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

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that embraced the "sensual purity" theme, moving away from the sharper angles of its predecessor. This model featured a more fluid and curvier form, reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. The E-Class received updates such as squinted headlights, an inverted trapezoid grille, and horizontal taillights, giving it a slightly edgier appearance. Despite these changes, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. The interior was a luxurious space filled with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by advanced features such as metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and ambient lighting. The dual 12-inch screens provided a modern touch, with the instrument panel transitioning to a digital display for 2021.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its restrained design, lacking the flamboyance of other BMW models. The 5 Series received a minor styling refresh for 2021, featuring streamlined LED headlights and a larger twin-kidney grille. The sedan's design was sleek and understated, with trapezoidal tailpipes and new L-shaped taillights. The interior retained the familiar BMW layout, with a focus on specific design elements that defined the brand's identity. While the base models featured SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered luxurious options like Dakota and Nappa leather. The 5 Series provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, with supportive seats and a high-end feel, although the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise luxurious interior.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model transitioning to a hybrid system featuring a 48-volt electrical system. This setup provided additional power and torque, allowing for smoother engine starts and stops, and improved fuel efficiency. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with overboost available for brief periods. The AMG E53 model added a second turbocharger, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a hand-built 4.0-litre V8 engine with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The E-Class offered a range of driving modes, from the comfortable and relaxed to the sporty and dynamic, with the AMG models providing exhilarating performance.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 540i model featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, generating 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. The M550i xDrive model came with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the M5 model offered a more powerful version of the V8 with 617 hp. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of 31 km. The 5 Series excelled in handling and driving dynamics, offering a sporty yet comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. The sedan offered 540 litres of trunk space, while the wagon provided up to 1,820 litres with the seats folded. The E-Class Coupe and Convertible had less rear seat space, with the latter sacrificing room for the folding soft top. The wagon's E450 All-Terrain model added ground clearance and body cladding for a more rugged appearance. The E-Class interior was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, drive mode switches, and seat controls on the doors. However, mastering the dual screens required some learning.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a 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, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and lumbar support, providing a comfortable and supportive ride. Forward visibility was somewhat limited due to the long hood, but the surround-view camera system aided in parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface with improved organization and natural voice processing. The system offered features like live camera feeds with overlay arrows, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they were not wireless. The E-Class also included advanced driving assists, capable of limited autonomous driving. The instrument cluster offered customizable displays, ranging from traditional analog gauges to futuristic graphics.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both offering excellent graphics. The iDrive 7 system provided a user-friendly interface, with a rotary knob for tactile control. Voice control and gesture controls were available, although the latter required some learning. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top ratings in most crash tests. The 2020 model was a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS. The E-Class offered innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during side collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, received a "Top Safety Pick+" award for the 2020 model. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, providing a sophisticated and smooth operation.