Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 BMW M5 VS 2016 Mercedes E63 Near Scottsdale, AZ

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the M5 helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The E63 doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the M5 and the E63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

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, lubrication and any other required 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.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

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 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 3.5 inches longer than on the E63 Sedan (116.7 inches vs. 113.2 inches).

The M5 handles at .95 G’s, while the E63 AMG S-Model Sedan pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

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.

The M5 has a much larger trunk than the E63 Sedan (14 vs. 12.9 cubic feet).

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 in front of the driver’s line of sight, 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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The M5 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The E63 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

On extremely cold Winter days, the M5’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The E63 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the M5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the M5 will cost $1645 to $2925 less than the E63 over a five-year period.

The M5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the M5 will retain a greater percentage of its original price after three and five years than the E63.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW M5 will be $4012 to $11775 less than for the Mercedes E63.

Road & Track performed a comparison test in its April 2014 issue and the BMW M5 won out over the Mercedes E63 AMG S-Model Sedan.