Photo: Auto Motor und Sport
Once the 5 Series was refreshed with the usual Life Cycle Impulse BMWs get once they turn 4, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class started trembling, knowing that the improvements the Munich-based company brought to the 5er will mean trouble.
The guys from Auto Motor und Sport took two Touring models out for a test, to see which family-oriented, cheap diesel version is the best, the 518d Touring or the E200 CDI T-Modell.
From the start they noticed that both cars have similar power outputs with the BMW delivering 143 HP from a 2-liter turbo diesel unit and the Mercedes pushing 136 HP out of a 2.1-liter unit. Both of them have 360 Nm of torque sent to the automatic gearboxes that change 8 speeds on the BMW and 7 on the E-Class.
The 5er is also lighter than its rival but can carry less weight, with a payload of 525 kg compared to Benz's 556 kg. On the drag strip, the Bimmer would win by 0.2 seconds all the possible sprints, from the 0-80 km/h (6.9 vs 7.1) to the 0-120 km/h (15.7 vs 15.9).
On the road, the BMW engine is quieter (that's a surprise) than its Swabian counterpart whilst the suspension also feels softer and more comfortable inside the Bimmer.
The advantage of the Merc is in the back. That's where you'll notice more space and the luggage compartment will house more items.
Bottom line, both cars are perfect for the family man looking for a luxury Touring model under EUR50,000. However, the BMW is slightly better than the Mercedes, offering more comfort, a better engine and gearbox and enough space for the luggage.
Full Test at Auto Motor und Sport
From the start they noticed that both cars have similar power outputs with the BMW delivering 143 HP from a 2-liter turbo diesel unit and the Mercedes pushing 136 HP out of a 2.1-liter unit. Both of them have 360 Nm of torque sent to the automatic gearboxes that change 8 speeds on the BMW and 7 on the E-Class.
The 5er is also lighter than its rival but can carry less weight, with a payload of 525 kg compared to Benz's 556 kg. On the drag strip, the Bimmer would win by 0.2 seconds all the possible sprints, from the 0-80 km/h (6.9 vs 7.1) to the 0-120 km/h (15.7 vs 15.9).
On the road, the BMW engine is quieter (that's a surprise) than its Swabian counterpart whilst the suspension also feels softer and more comfortable inside the Bimmer.
The advantage of the Merc is in the back. That's where you'll notice more space and the luggage compartment will house more items.
Bottom line, both cars are perfect for the family man looking for a luxury Touring model under EUR50,000. However, the BMW is slightly better than the Mercedes, offering more comfort, a better engine and gearbox and enough space for the luggage.
Full Test at Auto Motor und Sport
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