VS
At a Glance
Power
375hp @ 5200
255hp @ 5800
Torque
398lb-ft @ 1850
295lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
29 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 5 Series delivers 375hp @ 5200 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 255hp @ 5800. On fuel, the 5 Series returns 29 mpg est. while the E-Class uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $60,500 for the 5 Series and $63,900 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 5 Series540i xDrive Sedan 2026 - From $60,500
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassE 350 RWD Sedan 2026 - From $63,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
375hp @ 5200
255hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
398lb-ft @ 1850
295lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.2in
194.9in
Width (in)
74.8in
73.7in
Height (in)
59.6in
57.9in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
116.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4370lbs
4134lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 5 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
5 Series
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
5 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 5 Series
Lower starting price ($60,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 5 Series or E-Class?
The 5 Series gets 29 mpg est. and the E-Class gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The E-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 5 Series or E-Class?
The 5 Series produces 375hp @ 5200 and 398lb-ft @ 1850 of torque while the E-Class delivers 255hp @ 5800 and 295lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The 5 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 5 Series and E-Class?
The 5 Series starts from $60,500 and the E-Class from $63,900. The 5 Series is cheaper by $3,400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 5 Series or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider