The Ultimate Luxury Sedan Showdown: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. 2024 BMW 5 Series

Few luxury midsize sedans have the enduring popularity and prestige of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. These two German icons have been battling for supremacy in this highly competitive segment for decades, each representing the pinnacle of engineering, technology, and luxury from their respective brands.

As we enter the 2024 model year, the completely redesigned E-Class and 5 Series bring many exciting updates and improvements. In this ultimate luxury sedan showdown, Walter’s Mercedes-Benz of Riverside team compares these two heavyweights head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top, helping California drivers choose the perfect model for their needs.

Exterior Styling

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes a bold statement with its sculpted, aerodynamic body and futuristic design elements. The front end features a distinctive notched headlight design and a grille inspired by Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge EQ electric vehicle lineup, giving the E-Class a sleek, high-tech appearance. The rear full-width light bar and 3D Mercedes-Benz star insignia in the taillights add to the sedan’s premium, sophisticated look.

With its cleaner, minimalist design language, the 2024 BMW 5 Series takes a more understated approach. The iconic kidney grille is narrower and more upright, while the headlights have a drawn-back, almost coupe-like shape. The side profile showcases the classic Hofmeister kink at the C-pillar, and the rear end features slim, horizontal taillights for a more evolutionary look.

Both models offer performance-oriented styling packages that add sportier bumpers, side skirts, and wheels for a more aggressive appearance. The base designs maintain an elegant, executive presence perfect for the boardroom or the boulevard. While the 5 Series has a timeless, understated appeal, the E-Class is the more visually striking and cutting-edge choice in this exterior styling comparison.

Interior Luxury and Technology

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s cabin exudes luxury and sophistication. The interior features premium materials, including genuine leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum accents, all meticulously assembled with impressive attention to detail. The centerpiece of the E-Class’s interior is a massive 14.4-inch MBUX infotainment system, which spans nearly the entire dashboard width. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an available Superscreen setup that adds a third display for the front passenger complement this state-of-the-art system, creating a truly immersive, high-tech environment.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series also boasts a beautifully crafted interior with high-end materials and advanced technology. The iDrive 8.5 system integrates a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch curved glass touch screen into a seamless display. While the 5 Series’ infotainment setup is competent and user-friendly, it doesn’t match the sheer screen real estate and technological sophistication of the E-Class’s MBUX system.

Both models offer numerous comfort and convenience features, including multicontour seats with massage functions, four-zone automatic climate control, and premium audio systems. The E-Class has a slight edge in available luxury amenities, with standard features that include a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system that are optional on the 5 Series. When it comes to interior luxury and technology, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class emerges as the more impressive and indulgent choice.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2024 BMW 5 Series offer a range of powerful and efficient engine options. The E-Class lineup starts with the E 350 4MATIC®, which features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the E 450 4MATIC® brings a silky-smooth 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system for optimal traction and performance.

The BMW 5 Series offers similar powertrain options, with the 530i and 530i xDrive using a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine generating 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 540i xDrive packs a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque (398 lb-ft with the mild hybrid’s temporary boost). An eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive are standard across the 5 Series lineup.

The E-Class and 5 Series are neck-and-neck in acceleration. The E 350 4MATIC® can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the E 450 4MATIC® cuts that time to just 4.4 seconds. Similarly, the BMW 530i hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, the 530i xDrive accomplishes it in 5.8 seconds, and the 540i xDrive does it in 4.4 seconds. Both models offer an engaging, athletic driving experience, with well-tuned suspensions and responsive steering that balance comfort and agility. The E-Class leans more toward luxury and refinement, while the 5 Series maintains a sportier, more driver-focused character.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a top priority in the midsize luxury sedan segment, and both the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 2024 BMW 5 Series come with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The E-Class includes standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system for enhanced peace of mind.

The 5 Series also offers standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, with available driver-assistance features that include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and BMW’s Highway Assistant for hands-free driving in certain conditions.

While the E-Class and 5 Series match closely in safety features, the E-Class has a slight edge with its standard 360-degree camera system and available rear-seat side air bags. When it comes to keeping Riverside drivers safe, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the more comprehensive and reassuring choice.

Experience the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class at Walter’s Mercedes-Benz of Riverside

If you’re ready to experience the unrivaled luxury, performance, and innovation of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class for yourself, we invite you to visit Walter’s Mercedes-Benz of Riverside. Our knowledgeable and friendly sales team is ready to help you find the perfect E-Class model to suit your needs and preferences. Browse our extensive inventory of new E-Class sedans, and take advantage of our attractive lease and finance specials to get behind the wheel of your dream car at a price that fits your budget.