Mercedes-Benz C43 vs BMW 520i
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz C43

$75,964 - $105,820

2023 price

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BMW 520i

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2024 price

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Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz C43

2024 BMW 520i

By Stephen Ottley

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

6.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Powerful engine despite small size
Responsive handling
Stylish and sporty interior

Dynamic ability belies its weight
Plush and ergonomic interior
Three variants all have strengths

Dislikes

Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
Ride feels unresolved
Big price jump over old model

520i is pricey for 153kW four-pot
Styling a little gaudy in places
Multimedia could be simpler

2023 Mercedes-Benz C43 Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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2024 BMW 520i 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 C43 2024 BMW 520i

Verdict

The new AMG C 43 may lack the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the German performance brand, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Yes, it could be more extroverted and the ride could be improved, but this is still a sharp-looking sports sedan with loads of punch.

This is a car that speaks to its times, with ever-stricter emissions regulations making it harder and harder for car companies to produce loud, wild and charismatic cars. So Mercedes-AMG has worked within those boundaries and come up with a car that retains at least some of those core elements that has made the brand so desirable over the years.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

There’s no getting around the i5 being a rather expensive offering. More than $150,000 to get into an electric sedan that’s not much faster than a hot hatch is a big ask, but there’s plenty to enjoy about the 5 Series.

Things like its heated leather seats shouldn’t be the reason you’re willing to spend so much on a sedan when a $50,000 hybrid SUV will score you the same, instead it’s the fact the 5 Series is a delight to drive and hasn’t lost the feeling of prestige the badge has earned over the last half a century.

In terms of value - if speed isn’t your focus and you’re less of a gadget-type-operator when looking at cars like this - the 520i has the style and comfort you’d need and at $100K less than the M60.

And in terms of large electric sedans, the i5 eDrive40 is cheaper than a Porsche Taycan (by a little) or an Audi e-Tron (by a lot). The Genesis G80 Electrified is the closest cheaper rival, by about $10K, or the less powerful Mercedes EQE is similarly priced at $154,900.

Essentially, if you’re looking at a 5 Series, it might be worth considering if you really need it to be electric, but if so, there aren’t many alternatives in its category for the price.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Mercedes-Benz C43 vs BMW 520i What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz C43 vs BMW 520i
What's the difference?