We are back with another comparison that will keep the headlines of many car magazines and websites from now on: the BMW 550i against the all-new Mercedes-Benz E 500 and the Audi A6.
Continue Reading Below
Just a couple of months ago, I have done an extensive review of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and its main competitor, the BMW 5 Series. While we haven’t had a chance to enter the Audi into this equation, we did manage to show you a slightly different and very controversial comparison, between the BMW M5 and Audi S6.
The German fellows at AutoBild went the extra mile to compare some of the best luxury sedans available today. The comparison was done from a design point of view, both interior and exterior, and it did not focus on performance.
But, since we’re here, let me give you some background information on the models compared here:
BMW 550i
The 550i is powered by a 4.8 liter V8 engine, outputting 360 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and produces 360 lb-ft / 488 Nm of torque at 3,400 rpm. It runs from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds. Not the most gas friendly luxury sedan out there, with an average of 16.1 MPG.
Audi A6
A6 is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 FSI engine producing 350 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. 0 to 60 mph can be achieved in 5.8 seconds. The average fuel consumption is 19 MPG.
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – E500
The new E500 is powered by a 5.5 liter V8 engine producing 388 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 390 lb-ft/ 530Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. No official testing has been conducted yet, but the Mercedes-Benz E500 is rumored to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
Now, let’s focus on the interior and exterior design, and Autobild has taken some incredible photos.
[Source: Autobild ]
give me the 3.0T in the A6 or the 535i and I’d be happier.
sorry mercedes, it was hard to beat the previous E-class.
That 5 series didn’t exactly look all that good in that profile pic.
The back of the new E-class is HIDEOUS! The first time I saw it I thought it was a new Hyundai.
give me the 550i with the audi interiour.
I think the BMW would have been better represented if it had been a M-sport version. E is hideous and Audi is dull. I also like the look of the BMW’s interior more, never got the big deal about Audi interiors and the colour combo used on this E is pretty horrible!
I would prefer the E-class, all those speed bumps that never end, I would opt for sporty comfort of a Mercedes-Benz.
Yes, the back of the MB looks a bit Toyota, but I am going to be in the drivers seat.
Why do all new Mercedes models have a downward sloping-looking exterior?
I liked the old E-class design much better.
All in all I think the 5 aged very well. It doesn’t photograph very well, which doesn’t help, but it still looks good with the other two.
I’m a big fan of the BMW interior. I like minimalistic design. The Audi dashboard reminds me of the old E36 dash design. The Mercs’ is interesting.
The E class is a lot like BMW nowadays. They push their design to get away from copys of their own cars. It (the design) is challenging, but I think it is edgy and clearly Merc. The easyest thing now for Merc haters is to say it’s ugly, looks like a Hyundai or Toyota etc. But we should not forget that those guys study these designs to inflouence their own. So, the easyest thing to say is that it looks like…
On the other hand, we always say a new Lexus or Hyundai looks European. What we’re actually saying is that they copied Merc or BM. Maybe not so much in the detail, but in proportions and surface treatment.
I think that E looks stunning!
could they have picked a 5 series that looked more plain?
E class is a new model, 5er is old, we should wait for the new 5 series…
@Matski: The Merc looks terrible!!! What kind of trash is that – inside and out. I still think the 5 looks the best
Is that the Deep Green color on the 550? I have never seen this color before.
I agree that BMW’s design looks the best. The Merc looks just weird from outside, and the inside doesn’t look that luxurious. Audi’s design is old.
I think the Jaguar XF is a more worthy comparison.
Although the 5 series is the oldest car in the 3, it still looks very modern!!! It doesn’t look aged comparing the A6 and E-class!!! (although I think the magazine pick the worse colour of the 550!)
those hating the new e-class will def fall in love with e63 amg when it’s debut at the new york auto show in april.
BMW is the best audi is very old and merc. is good.
LOL, the 5series is the oldest of the three. They could have picked a 5er that looked a little bit more attractive. Like its looks is already debatable, why not at least choose one with the Sports Kit that replicates the M5 front and rear aprons?
MERCEDES IS THE BEST AND THE FASTEST,THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND THE MOST COMFORTABLE
I love my 550i..Mercedes has horrible consumer reports…BMW is hands down a better vehicle.
Bmw e60 has The Best comfort better then f12 and yes if they haven race Will The bmw Win so easy