[84.monsoon]

Voted for the Mercedes. Both my luxury car purchases have been BMWs - 2017 G30 530i (now sold) and 2023 M340i (my current car), and I thought I would be a loyal BMW sedan fan for a long time, but BMW has really blotched up the latest generation 5 series.

Although I am sure the B48 engine and ZF transmission combo (along with the new mild hybrid tech) will still be the best in the segment in the powertrain department (with the exception of the much more powerful Mercedes E450), there are too many other things wrong with the G60 LWB. The omission of adaptive damping, not offering a regular wheelbase option and more powerful engines such as the 540i or a 530D for the self-driven (who says 100% of all executives have to be chauffer driven??), the lackluster back seat experience and the soft suspension set up have all been big blunders from BMW that is going to drive the fan base away. I am now glad I have the M340i, as most of the newer BMW offerings are having their engines downsized and de-tuned to lower engine sizes and power outputs.

The new E class has a weird headlight shape that I do not like and is equally a big barge as the E60 LWB. But it definitely makes no pretenses about not being a drivers' car, and they have got most other things right from that perspective. Hopefully car makers realize there are executives and entrepreneurs who can afford these cars but yet want to self-drive, and bring more products to the market for this segment.

[Axe77]

I recall writing the post below when Mercedes had finally launched the C class in 300 guise and how BMW has something for almost every customer in that segment. Mercedes has properly flipped that construct in the E class segment.

For plain back seat luxury par excellence, Mercedes owns the entire competition and offers the E200 for the owner who can’t care to be behind the wheel. Want diesel efficiency? The E is the only one that offers a diesel. Want 6 cylinder performance? You have the E 350, albeit at an eye watering premium.

Mercedes finally has something for almost everyone in this segment.

The only customer the 5 series will arguably still appeal to is the 50:50 one who's a tad price conscious as well as particular about a ‘petrol only’ car. He's the one who sits at the back a lot but equally enjoys his time when he’s at the wheel. For 5 lakh less than the E class, he can buy a car that makes at least segment par for course power at ~255 odd BHP. But you're looking at a super narrow niche here.

For the foreseeable future, this segment well and truly belongs to Mercedes.

Originally Posted by Axe77

Slowclap for Mercedes.

So basically what should be ‘par for course’ specs in this segment (i.e. ~255 bhp 4 cylinder) is now the “performance version” of the C for Mercedes.

If you want a 4 cylinder petrol, you can have a more fun to drive petrol with similar specs PLUS much greater comfort via the LWB 3 series Li variant.

If you want what is actually a proper 6 cylinder high performance petrol, BMW has you the M340i. In the entry sedan luxury segment, BMW has Mercedes properly beat - a more comfortable comparably powerful 330Li and a properly powerful segment topping 6 cylinder M 340i. For once, BMW is the better option for both the enthusiast as well as the chauffeur driven owner. There’ll be no significant price advantage either for picking the Mercedes, I’m pretty sure of that.

[km283]

Honestly I am a little torn about both. I agree that looks wise the E has more of a stately traditional stance and backseat goodies. But reading and watching through reviews, the 3 points that potentially could work in the Beemer’s favour are:

1. Bigger 4 cyl engine in the 530i although how much of that is useable in bumper to bumper traffic in India is an unknown
2. More personality - Quirky aspect I know but I have a feeling owning a radical design might be more satisfying for some and from certain angles from the side, the 5 looks pretty aggressive
3. Potentially the most impactful aspect might be better low speed ride quality vs. the E. A lot of reviewers have pointed that out and especially on the broken roads of Bangalore, that might become a true differentiator.

I drive a ‘21 Superb right know and when sitting in the back, the side to side movements over broken pavement is not very luxury like. Even though that firmness enables an excellent ride quality over smooth highways.

I am personally waiting for a comparo by Rohit Paradkar on Overdrive. Find his observations to be spot on.

[skb1811]

Voted S90, because well, volvos look good, are relatively less expensive compared to the other 2, gets a twincharged engine, doesn't have a kitchen glass countertop as a dashboard, is well proportioned (tbf Volvo has always made good looking cars). And the driving dynamics are pretty good. (This is a personal preference)

[Utopian]

Voted for A6. The clean lines, competitive feature list and engine makes it the top bet. The E Class is too expensive and although 5 class looks better than its brothers, the design is still polarising.

[Aurum]

Only have an opinion between the E Class and 5 series since I have test driven both, and I vote 5 series. The Mercedes makes a better pitch on paper for sure given the equipment on offer. However, if you have driven or ridden in these, the question very quickly becomes - how much does the rest of it make up for the difference in both drive and ride quality. The BMW was easily the better one to drive and also had a better ride in the back seat. The B&W audio system (important to us) was also better to our ears. Its the lack of various equipment (recline, blinds, boss seat) in the back seat in the BMW that is bothersome. Given the leg room and recline already available for a 6 footer like me in both, boss seats and recline don't matter as much. Blinds are indeed convenient, but don't tilt the scales.

I'm talking about the base spec here. The higher spec Merc might well change these opinions, but its also 20 lakhs more expensive.

[km283]

Thanks Aurum for chiming in. I have a suspicion I might have the same observations once I get to drive them.

Btw did you notice any difference in steering feel? I had the previous gen E class in the US and it had pretty good steering. I find the steering in recent BMW’s such as the G30 to be slight vague on center as if you constantly have to make corrections to track straight.

[autocratic1107]

Voted for S90 as I already own a Volvo (S60 Cross Country) and quite comfortable with its driving dynamics and planted feel on highways. I like the S90 design and styling, more importantly the dashboard layout is quite appealing. It has adequate power if not best in class and with array of safety features in offer, my pick of the lot personally.

[SathyaV]

Hello, quick question here.
Why do we not have audi S5 listed in these options? There is very little review or any articles for that matter about that car online. But I can see that it is listed in audi India website and sites like carwale also have them listed and priced around 85-90l ex showroom.

Would really appreciate it if someone who unlike me, has test driven these vehicles or have real experience with this car can throw some light on this. I've only gone through online and tbhp stuffs and thats the limit of my knowledge, but having a 3.0 TFSI and Quattro must be a killer I believe 😍

[Aurum]

Originally Posted by km283

Thanks Aurum for chiming in. I have a suspicion I might have the same observations once I get to drive them.

Btw did you notice any difference in steering feel? I had the previous gen E class in the US and it had pretty good steering. I find the steering in recent BMW’s such as the G30 to be slight vague on center as if you constantly have to make corrections to track straight.

Neither of them felt particularly vague or needing correction. I'm going by memory here - the BMW felt a bit sharper to respond but a bit heavier, while the Merc felt nice and easy to manage. I didnt do any tight turns/ corners, so didnt really test the steering or the turning radius etc.

[Carmageddon]

I voted with my wallet and booked a BMW 530Li. The car will be driven by me 80% of the time, and I feel it still has the best engine /gearbox and ride /handling package in the segment. My family is impressed by the fresh interiors, quality levels, sound system and ride comfort. In this day of ever-escalating prices I think the BMW offers decent bang for the buck. I honestly don’t like the long wheelbase (weird proportions) and the lack of rear sunshades is a big miss - but will need to live with these compromises. If the option of a regular wheelbase 540i existed that would have been my pick!

For the chauffeur-driven, it’s E Class all the way. I could not bring myself to spring for the E450 given the price differential over the 5 Series.

The interiors of the A6 were too dated to consider, even though the exterior has aged well.

I think a lot of self-drive customers will cross shop with the X5 if the budget permits.