'5 Series vs E-Class' German Car Flagship Models Clash in October

BMW 5 Series on the 5th and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift Model on the 13th to Launch Side by Side Next Month

BMW New 5 Series (Photo by BMW Korea)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Mercedes-Benz and BMW will simultaneously unveil the facelifted models of their premium mid-size sedans, the 'E-Class' and '5 Series,' next month. While the E-Class slightly leads in sales this year, both models are among the top volume models in the imported car market, setting the stage for fierce competition in rankings.

BMW Korea will take the lead. BMW will introduce the facelifted model of the 7th generation 5 Series on October 5. About a week later, on the 13th, Mercedes-Benz Korea will launch the facelifted model of the 10th generation E-Class.

The new 5 Series features a new design language, various convenience features, and the latest semi-autonomous driving functions. It also applies various powertrains, including 48-volt mild hybrid technology. In Korea, the gasoline lineup includes the 520i, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, and M550i xDrive, while diesel models equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology include the 523d and 523d xDrive, along with the plug-in hybrid model 530e.

The exterior is offered in two versions: Luxury Line and M Sport Package. The front features a kidney grille integrated into a single frame and newly designed LED headlights, while the rear is equipped with new 'L-shaped 3D rear lights.' The interior comes standard with a 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster and a console display.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Photo by Mercedes-Benz Korea)

The new E-Class also underwent a design change akin to a new model. It adopts Mercedes-Benz's new family look. The front features a power dome on the hood and newly designed full-LED headlamps, creating a dynamic impression. The rear presents a completely different look with newly designed split tail lamps extending inside the trunk line.

The interior stands out with the next-generation infotainment system 'MBUX,' which includes augmented reality (AR) navigation, a newly designed capacitive intelligent steering wheel, and a widescreen cockpit display composed of two 12.3-inch displays.

Like the 5 Series, the engine lineup is diverse. The new E-Class will offer gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid models, and high-performance AMG variants.

As the two giants of the imported car market, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, release their flagship models around the same time, industry attention is focused on the competition between these two models continuing through the end of the year. Notably, the 10th generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a popular model that, leveraging its luxurious design and driving performance, became the first imported car to achieve 100,000 units sold of a single model in July last year, three years after its launch.

Based on sales from January to August this year, the E-Class slightly leads the 5 Series. The E-Class sold about 19,000 units, while the 5 Series sold around 14,000 units. However, since sales of both models slowed ahead of the new model launches this year, there is keen interest in how much initial pent-up demand will surge.

An industry insider said, "The E-Class and 5 Series account for about 20% of domestic imported car sales this year, making them very significant vehicles. If sales increase through new model competition, it will have a positive impact on the overall imported car market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.