New BMW i5 vs Mercedes EQE: verdict
BMW’s fully electric i5 aims to raise the bar for executive cars. But first it has to see off the Mercedes EQE...
Our verdict
The EQE isn’t without its strengths, being extremely quiet, comfy on the motorway, lavishly equipped and relatively good value if you buy on PCP finance. But those attributes aren’t enough to keep it ahead of the more polished i5.
Not only is the latter sharper to drive, but it also features a better interior with more space in the back seats. To top it all off, it’s a bit more efficient and faster to charge.
So, why have we stopped short of awarding the i5 five stars? Well, it’s because, as with the EQE, its appeal to private buyers is limited by its high price. But although the i5 isn’t the new class benchmark (that’s still the Tesla Model 3), it has significantly more to offer than its rival here.
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1st – BMW i5
For Sharper handling; more user-friendly interior controls; more rear seat space; punchier performance; larger boot
Against Desirable options are costly; slightly unsettled motorway ride; pricier on a PCP
Recommended options Technology Plus Pack (£3300), Comfort Pack (£1700)
For Even quieter at a cruise; plush motorway ride; more standard equipment; cheaper to finance
Against Not particularly quick; grabby brakes; patchy interior quality; rear head room is tight for tall adults
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5
Mercedes EQE review >>
Mercedes EQE deals >>
Specifications: BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 330bhp
Peak torque 295lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 5.6sec
30-70mph in kickdown 4.4sec
Top speed 120mph
30-0mph braking 8.7m
70-0mph braking 46.3m
Noise at 30mph 58.1dB
Noise at 70mph 65.0dB
Kerb weight 2205kg
Tyres (std) 245/40 R20
Battery capacity (usable) 81.2kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 205kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 13hr
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 28min
Rapid charger, miles added per hour 440 miles
Real-world range (est) 244 miles
Official range 338 miles
Efficiency on test 3.0 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line Premium Plus
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 242bhp
Peak torque 406lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 7.2sec
30-70mph in kickdown 6.9sec
Top speed 130mph
30-0mph braking 8.6m
70-0mph braking 45.7m
Noise at 30mph 56.5dB
Noise at 70mph 62.7dB
Kerb weight 2355kg
Tyres (std) 285/30 R21
Battery capacity (usable) 89kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 170kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 14hr 15min
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 33min
Rapid charger, miles added per hour 410 miles
Real-world range (est) 231 miles
Official range 337 miles
Efficiency on test 2.6 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
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