2023 E-Class vs. 2023 5-Series
Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW makes for some epic battles in multiple segments. Germany's top two luxury automobile manufacturers have been competing fiercely for decades. In the executive car segment, there's the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2023 BMW 5-Series. Despite the proliferation of luxury SUVs and crossovers and the presence of such options from either brand, executive cars continue to enjoy healthy demand.
The 2023 E-Class hails from the fifth generation that debuted in 2016 and received a facelift in 2021. The 2023 5-Series is from 2017's seventh generation and was facelifted for 2020. Despite Mercedes-Benz and BMW having factories in the United States, the E-Class and the 5-Series are manufactured in their respective facilities in Germany.
Let's see how this age-old duo stacks up in the quest for the best executive car. We'll evaluate the E-Class vs. 5-Series in terms of interior, performance, and safety features. In the end, if you have more questions about the new E-Class, call the sales team of Mercedes-Benz of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA.
Interior Comparison
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class range is extremely diverse. You can choose between coupe, convertible, sedan, and estate. The coupe and convertible are spacious enough to seat four adults, while the sedan and estate offer accommodation for up to five adults. Some estate variants even include two rearward-facing jump seats that fold out of the trunk floor and can accommodate two kids there. Meanwhile, the 2023 5-Series can only be had as a sedan or an estate. Showcasing their competitiveness, there's very little separating the 2023 E-Class and the 2023 5-Series in terms of cabin and trunk space.
However, where the 2023 E-Class shoots ahead is in terms of cabin ambiance. It feels more premium, and the twin 12.3-inch screens seamlessly flow into a long and graceful information display. The 2023 5-Series cabin is lovely, but you feel more comfortable and relaxed in the Mercedes-Benz.
Both cars come with powered and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, digital instrument clusters, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility as part of a long list of standard features. They also have premium speaker system upgrades in their respective option lists. Mercedes-Benz pairs with Burmester, while BMW utilizes Harman/Kardon.
Another area where the 2023 E-Class beats the 2023 5-Series is user-friendliness. Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system is easier to use and accepts voice plus handwriting recognition. BMW's iDrive can be more involved to learn and use, and it offers voice but no handwriting recognition.
E-Class Interior
5 Series Interior
Performance Comparison
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes in three flavors. The E350 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder to deliver 255 horsepower. Then, there's the E450, which sees a 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six coupled with a 48v mild-hybrid system. This setup makes a total of 362 horsepower. Both engines come with a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Depending on body style and specification, power either goes to the rear wheels or all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz's patented 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Venturing into the realm of AMG introduces you to the 2023 Mercedes-AMG E53, which packs the 3.0-liter in-line six, but with a supercharger and the obligatory turbocharger. The 48v mild hybrid system is present too. All this results in 429 horsepower, sent to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift nine-speed twin-clutch transmission.
The 2023 5-Series comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four in the 530i that develops 248 horsepower. Then, there's the 540i with a 3.0-liter turbo six and 335 horsepower. Both variants come with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is optional. Moving into BMW M territory, there's the M550i which sees a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 developing 523 horsepower, and the top dog M5 pulls 591 horsepower. They both feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive system as standard.
Safety Features Comparison
The 2023 E-Class and the 2023 5-Series come with at least eight airbags, stability control, automated emergency braking, brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, child safety locks, tire pressure monitor, and daytime running lamps. Adaptive cruise control is an optional feature on both cars.
Find the 2023 E-Class in Lynchburg, VA
There's no question about it; the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the winner of this Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW matchup. The 2023 5-Series comes thrillingly close and even appears set to beat it, but Mercedes-Benz's experience in this segment is enough to pull it ahead. Now, it's time to come to Mercedes-Benz of Lynchburg and test drive the new E-Class.
