2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, reminiscent of its predecessors, featured a smooth, rounded body that echoed the design language of the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Despite its streamlined appearance, which some critics felt could benefit from sharper edges, the E-Class maintained a dignified presence within the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, it catered to a conservative clientele who appreciated its understated elegance. The sedan, in particular, exuded luxury with its traditional hood ornament and chrome grille, while most models sported a large Mercedes emblem on the grille. The LED lighting, with its delicate twin running lamps and unique tail design, added to its visual appeal. The E-Class's proportions, whether on the Luxury model's higher suspension or the sportier versions with larger wheels and quad exhausts, always struck a harmonious balance.

Inside, the E-Class cabriolet stood out with its contrasting soft top and opulent interior. The cabin, when specified with multi-tone leathers and polished wood, offered a luxurious experience. The expansive digital screens, spanning two feet across the dashboard, provided a high-tech feel, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors, added a touch of personalization, while features like heated armrests and massaging seats enhanced comfort. Even the base model, with its leatherette upholstery, felt superior to many competitors, making the E-Class a sanctuary of solitude and refinement.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, known for its restrained design, received a subtle styling refresh that enhanced its sleekness. The updated LED headlights were more streamlined, and the signature twin-kidney grille grew larger, though not excessively so. Other exterior updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and revised bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 1.2 inches longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside, the 5 Series retained its familiar BMW layout, with distinctive details that reinforced its brand identity. The interior featured standard SensaTec upholstery, with options for Dakota and Nappa leather. Our test car, a 540i xDrive, boasted Nappa leather in Mocha, enhancing its luxurious feel. The aluminum trim added a touch of sophistication, though the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place. Overall, the 5 Series offered a blend of luxury and sportiness, though it leaned more towards the former.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Despite its modest power increase, the E350 delivered improved responsiveness and reduced noise levels. In Comfort mode, it provided a relaxed driving experience, while Sport and Sport+ modes kept the engine in its power band. However, its performance above 40 mph was less impressive, making passing maneuvers challenging.

For those seeking more power, the E450 offered a 3.0-liter V6 with twin turbos, producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided effortless performance, complemented by the E-Class's light steering and supple suspension. The AMG models, including the E53 and E63 S, delivered even more power, with the latter boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The E-Class's fuel economy varied depending on the powertrain, with estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series also offered a variety of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, produced 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 532 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the M5 offered 617 hp in Competition spec.

The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It could drive solely on electric power for significant distances, though EPA figures for the 2021 model were not yet available. Overall, the 5 Series offered a balance of performance and efficiency, with sportier options available for enthusiasts.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be cumbersome to use on its large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a notable drawback, making tasks like adjusting settings and inputting addresses a multi-step process. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality, with features like seat controls on the door panels and ample interior space. The coupe offered a usable rear seat, while the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The digital dash, when configured correctly, provided clear and high-resolution displays.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in the U.S., offered spacious interior accommodations. The front seats were competitive, and the rear seats provided ample room for passengers. The 540i's trunk space, at 14.0 cubic feet, surpassed that of its rivals, and the rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered excellent support, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in parking maneuvers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and a V2X communication system. The infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Burmester stereo provided a nightclub-like audio experience. The E-Class also featured unique options like the Energizing Comfort Package, which adjusted climate settings and lighting to match preset moods.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The iDrive 7 system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative ways to interact with the system. However, the gesture controls could be imprecise, and the instrument cluster layout could be confusing.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested, but Mercedes' history of safety innovations suggested similar performance. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not tested by the IIHS for 2021, received a Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2020 model. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.