BMW 5-series V Mercedes E-class

[bpsorrel]

A short Autocar "comparison test" between the new E and new 5, E wins...just..

Worth a quick look.

BMW 5-series v Mercedes E-class - Autocar.co.uk

 

[corned]

Interesting to read. Thanks for posting.

The new 5 series looks as bland as the 3 series. Try finding one of those in a car park!

I am quite surprised by the way in which BMW are utterly pasting M-B in the 0-62, mpg and g/km stakes though. Not good for M-B - particularly in the near future when this will likely mean a lower VED banding for the equivalent BMW.

 

[HumberMart]

W212 Marmite

The new E certainly seems to be a 'marmite' car on this forum, judging by recent threads/posts.

Personally I can't understand the doubters.

The car has received pretty universal acclaim in the motoring press, culminating with this weeks's Autocar.

IMHO, it's by far the best car I've had for the quality of its steering, ride, and refinement, surely some of the most important features of any car. Autocar even called it the best riding car ever on steel springs.

OK, so there's big differences between the ride in the various models, but if ride is a priority, you go for the SE or comfort option.

Fortunately we're all different, and like differenet things, but there is no way that the W212 can be labelled as a bad car.

I've driven and owned quite a few similar cars in the last few years, inc. a 2006 520D that I bought new and put 20,000 miles on in 7 months. I think the E is (and will continue to be) a huge success for MB - so long as it's not tainted too much following the injector issues. IMHO they've got the price/quality ratio spot on, and a freshness about it that will attract newcomers.

I have to admit that its looks are not a strong point, but it has presence, however the Coupe versions are stunning. When I change, it will probably be for something that looks better, but it won't be a bland new 5.

 

[Adam230K]

Mercedes have always been and will always be conservative on their 0-62 times, but i've felt that in real life situations the are identical if not slightly better than bmw equivalents.

 

[Shude]

Mercedes have always been and will always be conservative on their 0-62 times, but i've felt that in real life situations the are identical if not slightly better than bmw equivalents.

You can always spot a 230k owner...

 

[fuzzer]

The new E certainly seems to be a 'marmite' car on this forum, judging by recent threads/posts.

Personally I can't understand the doubters.

The car has received pretty universal acclaim in the motoring press, culminating with this weeks's Autocar.

IMHO, it's by far the best car I've had for the quality of its steering, ride, and refinement, surely some of the most important features of any car. Autocar even called it the best riding car ever on steel springs.

OK, so there's big differences between the ride in the various models, but if ride is a priority, you go for the SE or comfort option.

Fortunately we're all different, and like differenet things, but there is no way that the W212 can be labelled as a bad car.

The way that the W212 drives is streets ahead of the W211 and the w211 is streets ahead of the w210 etc etc.

Its very noticable how good the w212 rides and handles and ive had quite a few w211's to compare this to.

I also can't see where this low rent interior is coming from and that the w211 interior is so much better..

eh , no. Car by car the w212 looks modern inside , still looks luxurious and is really an improvement on the now aging interior on the w211.

Even from what i remember driving a pre facelift w211 and then jumping into a facelift one was quite a leap in terms of driving dynamics and driver comfort.

to sum up , the W211 was a good car in its time .. but its now been overtaken by the w212

 

[stumpy1]

The way that the W212 drives is streets ahead of the W211 and the w211 is streets ahead of the w210 etc etc.

Its very noticable how good the w212 rides and handles and ive had quite a few w211's to compare this to.

I also can't see where this low rent interior is coming from and that the w211 interior is so much better..

eh , no. Car by car the w212 looks modern inside , still looks luxurious and is really an improvement on the now aging interior on the w211.

Even from what i remember driving a pre facelift w211 and then jumping into a facelift one was quite a leap in terms of driving dynamics and driver comfort.

to sum up , the W211 was a good car in its time .. but its now been overtaken by the w212

Can you honestly tell me that the map pockets on the seatbacks on the 212 aren't low rent?

 

[fuzzer]

Can you honestly tell me that the map pockets on the seatbacks on the 212 aren't low rent?

I didnt even notice them, my W212 would have comand in it anyways . I wouldnt need them.