BMW 5 Series G30 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213
BMW 5 Series
G30 · 2016 – 2023
The seventh-generation 5 Series (G30), on the CLAR platform.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
W213 · 2016 – 2023
The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.
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
|
7,7 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
235 km/h
|
240 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,1 hp/t
Winner
|
114,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
138 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
|
5,9 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
|
2,94 m
|
| Length |
4,94 m
|
4,92 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
12,0 m
|
11,6 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) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| 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 | M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| 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
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
Pros
- Refined, quiet ride
- Strong, efficient engines
- High-grade interior
- 540 L boot (Estate: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
- MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
- E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricey options
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
- Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance
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
Serene, isolating and effortlessly luxurious. Steering is light and accurate, the ride hushed and composed, and the E-Class swallows motorway miles without a trace of stress. 4MATIC adds all-weather security, though the character stays comfort-first rather than sporting. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, irons out rough roads beautifully. The petrols are smooth and eager with 48-volt assistance, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the E 300 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts seamlessly, rarely drawing attention to itself. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon built for distance, not drama.
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
Mercedes-Benz E 200 Camera · CarPlay · Navigation
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz E 200 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Head-up …
click2move by Declerc
Mercedes-Benz E 220 CarPlay · LED · Sport seats
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Mercedes-Benz E 220 360° camera · CarPlay · LED
Simplici Car Liège
