BMW 5 Series vs Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: which one is the best value for money?
BMW 5 Series vs Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: which one is the best value for money?
By Farzana Chaumoo
A battle waged between three heavyweights: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Let's take a look at their basic stats.
Costs
In terms of price, the Audi A6 pulls a lead with an entry-level model starting at R729,500. That's R54,039 less an entry-level Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200 which costs R783,539. The BMW 5 Series entry-level 520i is noticeably more expensive at R801,000.
Styling
To an onlooker, the E-Class could easily be mistaken for the more luxurious S-Class sedan. This already gives Merc a strong start in the styling category. Let's not even get to the sporty-looking AMG Line model, the levels of poshness are so high - that's a clear winner.
Similarly, the Audi A6 also has a luxurious cabin but a dull appearance. It does, however, have an appealing shape and the hexagonal grille lets you know it's an Audi product. S-Line models will feature more sporty details like more aggressive bumpers that will really help it in the exterior looks division.
The BMW 5 Series has stood the test of time and has more tasteful body sculpting than ever before. Its iconic ‘kidney’ grilles also add more visual drama and it received a significant styling overhaul for the G30 series.
Interior
BMW build quality remains as high as it ever did, however, the design looks too similar to cheaper BMW models. But it scores brownie points for having the best iDrive infotainment system which has clear menu progression and logical controls.
Getting into the A6 will feel a step above the BMW. The A6 has a more stylish design and plush materials. Climate controls could've been made simpler to use and the MMI infotainment system is a notch behind BMW's system. But it benefits from the optional Virtual Cockpit which replaces the dials with a full screen.
The E-Class has this sense of country-club vibes. It has a sizeable lead and its interior is one of the finest. The infotainment system can be complicated to use, while the plastic surrounding the rear air vents feels cheap. However, the cabin is the party piece for the E-Class.
Practicality
The E-Class comes out on top here with its 540-litre boot capacity. It also has several cubby spaces that leave you with plenty of storage options. Passenger space is plenty and installing child seats are easy through the ISOFIX anchoring points.
5 Series storage is a little less comprehensive than the E-Class while door pockets and the armrest cubby is small. The 5 Series offers a 520-litre boot capacity and folding rear seats are an optional extra. ISOFIX mounting points were also said to be hard to locate and the raised transmission tunnel makes the rear seat tight for 3 passengers. It is, however, narrowly the most spacious in this trio.
The Audi A6 sits on the middle ground for boot space. It offers 530-litres and has a wide boot opening making it the most usable in this trio. The rear passenger is marginally smaller than the BMW and the Merc but fitting a child seat is easy in the Audi and two adult passengers will fit perfectly fine. The A6 falls behind the E-Class in terms of storage spaces but remains reasonable for the average buyer.
Verdict
None of the owners of any of these three cars will be disappointed but the E-Class owner may just be smiling a little more. Aside from the E53 I drove recently, it's widely known that BMW provides the most driver engagement but it's the dated cabin that lets it down. The Audi is a great all-rounder but that also means it doesn't stand out immensely in one particular area.
With the E-Class, Mercedes has committed to occupant comfort which should be experienced to be appreciated. Its cabin stands out against its strong rivals and is spacious and practical. The car is also quite refined on the move and just adds to the value proposition.
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