2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, offering a design that was more restrained compared to other BMW sedans. It lacked the flashy design elements of the 3 Series and the grandiose size of the 7 Series, making it a choice for those who preferred to fly under the radar. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, giving the sedan a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The interior maintained the classic BMW layout, with familiar elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter design, reinforcing the brand's identity. However, the use of standard SensaTec upholstery in lower trims was a reminder that luxury materials came at an additional cost.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, showcasing its versatility. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, was a standout with its luxurious features and high-end materials. The design purity of modern Mercedes vehicles was evident, with the AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a matte-blue paint finish that was almost luminescent. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet exuded luxury with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, creating an opulent atmosphere. The E-Class was designed for those who appreciated both performance and the ability to flaunt their wealth.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the base 530i sedan, which featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed limited to 210 km/h or 235 km/h, depending on the tires. The 540i model, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a top speed of 305 km/h. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided an eco-friendly option with a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided robust performance across the rev range, with a zero to 100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its dynamic capabilities, while the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's character to their preferences. Despite some cowl shake over bumps, the E53 Cabriolet remained solid and sure-footed, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a four-door, five-seat sedan in Canada, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The 540i model provided 396 litres of trunk space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered a balance of support and comfort, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, a true four-passenger convertible, prioritized driver and front passenger comfort with features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats ensured comfort in hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top maintained a cool and quiet cabin. The test car's multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxury experience. With the top raised, the trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space, though this was significantly reduced with the top down.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the layout of the instrument cluster could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, and voice control was available with the prompt "Hey BMW." Gesture controls were also offered, though they required some learning.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which was both complex and user-friendly. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, offering high-resolution displays that remained clear even in sunlight. Interaction options included the touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, and steering wheel touchpad buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like Wi-Fi service and augmented reality navigation. The test car's Burmester surround-sound audio system added to the premium experience, though the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 2021 model year, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for a collision and protecting occupants' hearing. The Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The test car's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive.