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BATTLE OF TWO GOLIATHS

BBC TopGear India

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December 2024

When Luxury Meets Performance, Who Takes the Crown?

- AKAASH BHADRA

BATTLE OF TWO GOLIATHS

Luxury sedans—often considered the zenith of automotive engineering— have always carried an air of prestige, comfort, and performance. These cars don’t just serve as modes of transportation; they become extensions of their owner’s lifestyle, serving as mobile sanctuaries of comfort or symbols of success. The battle for supremacy in this world has long been fought between two formidable giants: Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The E-Class and the 5 Series have, for years, defined what it means to drive— or be driven—in luxury.

In 2024, both of these legends have been revamped, ushering in new technologies, design philosophies, and performance enhancements. Mercedes-Benz, with its E-Class, has consistently set the bar for refined luxury, combining sophisticated design with a focus on passenger comfort. On the other hand, BMW’s 5 Series, which has traditionally been the more driver-focused of the two, has turned its attention towards creating a vehicle that doesn’t just perform but pampers as well.

So, what happens when these two heavyweights square off? Is the BMW 5 Series, with its performance-oriented engineering, ready to dethrone the Mercedes E-Class in the luxury sedan segment, or does the E-Class, with its signature opulence and impeccable rear-seat comfort, still reign supreme? Let’s dive in and see how these two sedans compare across design, interior, performance, and overall luxury.

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