Classic duel between Mercedes and BMW at the top, or what is the same, in the upper class, this time with electric propulsion: in this comparison of the BMW i5 against the Mercedes EQE, we want to check all the effort of these two brands to be the references among high-end electric sedans.
Design
The differences start from the design. The EQE looks very modern and, yes, bold, with its aerodynamic shape, focused on efficiency. The eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series, on the other hand, is presented as a classic three-volume sedan, angular, energetic and with a grille that once again adopts more traditional shapes than those to which the brand has accustomed us lately.
These differences continue within. BMW opts for an almost conventional design, but also with two giant screens, a 12.3-inch one for the driver and a 14.9-inch touch screen for the infotainment system. Both here and in its competitor, the voice navigation system is one of the fastest and smartest we know of. Additionally, the i5 is carefully finished, with high-quality materials.
Those from Stuttgart have designed the interior of the EQE in a similar way to its exterior: unconventional. Spacious and open, with a floating center console. The two screens, a 12.3-inch one for the instruments and a 12.8-inch touch screen for the infotainment system, have excellent image quality and generous but well-structured menus. The central OLED screen is slightly tilted and easily accessible.
The Mercedes is also elaborately finished, with high-quality materials, and the interior feels more luxurious compared to the BMW, which has a more technical approach.
Space
The front seats are slightly narrower and offer less shoulder support than those in the BMW. Additionally, the EQE's seat adjustment is somewhat cumbersome and provides no feedback. The i5's optional Comfort seats are roomy and multi-way adjustable, and overall very comfortable.
In the rear, typical for BMW, passengers sit quite low to the ground. Tall people will have to bend their legs a lot. The Mercedes offers noticeably more legroom in the second row, but slightly less headroom and interior width.
Speaking of less: at 430 liters, the EQE's boot is noticeably smaller than its competitor. And at 475 kilograms, the Mercedes can carry less than the BMW, whose cargo capacity is 578. The BMW's 490-liter trunk fits one more large suitcase than the Mercedes.
Engines
The i5 eDrive40 comes with a 340 HP electric motor on the rear axle and rear-wheel drive, with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and the speed is limited to 193 km/h.
Tom Salt
The EQE 350 has a 292 HP electric motor on the rear axle and also rear-wheel drive, with a maximum torque of 565 Nm. In the test, it achieved acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h.
As before, the Mercedes' electrical system also impresses in this test with its high degree of maturity. The accelerator pedal responds sensitively, regeneration can be adjusted in three levels with the shift paddles; We recommend the intelligent and forward-thinking adaptive mode.
Tom Salt
Behavior
One-pedal driving works smoothly to a stop, although that feature is hidden in a “deep” submenu. By the way, the braking is also excellent: the EQE stopped from 100 km/h in 33.2 meters with the discs hot during the test, an excellent value. In addition, the EQE is even quieter than the i5, which also scores very high in this section. At a speed of 130 km/h, we measured an interior noise level of 61 dB(A) (very, very low) on board.
The BMW stopped from 100 km/h in 32.2 meters in the same test, standing out even more than the Mercedes. By the way, with the same tires (Pirelli P Zero). At 130 km/h, the i5 is slightly louder at 63 dB(A), but this is probably only noticeable to extremely sensitive ears.
Tom Salt
The BMW's electrical system is equally smooth, like that of the Mercedes, but in direct comparison it feels more sensitive and alert, allowing for particularly precise dosing. The i5 has less torque than the EQE, but more power. It's a different character than the Mercedes, more lively and sporty, typically BMW, if you will. And anyway, the i5 is a bit faster, as the measurements show.
Regeneration can be adjusted in four levels via the menu, we also recommend the single-pedal mode that runs to a stop, and is activated simply with the gear lever in position B.
Tom Salt
At 2,162 kilograms, the i5 is almost 260 lighter than the EQE, which weighs 2,420… and feels heavier too. Fundamentally composed and with stable steering, the BMW drives more playfully than the EQE.
In the test, at a temperature of one degree Celsius, the EQE with its 89 kWh (usable) battery achieved a range of 404 kilometers, with a maximum load of 22 kW in alternating current and 170 kW in direct current.
In the i5 eDrive40, the battery is 81.2 kWh, in the test we measured a range of 383 kilometers. The maximum load is 22 kW in alternating current and 205 kW in direct current.
Tom Salt
Factors to decide the purchase
Second place: Mercedes EQE 350. Very comfortable and absolutely silent, with a slightly greater range than the BMW. But very expensive.
First place: BMW i5 eDrive40. Very well tuned electrical system, firm road handling and excellent brakes. Also very expensive.