Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 BMW M5 VS 2013 Mercedes E63 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The M5 offers an optional side and top-view cameras to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The E63 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the M5 and the E63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The M5’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the E63’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M5 for 4 years and 50,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the E63.

There are over 12 percent more BMW dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M5’s warranty.

The battery on the M5 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures which can degrade battery life. By keeping the M5’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The E63’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The M5’s 4.4 turbo V8 produces 42 more horsepower (560 vs. 518) than the E63’s standard 5.5 turbo V8. The M5’s 4.4 turbo V8 produces 10 more horsepower (560 vs. 550) than the E63’s optional 5.5 turbo V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW M5 is faster than the Mercedes E63 (base engine):

Regenerative brakes improve the M5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The E63 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the M5’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the E63:

The M5 stops shorter than the E63:

For better traction, the M5 has larger tires than the E63 (F:265/40R19 & R:295/35R19 vs. F:255/35R19 & R:285/30R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M5 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The E63’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M5’s wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the E63 Sedan (116.7 inches vs. 113.1 inches).

The M5 handles at .95 G’s, while the E63 Sedan pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

The M5 goes through Road & Track’s slalom 2.8 MPH faster than the E63 Sedan (71 vs. 68.2 MPH).

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the M5 is quieter than the E63 Sedan (69 vs. 70 dB).

The M5 has 3.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the E63 (100.5 vs. 97).

The M5 has 2.6 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom and .3 inches more rear legroom than the E63 Sedan.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the M5’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The E63’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

The M5 offers an optional heads-up display which projects speed and tachometer readouts onto the windshield, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The E63 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the M5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The E63 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.