BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class diesel: Specs, features and price compared

The BMW i5 LWB and Mercedes-Benz E 220d take different approaches to the luxury sedan. BMW no longer offers a diesel engine with the 5 Series in India, so for buyers with high annual running who want an efficient 5 Series, the electric i5 is the only option. The E-Class, meanwhile, continues to offer a diesel powertrain in the form of the E 220d, alongside petrol versions. Both are aimed at buyers seeking a spacious, chauffeur-friendly luxury sedan, but their powertrains make for very different ownership propositions. Here’s how they compare.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Dimensions

i5 is wider, while length, height and wheelbase are similar

The i5 LWB is significantly wider than the E-Class – by 276mm – while the two are fairly similar in length, height and wheelbase. The BMW also gets larger 20-inch wheels compared with the Mercedes’s 18-inch units.

Another point of difference is the suspension. The i5 LWB gets rear-axle air suspension, which should help with ride comfort, while the E 220d uses a steel setup with selective damping, which also does a great job of blunting sharp bumps and keeping the car as level as possible over cracks and ruts.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Powertrain

i5 is quicker and more powerful; E 220d has more torque

The i5 has the clear advantage in power and acceleration, but the E 220d has more torque than its electric rival. The i5 should also be smoother, as expected of an EV, while the E-Class is exceptionally fuel efficient for a luxury sedan and can manage more than 800km on a full tank.

The i5 gets a large 81.6kWh battery pack and has a claimed MIDC range of 669km. Considering this figure, a real-world range of over 500km should be achievable, which is enough for highway runs. Longer journeys will still need to be planned around charging stops, whereas the E-Class does not face this limitation.

On paper, the i5 makes a strong case, particularly for buyers who primarily drive in the city and have access to charging. The E 220d, however, is better suited to those who regularly mix city driving with long highway journeys and want the convenience of quick refuelling.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Exterior features

i5 gets adaptive LEDs; both have electric folding mirrors

In terms of exterior features, both sedans are similarly equipped. Both get LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), LED tail-lights, powered outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and a powered tailgate. The i5 LWB, however, gets adaptive LED headlights and an illuminated grille. The two also differ in their door-handle designs, with the i5 using flap-type handles and the E-Class getting flush-fitting units.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Interior and features

i5 focuses on front-seat comfort, while the E-Class prioritises the rear

Both offer a similar baseline of luxury equipment, but their priorities differ. The i5 adds ventilated front seats and a larger central display, while the E 220d has a more comprehensive set of rear-seat features, including electric recline, sunblinds, soft-close doors and the ability to adjust the front passenger seat from the rear. For a chauffeur-driven buyer, that gives the Mercedes an advantage in rear-seat functionality.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Safety features

Both get ADAS and 360-degree cameras

The two cars are closely matched on safety features, with both offering 8 airbags, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, 360-degree cameras and parking assistance.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Prices

BMW i5 LWB is Rs 3.90 lakh cheaper

At Rs 79.60 lakh, the i5 LWB is Rs 3.90 lakh more affordable than the E 220d and is also cheaper than the petrol E-Class. Factoring in the lower running costs of an EV, particularly for buyers who can charge at home, the BMW makes a strong financial case.

BMW i5 LWB vs Mercedes E-Class: Verdict

On paper, the BMW i5 LWB is the stronger choice if outright performance, lower running costs and a more front-seat-focused cabin are priorities. It is more powerful, quicker and cheaper to buy, while home charging can make it substantially cheaper to run.

The Mercedes E 220d makes the stronger case for chauffeur-driven use, with a more rear-seat-focused cabin, along with the longer range and quicker refuelling of its diesel powertrain.