The full size luxury sedan is one of the most long-lasting body styles in the automotive industry and it is what most people think of when they hear the word "car". There are many examples throughout the industry, but few do it better than Mercedes-Benz and BMW. As direct competitors since 1993, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2017 BMW 5-Series have learned many tricks from each other over the years to create a rivalry that will last beyond the automobile.
In almost every direction, the E-Class and the 5-Series are the same size. The only exception to this is the wheelbase, which is longer on the BMW by about 1 inch. Whether or not this matters depends on how you drive. If you spend more time in the city, the shorter wheelbase is beneficial because it comes with a larger turning radius. If you spend most of your drive on the highway, than the longer wheelbase will help you feel the road more closely at high speeds.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Sedan |
vs |
2017 BMW 528i Sedan |
2.0L Turbo I4 | Engine | 2.0L I4 |
241 HP | Horsepower | 240 HP |
273 lb-ft | Torque | 260 lb-ft |
9-Speed Automatic | Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
With such a close comparison, every number counts. The Mercedes-Benz E400 only has one extra horsepower over the 528i, but it has 13 more lb-ft of torque. Simply put, the E-Class is more powerful. This is balanced slightly by the lighter curb weight of the 5-Series, but the E-Class also has an extra gear over the 8-speed BMW, meaning more power and agility at any given range. It also means the ride in Mercedes-Benz will be smoother as the transmission shifts faster than the blink of an eye.
If you have no loyalty either way, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the right choice. That being said, the difference between the two is so miniscule, you will not regret choosing the one you think looks better. Of course, the E-Class is brand new for 2017 with semi-autonomous driving features and an extremely large infotainment screen, so you just need to ask yourself one question. Do you want old and busted or new hotness? If you have any questions about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, come see one for yourself or visit our blog!