

  • Comfortable ride: Even in its sportier trims, the E-Class manages to smooth out most road imperfections.
  • Balanced driving dynamics: While not as razor-sharp as the 5 Series, the E-Class is still a competent performer, particularly with its optional air suspension.
  • Engine refinement: Mercedes engines are incredibly smooth, particularly in the inline-six variants.

• Cons:

  • Less engaging: The E-Class doesn’t handle as sharply as the 5 Series, which might disappoint driving enthusiasts.
  • Heavier: The E-Class feels heavier on the road, which impacts its nimbleness compared to the more athletic 5 Series.

Technology: Battle of the Screens

Both BMW and Mercedes have been pushing the envelope when it comes to in-car technology. In recent years, technology has become a major battleground in the luxury sedan segment.

BMW 5 Series Technology

The 5 Series features BMW's iDrive system, which remains one of the most intuitive in the business, despite its complexity. The latest generation of iDrive includes a touchscreen, gesture controls, and voice commands.

• Pros:

  • iDrive: This is a powerful and versatile infotainment system that gives you a lot of control over the car's functions.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These are standard across the range, and wireless connectivity is available.

• Cons:

  • Learning curve: iDrive is feature-rich, but it can be a bit overwhelming for some users to navigate.
  • Fewer physical controls: Some traditionalists might miss having more physical buttons and switches for key functions.

Mercedes E-Class Technology

The E-Class takes a more luxurious approach to tech, featuring the highly regarded MBUX system. This infotainment system is visually stunning, with dual widescreens that combine to form a panoramic digital dashboard.

• Pros:

  • MBUX: The Mercedes-Benz User Experience system is one of the best in the market, offering seamless integration with voice commands and a sleek digital interface.
  • Augmented reality navigation: This feature overlays navigation instructions on a live camera feed of the road ahead.

• Cons:

  • Touch controls: Some drivers feel the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console can be distracting.

Pricing: Value for Your Luxury

BMW 5 Series Pricing

The BMW 5 Series is generally more expensive than the E-Class at the lower end of the lineup but it levels out as you go up the trim levels. The base model starts around $57,000 with higher trims like the M550i nearing $80,000.

Mercedes E-Class Pricing

The E-Class offers a bit more affordability at the entry level with a starting price of around $56,000. However fully loaded versions like the AMG E63 can exceed $110,000.

Verdict on Pricing

If you're looking for a bit more value at the entry level the E-Class might offer a slight edge. However as you climb the trim ladder both cars end up in the same pricing territory.

Conclusion: Which is the Right Car for You?

So which is better the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes E-Class? The answer depends on what you're looking for in a luxury sedan. Here's a quick rundown of who should choose each car:

• Choose the BMW 5 Series if:

  • You prioritize driving dynamics and want a sportier experience
  • You love BMW's minimalist but premium interior design
  • You need a wide range of powerful engine options

• Choose the Mercedes E-Class if:

  • You prefer a more luxurious, comfort-oriented ride
  • You want a more tech-heavy interior with sleek integration
  • You value comfort and passenger space more than aggressive handling

According to Alex Collantes an avid BMW driver "I’ve always leaned towards BMW because of the connection I feel with the road. The E-Class is undoubtedly luxurious but for me the 5 Series just offers a more engaging drive especially on twisty backroads."

Whatever your choice both the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class are fantastic options. With either one you'll be driving one of the finest luxury sedans available today.