Luxury car showdowns don’t come tougher than this. Here’s a look at how Mercedes E350, BMW 530i and Audi A6 models stack up against each other.
The look: In the new E-Class, the sharply defined nose, the suggestion of the four-headlamp arrangement, the exaggerated tipped-forward stance and the W120 ‘ponton’-like flying bulge over the hips help the car stand out.
Unlike the Merc, which majors on comfort, every molecule of BMW’s 530i goes into making it a driver’s car. It has a sporty suspension setup, near-perfect weight distribution and a unique braking system, too.
Audi’s A6 looks the least alluring of the lot. The carmakers have added new LED lamps to both the front and rear lights and there’s a new A4-like split chin, but the basic design with its classic inverted bathtub shape remains. Power: The A6 has the most power and the most sophisticated motor. The direct injection, supercharged V6 pumps out a very strong 290 bhp and while the Merc and BMW send drive to the rear wheels, the Audi sends power to all four.
The ride: For relaxed and leisurely driving, the Merc is ahead of the others.
The steering gives great feedback. The V6 motor is honey-smooth and the effortless manner in which the E-class eats up poor roads immediately puts you at ease.
The BMW 5-series’ ride is absorbent but not as relaxing to drive. With its heavy steering, it makes the driver work harder at low speeds.
The Audi, with its supercharged engine and cannon-shot throttle responses, is at the other extreme. You’ve to be very precise in modulating the throttle — the car lurches forward if you push the pedal only slightly harder.
Performance: When you want to get a move on, the E-class doesn’t fail to impress. But when it comes to ultimate handling, the E-class is no BMW.
The BMW’s steering delivers a very connected feel and is brimming with information.
With its sledgehammer throttle response, manic acceleration and huge grip, the Audi is the barbarian among the bunch. Put pedal-to-the-metal, and your face muscles will instantly respond with a smile.
— Autocar India
| Mercedes e350 | BMW 530i | Audi A6 | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 6-cyls in-vee, 3,498 cc | 6-cyls in-line, 2,996 cc | 6-cyls in-vee, 2,995 cc |
| Power | 272 bhp at 6,000 rpm | 258 bhp at 6,500 rpm | 290 bhp at 4,850-6,800 rpm |
| Torque | 35.6 kgm at 2,400-5,000 rpm | 30.5 kgm at 2,400 rpm | 42.8 kgm at 2,500 to 4,850 rpm |
| Bore/ stroke | 92.9/ 86 mm | 85/ 88 mm | 84.5/ 89 mm |
| Specific output | 77.75 bhp per litre | 86.11 bhp per litre | 96.8 bhp per litre |
| Gearbox | 7-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
© HT Media
I would go for the Audi just due to the superior interior
I’d lean towards the Audi as well. I prefer the looks and the extra HP and Torque it delivers. Would like to have seen some pics in this post, hopefully next time. BTW when did Mercedes take over the term “Merc” from Mercury? :)
Pretty good post. I hope you create more in the future..