2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. the Competition

With a lineage dating back decades, the BMW 5 Series has been the sedan for those wanting the “ultimate driving machine” experience.  It delivers with the latest iteration of BMW’s signature style and advanced environment with seating for up to five people. The 5 Series comes in a 530i and 530i xDrive, powered by a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine; the 540i xDrive gets a 375-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. The 550i xDrive adds a plug-in hybrid to the six-cylinder, raising power to 485 horsepower. The M5 is motivated by a 717-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. All 5 Series models send their respective power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels.

• BMW touts its M Performance models highly. Yet, Mercedes-Benz has the AMG® E 53 HYBRID to counter the M5. The advantage that the E 53 has over the M5 is in fuel economy with it getting up to a rated 24 MPG in combined driving, compared to the M5’s 14 MPG in the same loop.
• The benefit of the 9G-TRONIC® Automatic transmission goes beyond having an extra gear. It is how it delivers power without hesitation through sooth quiet shifts.
• When it comes to safety, Mercedes-Benz always takes the lead. Which is why the E-Class has a center air bag located on the front and center rear passenger. It is a feature the BMW does not offer.
• Check out the center console on the 5 Series. You have plenty of switches and buttons that fill the space. Nothing matches the clean design of the E-Class center console, with its large cover for additional stowage. With the cover closed, there is a true air of minimalistic luxury you can enjoy.

With the all-new A6, Audi’s four-ringed badge offers an expectation of enthusiasm amongst its loyal followers. All A6 models are powered by a 362-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. All models received that power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sending onward to all four wheels. You also have the choice of Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels on all A6 models.

• Audi has a strong six-cylinder. However, the E 450 4MATIC® has more horsepower at 375 compared to the A6’s 369.
• Why have a dual-clutch transmission on the A6 when you can have a real nine-speed 9G-TRONIC® Automatic transmission on all E-Class sedans and wagons? We even offer one for the AMG® E 53 that is specifically turned for quicker shifts.
• The A6 is not offered with any hybrid system. An electrified driveline reduces exhaust emissions – a huge advantage for those who appreciate a cleaner running vehicle. That is why you will find both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems across the E-Class lineup.
• Check out the center console on the A6. You have plenty of switches and buttons that fill the space. Nothing matches the clean design of the E-Class center console, with its large cover for additional stowage. With the cover closed, there is a true air of minimalistic luxury you can enjoy.

Genesis’s premium sedan offers high style and performance that matches. It is powered by either a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. All G80s have an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Customers have a choice of a 2.5T AWD, 2.5T AWD Advanced, 2.5T Sport Prestige, 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige or 3.5T AWD Prestige Black trim levels.

• The G80 is not offered with any hybrid system. An electrified driveline reduces exhaust emissions – a huge advantage for those who appreciate a cleaner running vehicle. That is why you will find both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems across the E-Class lineup.
• The E-Class has a better fuel economy rating than the G80. For example, the E 350 4MATIC® achieves a rated 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG in the highway. The G80 2.5T can only earn 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
• Genesis touts a 27-inch OLED screen that incorporates the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The touchscreen portion measures to be smaller than the 14.4-inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience-driven infotainment touchscreen on the E-Class.
• Is the twin-turbo V6 powerful enough to engage enthusiasts in the same manner as the AMG® E 53 HYBRID, which offers 577 horsepower of boosted and electrified hand-crafted performance?
• Check out the center console on the G80. You have plenty of two rotary controllers, along with other switches and buttons that fill the space. Nothing matches the clean design of the E-Class center console, with its large cover for additional stowage. With the cover closed, there is a true air of minimalistic luxury you can enjoy.

The newest entry in this segment arrives as an all-electrified sedan. The new ES 350h wears a new set of clothing, along with an advanced interior design and elevated technology. Hybrid power starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with one or two electric motors, depending on whether it is a front- or all-wheel drive system.  Two all-electric versions are also available. There is also a choice of Premium or Premium+ trims.

• The Lexus has an all-new dashboard that gives you a glimpse of the future. With a 14-inch center infotainment touchscreen, it offers only a few interactive options compared to the 14.4-inch Mercedes-Benz User
• Experience-driven infotainment touchscreen on the E-Class. That includes a wide variety of apps you can utilize in the MBUX system.
• The infotainment offerings have expanded on the E-Class, with an available 12.3-inch LED front passenger display. The ES does not offer such a screen for their passengers.
• While continuously variable transmission match just fine with hybrid drivelines, it simply does not work with every type of engine. This is why the E-Class is equipped with a real nine-speed 9G-TRONIC® Automatic transmission for quieter and smother shifts.
• The center console on the ES has a clean aesthetic. Yet, you still have some controls, including the toggle-like transmission shifter. Nothing matches the clean design of the E-Class center console, with its large cover for additional stowage. With the cover closed, there is a true air of minimalistic luxury you can enjoy.
• On its most powerful electric version, 334 net horsepower might not be enough to keep up with the E 450 4MATIC® and its 375-horsepower turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. Especially when it is clocked at 4.4 seconds from 0-60 MPG.