BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes E-Class 2018 review - which is best? | Head2Head

TL;DR

BMW 5 Series slightly edges out Mercedes E-Class overall.

Transcript

the current Mercedes E-Class has been around for about a year now and in that time it has rained Supreme at the top of its class however it's Crown is under threat from this the new BMW 5 series I'm going to find out which of these two cars is best to help you decide which of these two cars is best for you I'm going to critique their designs this E... Read More

Key Insights

• The Mercedes E-Class is praised for its beautiful design and luxurious interior, offering a comfortable and quiet ride with a focus on comfort over sportiness.
• BMW 5 Series is noted for its sportier feel and better handling, providing a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing comfort.
• The Mercedes offers better boot space, with a more practical shape and additional underfloor storage, making it easier to pack and carry larger items.
• The BMW's interior is classy and well-built, offering superior technology with an intuitive iDrive system, which is considered the best on the market.
• Both cars offer ample space for passengers, but the BMW provides slightly more room and comfort for rear passengers, except for the middle seat occupant.
• The Mercedes has a more powerful engine and better real-world fuel economy, while the BMW's engine feels rougher and less performant in comparison.
• Despite the Mercedes' superior comfort, the BMW's adaptive dampers provide a balance of comfort and handling, making it a versatile choice for different driving preferences.
• Pricing is competitive, with the Mercedes offering better savings through dealers, but the BMW is considered a better all-rounder, winning the overall comparison.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences in design between the two cars?

The Mercedes E-Class is described as effortlessly beautiful with a grand interior design, featuring a swooping dashboard and high-tech features. In contrast, the BMW 5 Series has a sportier, understated design, lacking the bling of the Mercedes but offering a classy, well-built interior. The exterior of the BMW is considered less striking than the Mercedes.

Q: How do the interior technologies compare between the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series?

The BMW 5 Series is equipped with the iDrive system, praised for its ease of use and intuitive interface, featuring a touchscreen, control wheel, and gesture control. The Mercedes E-Class, while high-tech, has a more confusing system and some cheaper trim elements. Both cars offer digital displays, but BMW's system is considered superior.

Q: Which car offers more passenger comfort and space?

Both cars offer ample passenger space, but the BMW 5 Series provides more room and comfort, especially in the rear seats. The Mercedes E-Class is comfortable but has slightly less headroom. The BMW's middle seat is less comfortable due to a raised center and floor hump, while the Mercedes offers better comfort for the middle passenger.

Q: How do the boot spaces of the two cars compare?

The Mercedes E-Class offers a larger and more practical boot space with a better shape and additional underfloor storage, making it easier to pack and carry larger items. The BMW 5 Series, while having a large boot, lacks underfloor storage and has a less practical shape, making it harder to utilize its full capacity.

Q: Which car offers better driving performance?

The BMW 5 Series provides a sportier driving experience with better handling and sharper steering, making it more engaging to drive. The Mercedes E-Class focuses on comfort, offering a smoother ride with air suspension but less sporty handling. The BMW is considered the better all-rounder, balancing comfort with performance.

Q: What are the fuel economy and engine performance differences?

The Mercedes E-Class has a more powerful engine and achieves better real-world fuel economy, with the trip computer showing 49 mpg. The BMW 5 Series' engine feels rougher and less performant, with a real-world fuel economy of 43 mpg. The Mercedes engine also responds better during acceleration tests.

Q: How do the pricing and dealer savings compare?

The Mercedes E-Class starts at a lower price and offers better dealer savings, with an average discount of £5,877 compared to the BMW's £3,334. Despite this, the BMW is considered the better all-rounder, offering a balance of features and performance that justify its price.

Q: What is the overall conclusion of the comparison?

Both cars have their strengths, with the Mercedes E-Class excelling in comfort, design, and boot space, while the BMW 5 Series stands out in handling, technology, and passenger space. Ultimately, the BMW is considered the better all-rounder, offering a more balanced package for those seeking both comfort and driving engagement.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Mercedes E-Class is admired for its elegant design and luxurious interior, providing a smooth and comfortable ride with advanced technology. However, its engine and infotainment system are slightly less impressive compared to BMW.

• The BMW 5 Series offers a sportier driving experience with superior handling and technology. While its engine is less refined, it compensates with a well-built interior and better passenger space, making it a strong contender.

• Both cars have their strengths, with the Mercedes excelling in comfort and boot space, while the BMW stands out in handling and technology. Ultimately, the BMW is considered a better all-rounder in this comparison.