BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The BMW 5 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW 5 Series leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Midsize Cars · 136 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 5 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 38 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 ✓ | $2,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 133 g/mi | 115 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium and Electricity, Premium, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 85 | 136 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
5 Series vs E-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The BMW 5 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 5 Series runs about $2,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,700 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class — a difference of roughly $250 per year.
What engines do the 5 Series and E-Class offer?
BMW 5 Series: SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More 5 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-5-series-vs-mercedes-benz-e-class