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Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 5 Series

What's the difference?

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$69,750 - $238,800

2023 price

BMW 5 Series
BMW 5 Series

$114,900 - $114,900

2024 price

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2024 BMW 5 Series
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

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Seating
5

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Dislikes
  • On the compact side for size
  • Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
  • Dynamic guidelines are trippy

  • 520i is pricey for 153kW four-pot
  • Styling a little gaudy in places
  • Multimedia could be simpler
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

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2024 BMW 5 Series Summary

More than half a century of 5 Series pedigree has led BMW to this, the first electric version of its venerable sedan, the i5. 

It's true that electric cars come with benefits that suit the realm of luxury (or at least executive) motoring like their effortless acceleration and near-silent operation, so this new G60 5 Series has the potential to be the best yet in its ‘i5’ form.

But there are rivals, well-liked ones at that, which BMW must contend with to snatch the spot at the top of the large premium sedan ladder technically held currently by the Porsche Taycan in terms of sales - though Mercedes’ E-Class would lead if its electric cousin EQE’s sales were combined.

So, with names like that to go up against, BMW better have brought its A-game.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 BMW 5 Series

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