BMW M5 (2020) and Mercedes-AMG E 63 (2020) in the first comparison

BMW and Mercedes are two impressive German institutions that have no qualms about face to face – or bike to bike – confrontation with what they have been doing for years. This fearlessness had come into its own this month when both companies unveiled the facelifts of their super limousines almost simultaneously – the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG E 63.

Both get changed styling and other updates, but the engines underneath remain untouched. Until the powerhouses hit the market, however, we can only compare the two on paper.

Facial care

Let us first take a look at the front sections: the lifted BMW M5 remains true to the classic double kidney grille, with slightly larger dimensions than the normal 5 Series, but without following the giganticism of the new 4 Series Coupé. The Mercedes-AMG E 63, on the other hand, now has the grille with vertical fins known as the “Panamericana”, which is characteristic of all stronger Mercedes.

The specially developed front sections ensure a sportier look, at the same time they let the engines breathe better. In addition, there are significantly larger air intakes than the normal sedans and various special aerodynamic attachments.

Cannon tubes

In the back area, the two use similar solutions for design and functionality. The M5 has a slightly larger exhaust paired with round tailpipes, while the AMG has trapezoidal exhaust pipes. However, both have a small spoiler, a thin and unpainted piece of carbon fiber that sits on the trunk lid.

Functionality and sportiness

Inside, the M5 and E 63 benefit from the technology installed in the weaker counterparts from which they are derived. The Bavarian sedan has a 12.3-inch central monitor, flanked by a 100 percent digital instrument cluster. The E 63 is equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system with a double display in the style of the A-Class.

But both models are spiced up with a lot of sportiness. Sports seats, aluminum and carbon fiber inserts, supple leather and lots of Alcantara.

Long live the V8!

What hearts beat under the hood? Both are powered by V8 engines (4.4 liters in the M5, 4.0 liters in the E 63) without any trace of electrification. Everything has been prepared in the old-fashioned way, with two turbos, two power levels and an automatic transmission (8 gears on one side, 9 on the other).

The BMW M5 is available either in a “normal” 600 PS version or in a competition version with 625 PS, while the AMG E 63 starts with 571 PS and is up to 612 PS strong when the letter “S” appears at the end of the name.

When it comes to acceleration, Bavaria is very delicate: 3.4 and 3.3 seconds for the Munich limousine, 3.5 and 3.4 seconds for the competition from Affalterbach. We are also at the same level in terms of top speed: 250 km / h for the “Basis” and 305 km / h for the BMW M5 with M Driver’s Package, while the E 63 S can reach 300 km / h if the limit is lifted optionally.

Both sedans are equipped with all-wheel drive, but both can be turned into drift-friendly tire crushers with a few pushes of a button. The BMW sends power backwards at the push of a button, whereas the Mercedes system only works if the driver also switches off the ESP.

Of course there are specific layouts, adapted driving modes, improved braking systems (also with carbon-ceramic discs) and special technical and optical packages to choose from. The biggest difference is therefore only one: the BMW M5 is only available as a sedan, while fathers can also choose the E 63 with a combi body.

Whose side are you on? Which of the two super limousines would you park in the garage?