The 2025 BMW 5 Series and 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vie with each other for space at the pinnacle of the midsize luxury sedan class. They’re both highly evolved, crushingly capable, and perfectly prestigious.
Now in its eighth generation, the 2025 BMW 5 Series has plenty of interior space, highly advanced tech and safety features, and notable refinement. It’s available with turbocharged 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Inside and out, the 5 Series is a solid choice.
The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class enjoys similarly impressive drivetrains, while excellent tech like the Superscreen infotainment system is wildly futuristic in both design and capability.
Let’s take a closer look at the 5 Series and E-Class.
2025 BMW 5 Series
With this generation now in its second year, the three main 5 Series models are the 530i, 530i xDrive, and 540i xDrive. For 2025, heated front seats become standard throughout. The 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid variant joins the lineup, with M Sport content as standard — which means an M-tuned suspension, front sport seats, Active Driving Assistant, upgraded brakes with blue-painted calipers, and a few other details. A new M5 also debuts this year in both sedan and wagon (Touring) forms, both using a high-powered plug-in hybrid drivetrain. And there’s the all-electric i5 sedan.
BMW 5 Series Highlights
Strong engine choices: The specifications of an entry-level powertrain sometimes seem fine in theory but fail to impress when you’re behind the wheel. Not the 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission in the 530i, which delivers an excellent balance of performance and efficiency. The 530i can be configured with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Although it costs more, the 375-hp turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder in the 540i xDrive is addictive, enabling a sprint time of just 4.4 seconds from standstill to 60 mph.
Cutting-edge technology: A digital instrument cluster and 14.3-inch infotainment touchscreen create a sleek, slightly curved display spanning most of the dashboard. Additional tech highlights include the AirConsole gaming system, standard automatic parking assistance for parallel and perpendicular spots, and an optional hands-free driving feature that operates at speeds up to 85 mph.
Airy and animal-friendly interior: The 5 Series comes standard with what BMW calls Veganza upholstery. This vegan-friendly synthetic leather features prominently on the doors, seats, and dashboard. A panoramic Sky Lounge Roof is also available, measuring an expansive 33 inches long and 32 inches wide.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price. Browse 5 Series models for sale near you.
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the great machines, having already forged a sterling reputation for comfort, quality, and innovative technology. This current generation debuted last year, like its rival from Bavaria. And whenever we’ve driven it, we’ve been mightily impressed — even by the entry-level rear-wheel-drive E 350, which is new for 2025. In other changes this year, every variant gains a center airbag as standard. Buyers can choose to have their steering wheel wrapped in MB-Tex simulated leather instead of the real stuff (our experiences with MB-Tex are all positive — it’s durable and extremely convincing). The Manufaktur personalization program now offers Patagonia Red as an exterior color choice (replacing Cardinal Red). The lineup also includes a new AMG plug-in hybrid to rival the new M5, plus the E 450 4Matic All Terrain — a raised wagon with a little SUV attitude. The all-electric EQE sedan is an alternative to the BMW i5.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Highlights
Superscreen infotainment system: First, there was the Hyperscreen, and now there’s the Superscreen. Mercedes clearly has a thing for giant displays, and the trend has made it into the E-Class. While not as enormous as the Hyperscreen in the all-electric EQS sedan and SUV, the Superscreen is still impressive — featuring a digital instrument panel and a 14.4-inch center touchscreen plus a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger.
Burmester audio system: This Burmester 4D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos delivers astounding audio. This tech was first introduced in Mercedes-Benz’s most prestigious models, like the Mercedes-Maybach and S-Class sedans. Now, it’s offered in the E-Class sedan.
Artificial intelligence: It’s all about routines: getting into the car in the morning and tuning to a news station, calling the same person on the drive home on Friday, etc. The optional artificial intelligence system in the E-Class learns these kinds of things. Users can also set up personalized routines.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price. Browse E-Class models for sale near you.
Similarities
It’s not coincidental that these two German luxury cars are similar in size, price, and many other aspects. They even have base turbo 4-cylinder engines delivering the same amount of horsepower, while the E 450 4Matic matches the 540i xDrive. Trunk space is a close-run thing as well, with the E-Class holding only a small advantage.
Pricing
New 2025 BMW 5 Series Prices
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 BMW 5 Series vehicles and New 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 BMW 5 Series | 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4,700-6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000-3,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy mpg | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, AWD | Turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | TBD |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 117.9 inches | 116.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.2 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.0 inches |
| Height | 59.6 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.7 feet | 39.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.0 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.9 inches | 57.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.4 cubic feet | 19.1 cubic feet |
Conclusion
As two of the finest midsize luxury sedans, it’s natural for the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class to form a rivalry, but it’s one where the buyer becomes the beneficiary as both cars raise the entire game. Although the BMW has a better powertrain warranty (six years or 70,000 miles as opposed to four years/50,000 miles), the E-Class, with intriguing tech like its Superscreen, is attractive to those who relish the newest gadgetry. As for their respective driving experiences, that’s a matter of taste, as each is refined and poised. Give both a test drive, preferably on roads you know well. Or maybe it comes down to something personal like styling. There’s no wrong choice.