Over the time, the rivalry shared between Mercedes-Benz and BMW has grown stiffer in the premium car segment. In particular, cars like 5 Series and E-Class have remained one of the best sellers for their respective manufacturers. Since their inception in the Indian car market, both of these models have offered a tough competition to each other. With the launch of a new updated version of both 5 Series and E-Class, their respective companies have raised their respective stakes. So to asses the competition that lies between both the vehicles, a comparison is quintessential.
Talking about engine specifications, taking Mercedes-Benz E-Class first, it has been offered in two engine options. Its 4-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine churns out a maximum power of 184 bhp while generating 300 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 250 CDI Avantgarde trim is powered by a 4-cylinder unit that has a displacement of 2143 cc. The power and torque figures for this variant stands at 204 bhp and 500 Nm, respectively. Both petrol and diesel versions of E-Class are mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission system.
Coming to BMW, the new model is offered in 5 different trim levels out of which two are petrol and three are diesel. The car is available in three engine options, namely 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel (available in differently tuned options) and 3.0-litre diesel. Talking about the petrol version, the standard trim 520i generates 184 bhp of peak power and up to 270 Nm of torque. Whereas the powerful 3.0-litre given in 535i trim gives away 306 bhp of power and 400 Nm of torque. In case of the diesel version of 5 Series, two engine options are available in different tuned specifications. The 520d and 525d are powered by the same 2.0-litre engine but the power and torque levels are altogether different as the figures for the former stand at 184 bhp and 380 Nm while for the latter they are 218 bhp and 450 Nm. Also to mention, the 530d trim of 5 Series is powered by 2993 cc engine that gives away 258 bhp of power and 560 Nm of torque.
In terms of overall appeal, Mercedes-Benz E-Class scores a notch above its counterpart owing to its stylish exteriors, based on the Modular Front Architecture platform adopted by the German auto maker. The car has a strong road presence mainly because of its strong shoulder line that is coupled with chiselled and angular front fascia. While in comparison, BMW 5 Series looks a bit older even though it has gone through an update recently. On the inside, both cars are distinct in their categories and with sleeker and sharper designs, it is hard to differentiate between the two models.
As far as price is concerned, Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been offered between a price range of Rs. 41.5 lakh and Rs. 49.9 lakh. Whereas the base trim of the updated 5 Series model carries a price tag of Rs. 46.9 lakh which further goes up till Rs. 57 lakh for the top-spec one (all prices are ex-showroom). Going by the conventional believe that BMW stands for power while Mercedes-Benz caters to comfort, it would be difficult to predict a clear winner as both the cars boasts of entirely different characteristics. So to conclude on both, BMW 5 Series offers a great mix of features that is coupled with a better engine performance as compared to its rival. While Mercedes-Benz E-Class benefits from its cheaper price and unique designing appeal.
