Clash of the executive saloons: BMW 520i vs Mercedes-Benz E200

Note: This feature was first published on 28 August 2024.

The BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are motoring institutions. For decades, they have been the cars of choice for those who want a fairly large (but not too large) saloon to ferry their families in comfort and to show the world that they have money in their pockets. That hasn’t changed with the latest versions of the 5 Series and the E-Class. 

If anything, they are even greater status symbols now. The combination of inflation, a new ARF tax scheme, and sky-high COE prices, means the price tags of these cars have ballooned tremendously over the past few years. 400 grand won’t get you much change if you buy one of these cars.

If it’s any consolation, you do get a lot of car for your money. The 5 Series and E-Class have always been large cars, but they are bigger than ever. The newest 5 Series is particularly huge. It’s the first 5 Series to breach five metres in length. It’s also 11cm longer than the E-Class. 

Inside, it’s hard to see where the 11cm went because the E-Class feels as big as the 5 Series. These are cavernous cars that four adults can seat in comfort. There’s lots of elbow room for the driver and front passenger, and rear legroom and headroom are ample. As for boot space, the E-Class has a slight advantage thanks to less intrusive wheel arches. But both have boots that will happily swallow multiple pieces of luggage for road trips up north.

While both cars score highly and similarly in terms of practicality, there’s no question the E-Class has the swankier cabin. The MBUX Superscreen is pure eye candy and the interior lighting is, as the kids say these days, more of a vibe. The quality of materials is also higher. However, I fear that those digital screens may age badly. The 5 Series’ interior, in comparison, is more restrained and business-like. Crucially, both cars support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Most people think the E-Class is the better-looking car – me included. Its lines flow better and it looks more cohesive. It’s certainly easier on the eyes than the 5 Series. Like many modern Bimmers, the new 5 Series has conspicuous kidney grilles and controversial styling. Controversial styling cues aside, its proportions appear less elegant. Perhaps it’s the angle of the rear glass, but the boot appears to be too short relative to its bonnet. It somehow doesn’t look quite right.

The ride of both cars is exemplary. But it’s the E-Class that has the slight edge again if comfort is of utmost priority. It’s the plusher and quieter-riding car. The 5 Series still rides fantastically, but it’s fractionally firmer and less composed, particularly over poorly-surfaced roads. However, it counters with better body control and agility.

The E-Class’ weakest link is its powertrain. It has a turbocharged 2-litre 4-cylinder that produces 201hp and 320nm of torque. At a cruise, it’s quiet and unobtrusive. Put your foot down, however, and it responds in a way that is out of character with the rest of the car. It delivers its 201 horses unwillingly, and its reluctance to be hurried means it never feels quite as fast as its spec sheet suggests. This is a problem that plagues other “entry-level” Mercs. Their powertrains don’t feel quite special enough for the price they command.

The 5 Series is the opposite because its powertrain is one of the best things about it. Under its long hood is the mighty B48 unit, which is also a turbocharged 2-litre 4-cylinder motor. This is paired with the now-legendary ZF 8-speed gearbox. So even though this particular 5 Series produces less power than the E200 – 187bhp and 310nm of torque – the eagerness of the overall package more than makes up for it. It feels just as, if not faster than the E-Class. And with its keener handling, there’s no question that the 5 Series is the more pleasant and rewarding car to drive. It’s unquestionably the car to have if you care about driving.

Understandably, it can be hard to pick one. But if it were me, I have to go with the BMW. It’s better to drive, and although the interior isn’t quite as trendy, you cannot argue against its effectiveness. But most of all, prices start at a more palatable S$346,888. That’s over 40 grand less than the cheapest E-Class. In fact, the AMG Line variant that we tested here starts at an eye-watering S$425,888.

Try as I may, I struggle to justify the premium. Some people can and there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, the Tristar emblem does carry a certain cachet, and most people I asked think it’s the better-looking car. It’s also hard not to be impressed by its futuristic-looking tech-laden cabin. 

All in all, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself in the position to be able to afford these cars, you can’t go wrong with either of them.

Availability and pricing

The BMW 520i and Mercedes-Benz E200 are both available now.

Prices of the BMW 520i starts at S$346,888. The 520i M Sport starts at S$355,888. 

Prices of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class start at S$390,888. The AMG Line variant tested here starts at S$425,888.