2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Spec Comparison

BMW India today launched the 8th generation 5 series to reassert its dominance in the premium sedan segment. To make matters more luxurious and comfortable than before, the Bavarian brand introduced the Long Wheelbase variant only. A strategy that has been adopted by its prime rival – Mercedes-Benz – too, wherein the fellow German brand retails the long-wheelbase variant of the E-Class. We did get exclusive access to the new 6th generation Merc E-Class, about which you can read in detail here. 

However, for this comparison, we have considered the fifth generation of the E-Class, which currently retails in our market. So, how does the new BMW 5 Series LWB fair on paper against the fifth-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class? 

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Engine

The new BMW 5 Series is at the moment only available with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine which has quite the performance-oriented tune. Therefore, it should be faster and quicker than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, Mercedes-Benz, in addition to the petrol engine here is also available with two diesel engine options – E220d and E350d – wherein the former is a four-cylinder unit and the latter is a six-cylinder unit with a massive 600 Nm of torque output. Thereby, with more options, it's the Mercedes-Benz that has an edge over the BMW. 

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Dimension

However, when it comes to being opulent with a solid road presence, the new Beemer easily takes the cake here. It is 73 mm longer, 276 mm wider, and stands 25 mm taller than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class – thereby clearly setting the agenda of appearing bigger than its rival. Plus, when you factor in the BMW’s 3105 mm long wheelbase which is 11 mm longer than the Merc’s, we can clearly say that the new BMW 5 Series has the most spacious cabin here. 

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Design

To further enhance its larger proportion, BMW has gone for a butch, boxy design that the brand is calling ‘2.5 box design’. The front fascia gets that iconic BMW “Sharknose” style which is characterised by that new illuminated kidney grille design flanked by newly designed adaptive LED headlights with the hallmark four-eye face with vertical strips. The side profile of the 5 Series is a sight to behold, for the long wheelbase of the sedan can be gauged here. Additionally, with those massive 19-inch M alloy wheels, the 5 Series’ further helps encapsulate its beauty albeit a strong sporty appeal. 

On the other hand, the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class looks sleek and athletic in comparison. The long hood smoothly tapers down to the classy-looking single-slat design, and unlike the BMW which boasts the illumination around the grille, Mercedes has gone for a chrome-heavy treatment. As a consequence, while the BMW feels like a tech-savvy executive sedan, the Mercedes-Benz comes across as a very conventional alternative with a lot of bling. 

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Features

Both the BMW 5 Series LWB and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are loaded to the brim with features. However, the cabin layout of the new 5 Series feels more sophisticated in appeal, courtesy of the brand’s curved Display which accommodates both the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment display. Making the cabin all the more communicative is BMW’s latest operating system complimented by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which adopts the driver’s habits and further keeps the driver updated with useful driving functions. 

Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class also boasts a similar dual-12.3-inch full HD large display screen on the dashboard. The infotainment unit runs the brand’s MBUX infotainment system, and to make matters more posh Mercedes also offers a separate tablet which runs the same MBUX system for second-row occupants. Additionally, both executive sedans are available with memory functioning options, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charger, and a gamut of other features. Check out the BMW 5 Series interior in detail in our first-look review video below. 

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Price

Both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are premium offerings and the same is reflected in their respective prices. However, with the new BMW 5 Series, the Bavarian company has managed to price it quite competitively. Yes, it is available in just one variant. But even then, with a much more plush outlook, at ₹72.09 lakh, the BMW 5 Series manages to come across as a more VFM product. Whereas, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class feels slightly expensive despite being a generation old. 

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Verdict

On paper, BMW has a winner here with the new 5 Series. It looks, feels, and appears like a much more significant affair than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The latter does feel a bit dated, and on that note – Mercedes-Benz will be launching the next generation E-Class in India soon. We had exclusive access to the executive sedan and the same has already been reviewed. For all the details check the full review video below: