BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes E-Class: A Battle of the Titans in the Car Industry
In the ever-evolving world of the automotive industry, there are certain rivalries that have stood the test of time. One such rivalry is between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. These two luxury executive saloons have been pitted against each other for decades, and their matchup continues to be a barometer for the car industry as a whole.
One of the reasons why this matchup is so significant is because it reflects the preferred powertrain of the day. In the past, these cars came with straight-six petrol engines, then moved to big diesels in the 2000s. However, in the current landscape of increasing environmental concerns and changing tax regulations, both BMW and Mercedes have shifted their focus to electric powertrains. As a result, the latest contenders in this matchup are the BMW 530e and the Mercedes E300e, both plug-in hybrids.
When comparing powertrains, the Mercedes initially seems to have the upper hand due to its larger battery size. However, in real-world testing, it was found that the BMW was actually more efficient on electric power. Both cars have a battery range of over 60 miles, which is impressive considering early electric cars had much shorter ranges. The BMW also strategically uses its electric power to retain some charge for traffic queues and town driving, giving it an edge in terms of efficiency and intelligence.
In terms of economy, it’s important to note that achieving the quoted fuel economy figures for plug-in hybrids is unlikely. However, both the BMW and Mercedes can manage around 40mpg when their batteries run out. The key factor to consider is the economy figure when running on electric power, which is 3.0mpkWh for the Mercedes and 3.3mpkWh for the BMW. By knowing how much driving you can do on electricity, you can estimate the running costs of these vehicles.
Moving on to driving dynamics, both the BMW and Mercedes offer an enjoyable experience. As rear-wheel-drive saloons, they provide a satisfying driving position and natural steering feel. While they may not be as exciting as their predecessors due to their weight and size, they still offer a good balance between performance and comfort. These plug-in hybrids also make effective use of their electric power sources, delivering strong thrust without excessive noise or reliance on the petrol engine.
However, when it comes to ride and handling, both cars could benefit from adaptive suspension or more compliant options. The BMW, in particular, can feel overly firm and fidgety on its passive M Sport suspension. The Mercedes, while still on the firm side, offers a calmer ride at higher speeds. Overall, the differences in ride quality between the two are nuanced.
Inside the cabin, both cars showcase the latest in-car technology. The BMW maintains its iDrive concept with a rotary controller and shortcut buttons, while the Mercedes opts for a touchscreen interface. While the BMW’s setup may seem more user-friendly, it actually requires more actions to perform certain tasks due to its complicated menu structures. Additionally, the quality of materials in the Mercedes’ interior surpasses that of the BMW, with details like laser-cut metal speaker grilles adding to the overall luxurious feel.
However, both cars suffer from a lack of interior space. Rear legroom is unspectacular in both vehicles, with taller passengers finding it difficult to sit comfortably. The BMW also loses points in terms of boot space, as the plug-in hybrid configuration reduces storage capacity. Overall, both cars fall short in terms of interior space and fail to maximize the available room.
In conclusion, while plug-in hybrids have made significant progress in terms of powertrains, they still have limitations in terms of packaging and handling their weight. Both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class are compromised in their own ways, with the Mercedes using a platform designed for petrol and diesel cars and the BMW needing to accommodate a pure EV variant. However, for those looking for a well-rounded plug-in hybrid with good performance, comfort, and lower tax costs, the Mercedes E-Class is the winner. Its superior tech and more cohesive interior make it the more desirable choice.
