[Taboleo Comparison Test Drive] Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series... Who is the Ultimate Premium Sedan Champion?

Elegant Appearance and Smooth Driving Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. Sophisticated Look and Dynamic Driving BMW 5 Series

#ImportedPremiumSedan #BestSellingCar #MercedesBenz #EClass #BMW #5Series #FlagshipModel #ComparisonTestDrive

[Asia Economy Reporter Woo Su-yeon] Germany's automobile brands hold significant meaning in the Korean market. BMW's business sedan, the 5 Series, ranks number one in cumulative sales in Korea among global markets, while Mercedes-Benz's premium sedan, the 10th generation E-Class, is recognized as the world's second-largest market after China.

This month, the facelifted new models of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are launching simultaneously, signaling a fierce battle for the throne of imported premium sedans in the Korean market. It is unusual for both brands to release their flagship model updates at the same time. We conducted an exclusive comparison test drive of Mercedes-Benz's 10th generation E-Class facelift 'E 350 4MATIC AMG Line' and BMW's 7th generation 5 Series facelift '530i M Sport Package' to see which model will claim the best-selling imported car title in Korea, a market that has largely avoided the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Front Side View

BMW New 5 Series Front Side View

- Compared to previous models, both vehicles have significantly changed their exterior designs?

Yes. Since these are facelift models, there are noticeable design changes both big and small. First, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class features two power domes and a newly designed diamond radiator grille. The previous model had dual-strip daytime running lights, but this time they have been replaced with a clean single strip. The most significant change is in the rear tail lamp design. The split tail lamps that extend into the trunk make the body appear wider and more stable.

For the BMW 5 Series, the signature kidney grille has been unified into a single frame, and L-shaped daytime running lights have been applied, creating a sharper and sleeker image. The rear emphasizes BMW's characteristic straight lines with 3D tail lamps, giving a sportier feel. While design is a matter of personal taste, so far the BMW design seems to be receiving universally positive reviews. Since Mercedes-Benz attempted a more radical design change compared to the previous model, opinions on its design may vary more widely.

Mercedes-Benz New E-Class Headlamp

BMW New 5 Series Headlamp

- Interior design is as important as exterior design.

The interior design, which drivers frequently interact with, is also a crucial factor in choosing a car. Personally, I would give the edge to Mercedes-Benz for the interior. The wide-screen cockpit display, which integrates two 12.3-inch displays into one, immediately catches the eye. The curved dashboard gives an elegant and graceful impression. The center fascia is finished neatly with minimal buttons. The steering wheel also features touch-sensitive buttons, enhancing the feel of a high-tech vehicle. Meanwhile, the BMW 5 Series interior is also excellent. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster, center console display, and head-up display. The gear knob area uses black high-gloss material to enhance the sense of luxury.

BMW New 5 Series Interior

Mercedes-Benz New E-Class Interior

- How is the driving experience when you actually drive them?

If you want smooth and comfortable driving, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is recommended; if you prefer a fun and dynamic driving style, the BMW 5 Series is the choice. Personally, I like BMW's characteristic firm and solid driving feel. Both models have excellent fundamentals without any shortcomings in acceleration performance, response speed, handling, and suspension. Engine performance varies depending on the engine choice. Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW offer a variety of engine options to broaden consumer choices. Mercedes-Benz launched the E-Class with six engine lineups including gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid. BMW also prepared six engine lineups, including diesel engines equipped with mild hybrid systems and plug-in hybrids.

- How do the specifications of the models you drove compare?

Let's compare two similar class models that I drove. The Mercedes-Benz 'E 350 4MATIC AMG Line' is equipped with an inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 299 horsepower and maximum torque of 40.8 kg·m. This model applies the 48V mild hybrid electric system 'EQ Boost,' which adds 22 horsepower and improves fuel efficiency. The official combined fuel economy is about 10.2 km/ℓ. The BMW 5 Series '530i M Sport Package' also has a turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine, with a maximum output of 252 horsepower and maximum torque of 35.7 kg·m. Its combined fuel economy is 12.0 km/ℓ.

Driving Photos of BMW New 5 Series

Mercedes-Benz New E-Class Driving Photo

- These days, advanced features seem more important than the engine.

Both models come standard with advanced driver assistance systems. The BMW 5 Series is equipped with active cruise control that adjusts the distance front and rear at a set speed, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance steering assist. The 5 Series also has the advantage of wireless smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class adds safety features such as active speed limit assist that automatically reduces speed by recognizing road speed limits, and map-based route speed control. Lane departure prevention and blind spot assist with exit warning are also standard.

- Are there any special features unique to each vehicle?

The most innovative feature of the BMW 5 Series is the 'Reverse Assistant.' When the vehicle enters a dead-end road, it automatically reverses up to 50 meters along the same path it came in. When you select reverse assistant mode and slightly release the brake, the vehicle moves backward on its own. A special feature of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the augmented reality (AR) navigation. It displays the actual road as a photo on the navigation display and overlays virtual driving lines, making it easier to find your way on complex roads or entrances.

- Lastly, after test driving both models, are there any drawbacks?

Compared to domestic E-segment sedans of the same class, the space utilization was somewhat disappointing. Accustomed to domestic sedans with spacious interiors and rear legroom, I found the rear seats of both models somewhat cramped. I also thought the space might be insufficient for families with young children using the car as a family vehicle. Additionally, for the E-Class, despite its price exceeding 80 million KRW, it was disappointing that ventilated seats, a preferred feature among Koreans, were not included.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Driving Photo Rear View

BMW New 5 Series Driving Photo Rear View

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