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

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: Dimensionsi5 is wider, while length, height and wheelbase are similar BMW i5 LWBMercedes E 220dLength5,175mm5,092mmWidth2,156mm1,880mmHeight1,520mm1,493mmWheelbase3,105mm3,094mmWheel size20-inch18-inchThe 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: Powertraini5 is quicker and more powerful; E 220d has more torque BMW i5 LWBMercedes E 220dPowertrainSingle electric motor2.0-litre diesel + 48V mild hybridPower268hp197hpTorque410Nm440NmTransmissionSingle-speed automatic9-speed automaticDrive layoutRear-wheel driveRear-wheel drive0-100kph6.7sec7.6secBattery81.6kWh-Claimed range669km, MIDC-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 featuresi5 gets adaptive LEDs; both have electric folding mirrors BMW i5 LWBMercedes E 220dLED headlightsAdaptive LEDLEDLED DRLsYesYesLED tail-lightsYesYesIlluminated grilleYesNoPowered ORVMsYesYesPowered tail-gateYesYesDoor handles Flap typeFlush-fittingIn 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 featuresi5 focuses on front-seat comfort, while the E-Class prioritises the rear BMW i5 LWBMercedes E 220dDigital driver's display12.3-inch12.3-inchCentral touchscreen14.9-inch14.4-inchPassenger displayNo12.3-inchWireless Apple CarPlay/Android AutoYesYesFour-zone climate controlYesYesFront-seat ventilationYesNoRear-seat reclineNoUp to 36 degreesWireless chargingFront and rearFront and rearAudio system17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins17-speaker Burmester Ambient lightingYesYesRear sunblindsNoYesPanoramic sunroofYesYesElectric seat adjustment from rearNoYesSoft-close doors    NoYesBoth 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 featuresBoth get ADAS and 360-degree cameras BMW i5 LWBMercedes E 220dAirbags88360-degree cameraYesYesLane departure warningYesYesBlind-spot monitoringYesYesAutomatic Emergency BrakingYesYesParking assistYesYesTPMSYesYesAuto holdYesYesThe 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: PricesBMW i5 LWB is Rs 3.90 lakh cheaperPrice (ex-showroom)BMW i5 LWBMercedes E 220dPriceRs 79.60 lakhRs 83.50 lakhAt 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: VerdictOn 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.