BMW 5 Series G30 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212
BMW 5 Series
G30 · 2016 – 2023
The seventh-generation 5 Series (G30), on the CLAR platform.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
W212 · 2009 – 2016
The fourth-generation E-Class.
BMW 5 Series
Pick the 5 Series for a benchmark balance of comfort and handling, a hushed ride and a big boot in a premium executive sedan.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.
Performance
B48 520i · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol
| BMW 5 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,8 s
Winner
|
7,9 s
|
| Top speed |
235 km/h
|
235 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,1 hp/t
|
119,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
138 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 5 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
530 L
|
540 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,98 m
Winner
|
2,87 m
|
| Length |
4,94 m
|
4,87 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
11,3 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
|
2.100 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 5 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47/B57 diesel · 530e PHEV | M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed 7G-TRONIC |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
- Air suspension (if fitted)
- EGR on diesels
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
- OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
- 7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
Pros
- Refined, quiet ride
- Strong, efficient engines
- High-grade interior
- 540 L boot (Estate: 695 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
- Proven OM651 2.1 diesel (E 250 CDI: 204 hp / 500 Nm)
- Comfortable long-distance sedan with optional 4MATIC
- V6/V8 options (E 350 / E 500) for smooth performance
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricey options
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
- 7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- Early M271 petrol: timing chain risk reported
Driving experience
BMW 5 Series
Composed, refined and supremely effortless. Steering is precise and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the G30 blends limousine comfort with genuine driver involvement. sDrive keeps the classic rear-drive balance and composure; xDrive adds all-weather confidence without dulling the nose. Adaptive dampers and optional air suspension span cushioned to firmly controlled. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the 530e/545e plug-ins glide on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished executive saloon that turns a long drive into a calm, effortless one.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comfortable, quiet and built for long distances. The W212 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and cruises with the calm composure of a large executive saloon. Rear-drive is standard and gives a classic balance; 4MATIC adds traction. The OM651 diesel is the sensible distance choice and stays quiet, the M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, and the 7G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a genuinely comfortable, dependable executive car that does motorway miles with little effort.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 5 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
32 for sale · from € 4.850
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