Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic vs BMW M5: The Ultimate PHEV Showdown
Buckle up, car enthusiasts! The new BMW M5 faces off against the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic in a battle that promises electrifying performance on all fronts. Who has the edge in this luxury performance duel?
Introductions and Specifications
The latest offerings from Mercedes’ AMG division and BMW’s M GmbH have a common agenda: to redefine power with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) systems in their top-tier models. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic is a potent machine, boasting a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This combination yields 612 PS and 750 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the BMW M5 raises stakes with a twin-turbo V8, teaming up with an electric motor to produce a jaw-dropping 727 PS and 1000 Nm of torque. Talk about heavyweight contenders!
Powerful PHEV Systems
Diving into the powertrains, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic relies on a 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivering 449 PS and 560 Nm, supplemented by a 163 PS electric motor. The overall power output is a formidable 612 PS, complemented by a hefty 750 Nm of torque. The E 53 houses a substantial battery with a net capacity of 21.2 kWh, providing an electric range between 93-101 km. Charging is flexible, with the ability to juice up at AC stations with 11 kW or opt for faster DC charging up to 60 kW.
On the other hand, the BMW M5 roars with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine outputting 585 PS and 750 Nm, paired with a 197 PS electric motor. This duo churns out a colossal 727 PS. The M5's battery capacity stands at 18.6 kWh net, delivering a slightly lower electric range of 67-69 km. Charging, however, lags a bit with a 7.4 kW cap at AC stations.
Acceleration and Speed
Performance aficionados will note the 0 to 100 kph times: the BMW M5 jets off in a mere 3.5 seconds, while the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic takes 3.8 seconds. Both cars have electronically limited top speeds, with the M5 capable of reaching 250 kph or 305 kph with the M Driver package, and the E 53 maxing out at 250 kph or 280 kph with the AMG Dynamic Plus package. Speed demons, take your pick!
Driving Dynamics and Handling
Switching gears to handling, the BMW M5 impresses with M active locking differential at the rear axle, all-wheel steering with a 1.5-degree angle, and M adaptive suspension. The driving experience is customizable, with options to switch between all-wheel drive, 4WD Sport mode, or even rear-wheel drive. Moreover, Hybrid and Electric modes offer varied performance dynamics, with additional settings like eControl and Dynamic Plus for those who crave precision driving.
The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic mirrors this prowess with all-wheel steering offering a steering angle from 0.7 to 2.5 degrees. The variable all-wheel drive and AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension ensure an engaging drive. This Benz starts in Electric mode, giving drivers a suite of modes including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Battery Hold, each tweaking the car’s performance to fit the moment.
What’s the Cost?
The BMW M5 stakes its claim with a price tag of 144,000 euros in Germany. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic appears to offer a more budget-friendly entrance at 109,242 euros. However, don't be fooled—adding the AMG Dynamic Plus package (a hefty 27,300 euros) brings the total to an eye-watering 128,415 euros. Ultimately, the price gap narrows significantly when both cars are fully equipped.
Conclusion
In the end, both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic represent the pinnacle of modern PHEV luxury sedans, each offering a unique flavor of performance, technology, and exclusivity. Which one prevails? That, dear readers, depends on whether you crave the brute force of the BMW or the balanced finesse of the Mercedes.