2015 BMW 5 Series vs. 2015 Mercedes E-Class

Similarities

• Both brands offer a wide array of engine choices, from six-cylinder versions to turbocharged V8s to fuel-sipping diesel options.
• Tight handling, refined interiors and a smooth ride are found on both the BMW and Mercedes.
• This is German engineering, so be prepared to pay for it; reviews of both cars dinged them for getting expensive after even modest options.

Differences

• The BMW is available with a base four-cylinder engine (which is turbocharged) while the 2015 E Class doesn’t have this option.
• While the styling of the BMW isn’t excessive, reviewers generally praised it more than the staid E Class.
• The 2015 E Class is also available in Coupe and Wagon variants, versus the sedan-only 5 Series.
• Reviewers complained about the tight rear seat on the BMW and the sometimes confusing dashboard and navigation controls on the Mercedes.

Autolist’s take

Sedans of this size have been the bread and butter of Mercedes and BMW for decades, so they each know how to build an impressive car. While the Mercedes has bank vault-like build quality and plenty of impressive safety features, we like the 5 Series for its overall approach to luxury: it does it all and it does it all with more style than the Benz. We say 'Buy the 5 Series'.