The BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 S have been going at it for quite a while, but the rivalry was never as fierce as it's been in 2018. Most races favored the AMG... except the one Top Gear made, but the Competition package from BMW could tip the balance back in its favor.
Before you say that the M5's competition kit gives it an unfair advantage, consider the fact that the "S" at the end of the E63's name also stands for something. Yes, that is the more powerful version of the performance sedan. And there was a time when there wasn't an S model at all.
Anyway, a new drag race means we have to look at the specs. The M5 Competition continues to be powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but the 600 HP has been bumped up to 625 HP. Normally, that wouldn't make much of a difference, but the race was pretty close anyway.
Meanwhile, the E63 S is still good for 612 HP, a little less than the BMW, but it compensates by offering 100 Nm more torque. Other than the weight, which is pretty close, the only other deciding factor here is the gearboxes. Though this isn't mentioned in the video, BMW's automatic has a torque converter, so it doesn't like to sit there waiting for the launch.
But because it's pre-engaged, the M5 Competition shoots off like Usain Bolt. Its small lead is maintained until the end of the race. Carwow says that the BMW crossed the quarter-mile marker in 11.1 seconds, which coincidently is the same as the claimed 0 to 200 km/h time.
After that, they do a rolling race, which the E63 S wins due to its superior torque, but despite both sedans being equipped with carbon ceramic brakes, the M5 is a little bit better at stopping. Overall victory: 2-1 for the Bavarian team.
Anyway, a new drag race means we have to look at the specs. The M5 Competition continues to be powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but the 600 HP has been bumped up to 625 HP. Normally, that wouldn't make much of a difference, but the race was pretty close anyway.
Meanwhile, the E63 S is still good for 612 HP, a little less than the BMW, but it compensates by offering 100 Nm more torque. Other than the weight, which is pretty close, the only other deciding factor here is the gearboxes. Though this isn't mentioned in the video, BMW's automatic has a torque converter, so it doesn't like to sit there waiting for the launch.
But because it's pre-engaged, the M5 Competition shoots off like Usain Bolt. Its small lead is maintained until the end of the race. Carwow says that the BMW crossed the quarter-mile marker in 11.1 seconds, which coincidently is the same as the claimed 0 to 200 km/h time.
After that, they do a rolling race, which the E63 S wins due to its superior torque, but despite both sedans being equipped with carbon ceramic brakes, the M5 is a little bit better at stopping. Overall victory: 2-1 for the Bavarian team.