Test drive BMW 535i vs Mercedes E 350 CGI: big duel

The new generation BMW 535 Series was released very soon and immediately applied for leadership in its market segment. Will the five be able to beat the Mercedes E-Class? Let's try to answer this age-old question by comparing the powerful six-cylinder models 350i and E XNUMX CGI.

The market segment of the two opponents in this test is part of the automotive industry at the highest level. It is true that the Seven Series and S-Class rank even higher in the BMW and Mercedes hierarchies, respectively, but the Five and E-Class are undoubtedly also an integral part of today's four-wheeled elite. These products, especially in their most powerful six-cylinder versions, are timeless classics for senior management and a recognized symbol of seriousness, success and prestige. Although there are many alternatives in the classroom, and some of them are definitely worth the money, the two characters in the current story are invariably considered stylish and successful choices, but the half-century tradition of doing something really good cannot but have the proper impact. ...

Appearance

After years of complex but controversial design decisions at BMW, the Bavarians have returned to their classic forms. The new "five" perfectly embodies the brand's vision of dynamics and aesthetics, and in appearance and size approaches the seventh series. The body has grown by six centimeters in length, and the wheelbase has increased by as much as eight centimeters - thus, the car has not only become even more impressive in size compared to the E-Class, but at the same time eliminates one of the few shortcomings. its predecessor, namely the partially narrowed interior space.

On the outside, Mercedes shows some nods to the brand's golden years with details like specially shaped rear fenders, but overall its design is much more conservative and simpler than BMW's. The interior of the Stuttgart model also looks solidly on the ground, and the likelihood of being surprised by something in it is minimal, since it is small and the chance to find something futuristic in an old solid oak desk. With this approach, the automatic transmission lever is located to the right of the steering column - like in the fifties. this is certainly not a machine for young people who love dynamics. The right place for people with such interests is the elegantly furnished BMW cockpit.

Parity

Now let's talk about functionality. With the new generation of the BMW i-Drive system, ergonomics - until recently one of the bastions of Mercedes - have reached unexpected heights, and in this respect the Munich rival even manages to beat his rival with a three-pointed star on the emblem. Space inside the two models is plentiful, and the quality of materials and workmanship speak volumes that the owners of these two models have definitely donated their money for nothing.

The Fifth Series boasts slightly more interior space and more comfortable rear seats, while the Mercedes has more trunk space and more payload. The evaluation of the hulls of the two models ended in a draw. In fact, it's close to our expectations - and for a while, we didn't think this section would decide the battle between the two strongest premium models.

However, wouldn't road behavior be critical to the end result? The BMW test car is equipped with a number of expensive options: adaptive suspension with adjustable shock absorbers, changing its settings to the speed of active steering, turning the rear axle. Mercedes competes with its standard chassis. The differences in road behavior tests are relatively small, but the driving experience between the two cars is dramatically different.

Glove thrown

Considering its size and weight, BMW demonstrates surprisingly agile and sporty handling. Five clearly loves corners and doesn't just navigate them - she writes them like a playful master driving instructor. At the risk of sounding cliché, this is a great car for people who enjoy driving and are looking for the thrill of a car.

Spontaneous, straightforward, almost nervous steering reactions are welcome in the dynamic temperament of the car, the same goes for the wide range of chassis and drivetrain options. In Sport mode, the engine reacts literally with astonishing speed to any change in the position of the accelerator pedal, and the eight-speed automatic transmission behaves like a racing sports model. Normal and Comfort modes provide much more convenience while driving without sacrificing the sporty driving experience.

In fact, on bad roads, BMW fails to filter out all the bumps, and rear seat passengers in particular are sometimes subjected to stronger vertical impacts. Normal mode offers perhaps the best balance between smooth driving and dynamic behavior, but really the most important thing in this case is to emphasize that although it has not become something of a flying carpet, the "five" has never been so close. notorious Mercedes comfort.

Calm spirit

This is the crowning achievement of the latest edition of the Stuttgart limousine. The E-Class is clearly not driven by the sporty and direct demeanor that is so typical of a BMW. The steering system here is relatively indirect and works quite accurately, but in direct comparison with the “five” it seems much more cumbersome. Anyone who is able to swallow this lack of athletic ambition can enjoy wonderful comfort. Overall, this car is a clear proof of the philosophy that Mercedes is a car that leaves its driver alone - in the best sense of the word.

The wording is also fully applicable to the drive. In combination with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the 3,5-liter V6 provides good dynamic performance, a smooth ride and relatively low fuel consumption. These are the key points in the Drive column of the E 350 CGI – nothing more, nothing less.

Braveheart

Bayerischen Motoren Werke faces a good but not particularly exciting Mercedes V6 with a bike that literally needs an equal. Let's start with six cylinders in a row - exotic for modern automotive industry, which, however, is part of the BMW religion. Throw in the latest generation of Valvetronic (and the corresponding lack of throttle) and turbocharging. However, the latter does not work as before with two, but with only one turbocharger, the exhaust gases to which enter through two separate channels - one for every three cylinders (the so-called Twin Scroll technology).

The new forced charging does not set records in terms of rated power: 306 hp. are good, but definitely not a record value for a three-liter gasoline turbo engine. The goal here is to achieve the most powerful and even grip possible, and the success of the Munich engineers is evident - the 535i engine has significantly higher torque than the E 350 CGI, and peaks at 400 Nm at 1200 rpm. min value remains constant up to 5000 rpm. In other words, a drive to a miracle and a fairy tale that will not leave anyone indifferent. Just right for BMW. Gas responses are so quick and spontaneous that it's hard to believe the supposed presence of turbocharging at first. The engine revs without the slightest vibration, at lightning speed, accompanied by that specific BMW sound that only someone with a stone heart can simply define as "noise". Complemented by a fast and at the same time completely unobtrusive automatic transmission, the Bavarian Express powertrain is able to deliver real pleasure to anyone who has even a little gasoline in their blood.

And in the final

The fact that, during the test, the 535i reported a lower consumption of 0,3 l / 100 km compared to the E 350 CGI, confirms BMW's victory in the drivetrain.

An overview of the results of all disciplines in the test shows that it is the chassis and road behavior that are the parameters that provide BMW's much-desired triumph in the final in Munich. And the best news from this comparison is that both cars embody the traditional values ​​of their brands, so they each have a reason to proudly wear their manufacturer's emblem.

text: Getz Layrer

a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert

Evaluation

1. BMW 535i - 516 points

With its frankly sporty manners and enviable temperament, the turbocharged inline-six is ​​in perfect harmony with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Complementing the picture is the optional Adaptive Chassis, which gives the 535i exceptional driving dynamics. This car has all the qualities that have made BMW a brand of this rank.

2. Mercedes E 350 CGI Avantgarde - 506 точки

The difference in points compared to BMW in the final ranking is not very large, but the sensation of driving the two models is like from two different worlds. Instead of a pronounced sporty temperament, the E-Class prefers to delight its owners with excellent comfort and trouble-free driving. The overall impression of the drive is good, but not on the level of the Bavarian rival.

technical details

1. BMW 535i - 516 points	2. Mercedes E 350 CGI Avantgarde - 506 точки
Working volume	-	-
Power	306 k.s. at 500 rpm	292 k.s. at 6400 rpm
Maximum torque	-	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	6 with	6,5 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	38 m	39 m
full speed	250 km / h	250 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	11,6 l	11,9 l
Base Price	114 678 levov	55 841 euro