VIDEO: What does the new BMW 5 Series do better than the E-Class?

Without having driven the new 5 Series, there’s absolutely no way of telling if it’s going to be better than any of its competitors. So speculating on how it drives is a futile exercise. However, what we can do is take a look at specs. This is exactly what Mat Watson does in this new video for Carwow.

Watson lists ten changes about the 5 Series and compares some of them to the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The first of which is the size. The new 5 Series has grown in length, width and interior space. It actually has more back seat space than the E-Class and can more easily fit three adults side-by-side. However, it still has a smaller trunk (boot for UK folk).

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It also has some new technology features that the E-Class doesn’t have. Things like a touchscreen compatible iDrive infotainment system, Remote Parking capability and car-to-system communication, where the 5 Series communicates with BMW’s backend network to relay traffic information, as well as other info. While that doesn’t mean the 5 Series has better tech, as we’ve yet to play with the 5er, it does indeed have features the Merc does not.

In terms of powertrains, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. In the US, the Mercedes E-Class only comes in two flavors, E300 and AMG E43. The former makes 241 hp and can get from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The comparable BMW 5 Series, the 530i, makes 252 hp and does 0-60 mph in 6.2. Both of these times are claimed by the manufacturers and they’re almost always conservative, so we’ll have to see in person. The latter AMG E43 makes 396 hp from its 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 and does 0-60 mph in 4.5. The closest comparable 5 Series is the 540i, which makes 340 hp and does a claimed 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. However, BMW will also be bringing a M550i, with 462 hp 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 and a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds. So, as you can see, it’s a bit of a toss up.

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Clearly, we’ll have no way of knowing which is the better car until we can get our paws on both to do some back-to-back testing. Until then, it’s just speculation and spec sheet comparison. So see for yourself.