For decades, the executive saloon class has been a battleground dominated by two German titans: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. It's a rivalry as classic as any in the car world, with each brand offering a distinct flavour of premium motoring.
The latest E-Class doubles down on its reputation for comfort and luxury, borrowing heavily from the flagship S-Class to create an interior packed with technology and plush materials. The 5 Series, on the other hand, has always been the driver's choice in this segment, promising a blend of performance, agility, and everyday usability that's hard to resist. Both are formidable contenders, but which one is the better all-rounder?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series
Practicality
Mercedes-Benz E-Class practicality score: 3/5
BMW 5 Series practicality score: 4/5
As large executive saloons, both cars offer plenty of space for four adults to travel in comfort. The BMW 5 Series, however, takes the lead in this area. Its cabin feels airy and spacious, and its 530-litre boot is a usable, square shape that can swallow a good amount of luggage. It’s a car that’s been designed with real-world use in mind.
The E-Class is by no means cramped, but its boot space is a notable weakness, particularly in the popular plug-in hybrid models where the battery pack creates a large step in the boot floor, reducing capacity to just 370 litres. While passenger space is good, the BMW’s more practical boot gives it the edge for family holidays or airport runs.
Driving Impressions
Mercedes-Benz E-Class driving score: 4/5
BMW 5 Series driving score: 5/5
This is where the two cars really show their different characters. The BMW 5 Series has long been the benchmark for handling in this class, and this generation is no exception. It feels agile and engaging on a winding road, with precise steering and a balanced chassis that gives the driver confidence. Yet, it’s also a superb long-distance cruiser, remaining quiet and comfortable on the motorway.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class puts its focus squarely on comfort. With standard air suspension on the rear axle, it glides over bumps and imperfections in the road, creating a serene and relaxing driving experience. It’s not as sharp or communicative as the 5 Series in the corners, but for those who prioritise a calm journey over a thrilling one, the E-Class is difficult to fault.
Technology and Equipment
Mercedes-Benz E-Class technology and equipment score: 4/5
BMW 5 Series technology and equipment score: 5/5
Both cars are showcases for their respective brand's latest technology. The new E-Class wows with its optional 'Superscreen', which turns almost the entire dashboard into a glass panel of displays. It looks futuristic and offers a huge range of features, including the ability to run third-party apps like TikTok and Zoom.
However, the BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) is equipped with the iDrive infotainment system, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. It combines a responsive touchscreen with a physical rotary controller, making it intuitive and less distracting to use on the move. While the E-Class has more visual drama, the 5 Series’ system is a masterclass in user-friendliness, and both come generously equipped with digital dials, navigation, and smartphone connectivity.
Running Costs
Mercedes-Benz E-Class running costs score: 4/5
BMW 5 Series running costs score: 4/5
As premium German cars, neither the E-Class nor the 5 Series will be cheap to buy or run. However, both offer highly efficient engine options that can help keep costs in check. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions are particularly attractive for company car users due to their low benefit-in-kind tax rates, and they can cover many daily commutes on electric power alone.
The diesel engines in both line-ups are also impressively frugal, capable of returning more than 50mpg on a long run. Servicing and insurance will be on the pricey side, as expected, but strong residual values for both models mean they should hold their value well, softening the blow of depreciation. In this area, it’s too close to call a winner.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
BMW 5 Series |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
5 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.8 out of 5 |
4.6 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
32.7% |
32.6% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.4 out of 5 |
4.6 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
BMW 5 Series Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6/5
This is an incredibly close contest between two of the best executive cars on the market. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a triumph of comfort and rolling refinement, with a stunning, tech-filled interior that makes every journey feel special. It’s a fantastic car, and owners rate it highly.
However, based on our comprehensive CarGurus ratings, the BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) edges ahead to take the win. It earns a perfect score from our experts for its brilliant combination of engaging handling and long-distance comfort. It’s also more practical than the E-Class and features a more intuitive infotainment system. It manages to be the driver’s car without any significant compromise on luxury or usability, making it a superb all-round package.
If your number one priority is a relaxing ride and the latest in-car tech, the E-Class is an excellent choice. But for the best blend of driving pleasure, practicality, and quality, the BMW 5 Series is our winner.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Exceptional ride comfort |
Not as engaging to drive as the 5 Series |
| Stunning, high-tech interior |
PHEV models have a compromised boot |
| Superb refinement and quietness |
'Superscreen' can be distracting |
BMW 5 Series Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Best-in-class handling and driver appeal |
Ride is firmer than the E-Class |
| Practical cabin with a large boot |
Interior design is more conservative |
| Excellent iDrive infotainment system |
This generation is now the previous model |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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