BMW i5 vs. Mercedes-Benz EQE – First Comparison

We have already compared the new BMW 5 series virtually with its dead and historic competitor, the Mercedes-Benz E-class. It also just happened to be updated, so that’s lucky. However, now that BMW also offers a fully electric BMW i5, the same model now has two competitors at Mercedes. After all, unlike BMW, that brand usually does not supply fully electric powertrains in existing models – although that is secretly the case with the EQA and EQB. However, the EQE is a completely different car to the E-Class, sharing only its segment and saloon layout with that car.

7 versions

That means that we can also compare the i5 and the EQE on paper. We immediately encounter a problem, because Mercedes supplies the EQE in an unprecedented number of versions for an EV. It is available as a 245 hp EQE 300, a 292 hp EQE 350, an equally powerful, but somewhat more economical EQE 350+, an EQE 350 4Matic with four-wheel drive, a 408 hp EQE 500 and two AMG flavors, namely the 43 with 476 and the 53 with no less than 625 hp. The latter is also available with a Dynamic Plus package and then has 687 hp and 1,000 Nm. This brings the total number of engine versions of the EQE to an almost unbelievable 7 pieces.

At BMW they cannot compete with that for the time being, although there have been two versions of the i5 from the start. The provisional basic version is the eDrive40 with 340 hp, at the top is the M60 with all-wheel drive and 601 hp. In order not to make this story too confusing, we compare the basic versions and the top versions here. We therefore assume the BMW i5 eDrive40 and the Mercedes-Benz EQE 300, but also look at the BMW i5 M60 and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+. Without a Dynamic Plus package, by the way, because with 625 hp that version fits better with the M60. Prefer a different version? Don’t worry: in our Carbase-Car Comparator you can add and remove versions and model variants to your heart’s content in order to arrive at your personal, unique comparison.

Technique and performance

BMW more economical

What is striking about studying this data? Well, first of all, that the BMW is not yet up to the battery power of the EQE. It has at least 89 kWh on board, the BMW does it with 81.2 kWh. In the same category, however, we must also conclude that the BMW is more energy-efficient on paper, which can be called remarkable given the streamlined EQE body developed especially for the EV. In terms of price, the EQE has an advantage for the time being, but there is a good chance that BMW will later add a variant to the lower end of the range. With 340 hp, the provisional entry-level model is remarkably much more powerful than the EQE 300. An EQE 350 would be appropriate in that regard, even if the i5 is even more powerful.

Dimensions and weights

Dimensions then: the BMW is clearly longer and slightly higher than the Mercedes, but also narrower. Moreover, the Mercedes trumps it when it comes to wheelbase. That may give it an advantage when it comes to rear seating space, but the BMW does have a larger boot space. Striking: the BMW is allowed to tow much more with a maximum of 2,000 kg (M60) than the Mercedes, which keeps it at 750 kg.

Clear: this will be an exciting double test once the i5 is really available. Today we can still stick to theory, feeling and appearances. Of course we are also curious which model and which version you prefer, so let us hear from you!

Prices