Alright, fellow auto enthusiasts, welcome back! If you’re navigating the opulent world of executive sedans in India, you know the German duo – BMW and Mercedes-Benz – are the names that instantly command respect. This is a segment where the back seat often dictates the purchase, a unique Indian nuance that Mercedes-Benz masterfully exploited with its E-Class Long Wheelbase (LWB), creating a benchmark for chauffeur-driven comfort.
Now, BMW, traditionally the champion of the “Ultimate Driving Machine,” has thrown down the gauntlet, launching its latest 5 Series exclusively in Long Wheelbase (LWB) form in India. This move directly targets the E-Class’s domain and even replaces the spacious 6 Series GT.
So, let’s dive into how the new BMW 5 Series LWB (G68) and the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB (W214) stack up for the discerning Indian buyer.
Today’s Titans: The Current Line-up in India
The BMW 5 Series LWB (G68) made its Indian debut on July 24, 2024, with a clear mission: to offer unparalleled rear-seat space and directly challenge the E-Class LWB. It launched as the 530Li petrol mild-hybrid and replaces both the previous G30 5 Series and the G32 6 Series GT. Key changes include a significantly stretched wheelbase (+130mm), a 7 Series-inspired interior with Curved Display and Interaction Bar, and a standard ‘Comfort Suspension’.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB (W214), launched on October 9, 2024, aims to solidify its segment leadership. It builds on the LWB success with even more tech, including the MBUX Superscreen option, and enhanced rear comfort. It’s slightly longer (~14 mm) and wider than its predecessor, featuring EQ-inspired design cues. The E-Class LWB is available in both 2.0L petrol and diesel variants, with a more powerful E450 6-cylinder petrol also available.
Size Matters: Dimensions and Road Presence
The BMW 5 Series LWB boasts the longer wheelbase here (3105 mm), promising palatial rear legroom, closely followed by the E-Class LWB (3094). This translates to a more commanding road presence for both LWB models, making them feel a class above in sheer scale. 5 Series is also slightly taller and longer than the E-Class (refer to detailed comparison table at the end).
Exterior Styling: First Impressions Count
The new BMW 5 Series LWB is undeniably bolder. Its illuminated Kidney Grille and vertical DRLs make a strong statement. The standard M Sport bumpers add a touch of aggression. The design is angular, modern, and assertive.
The Mercedes E-Class LWB continues to exude elegance. The Avantgarde grille with its signature star pattern is prominent, and optional Digital Light technology adds a layer of sophistication. It’s refined, though some might find the grille treatment a tad ornamental compared to the others.
Side profiles clearly show off the LWB cars’ extended length. The BMW has a high shoulder line, flush handles, and a large, embossed ‘5’ on the Hofmeister kink. The Mercedes also features flush handles and a sleek rear quarter glass reminiscent of its Maybach and EQS cousins, enhancing its flowing elegance.
At the rear, BMW uses slim, L-shaped LEDs with hidden exhausts for a clean finish. Mercedes truly stands out with unique 3D star-pattern taillights – a delightful detail. Both ride on 18-inch alloys as standard in India. While they look fine on the Mercedes, the BMW’s can appear slightly undersized for its massive frame; 19-inchers are optional and recommended.
Inside the Cabin: Where Luxury Truly Resides
Dashboard & Controls: The Tech Showcase
The new BMW 5 Series LWB transports you to a different realm, heavily influenced by the flagship 7 Series. The sweeping Curved Display, integrating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a vast 14.9-inch infotainment screen, is the centrepiece. Adding to the wow factor is the ambient Interaction Bar, a crystalline strip offering touch-sensitive controls and customizable lighting, all running on iDrive 8.5.
But for sheer cinematic drama, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB offers the MBUX Superscreen. This transforms the entire dashboard into a glass expanse, merging a 12.3-inch driver display, a 14.4-inch central screen, and another 12.3-inch display for the front passenger.
Upholstery & Materials: A Tactile Delight
BMW has taken a sustainable route with the 5 Series LWB, featuring a standard fully vegan ‘Veganza’ interior that, impressively, feels very premium to the touch. Mercedes offers its high-quality ARTICO man-made leather or genuine Nappa leather, often complemented by elegant open-pore wood trims. Each offers a distinct take on luxury.
Front Seat Comfort & Adjustments: The Best Seats in the House?
Both provide excellent electric adjustments and crucial lumbar support for front occupants. The BMW 5 Series LWB makes driver memory and front seat ventilation standard – a real blessing in our climate. While the Mercedes E-Class LWB provides the memory function for the driver seat, it misses on the front ventilated seats.
Rear Seat Experience: The LWB Battleground!
This is where the contest heats up, especially for India. The BMW 5 Series LWB truly delivers on its promise of expansive rear legroom. The seats themselves are exceptionally cushioned – some of the plushest around. However, there are a couple of surprising omissions for a car so focused on rear comfort: no powered seat recline (it’s a fixed 31-degree angle) and no rear seat ventilation. Perhaps most critically for our sunny conditions, there are no standard rear window or windscreen sunblinds; BMW offers removable accessory blinds instead. Rear passengers do get wireless charging and a large fixed panoramic roof.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, the seasoned master of rear-seat luxury, matches the BMW for legroom but then pampers occupants even more. It offers powered backrest recline (up to a very relaxing 36 degrees) and powered seat base/under-thigh support adjustment. The plush headrest pillows and ‘Boss mode’ (allowing rear control of the front passenger seat) elevate comfort further. Crucially, powered sunblinds for rear windows and windscreen are standard – a must-have in India. Soft-close doors and rear wireless charging complete the E-Class’s rear-seat haven.
Tech & Infotainment: Connected and Comfortable
Climate Control: Personalized Environments
Both the BMW 5 Series LWB and Mercedes E-Class LWB offer standard four-zone climate control, ensuring individual comfort for all. Mercedes also features ‘Digital Vent Control’ via the touchscreen for a futuristic touch.
Infotainment & Audio: Immersive Soundscapes
The BMW 5 Series LWB shines with its iDrive 8.5 on the Curved Display. Audiophiles will rejoice as a superb Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system (18 speakers, 655W) is standard – a significant value proposition.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, with its latest MBUX, is a tech marvel. The standard Burmester 4D Surround Sound system (17 speakers, 730W, with seat exciters) provides an incredibly immersive, tactile audio experience. Wireless charging upfront is standard in both. BMW and Mercedes also provide this for rear passengers. Both feature panoramic sunroofs, enhancing the sense of space.
The Safety Net: Airbags and Driver Aids (ADAS)
Passive Safety: Cocooned in Strength
Both vehicles offer robust protection with multiple airbags (BMW 8, Mercedes 8) and have achieved commendable 5-star Euro NCAP ratings for their respective global models.
Active Safety (ADAS Features): The Electronic Guardian Angels
The BMW 5 Series LWB comes generously equipped with a standard ‘Driving Assistant’ (AEB, Lane Departure/Change Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert) and ‘Parking Assistant Professional’ (360-camera, Remote Parking).
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB features Active Brake Assist (AEB), Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist (360-camera), and often a Level 2 ADAS suite including Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
ADAS Deactivation & Persistence: A Key Indian Advantage!
This is a huge practical point for our driving conditions. BMW’s Lane Keeping Assistant in some models has been known to reset to ‘ON’ with each restart; this needs verification on the new 5 LWB. Mercedes offers a massive advantage: settings for Active Lane Keeping Assist and, crucially, AEB deactivation persist after restarting. This is a boon for navigating specific Indian traffic scenarios without constant intervention.
Under the Hood & On the Road: Performance and Poise
While BMW currently offers a 2.0L petrol engine for the 5 Series LWB in India, Mercedes-Benz provides a wider array of powertrain choices.
Powertrains: The Driving Force
- BMW 530Li LWB: 2.0L I4 turbo petrol, 48V mild-hybrid, 258 hp, 400 Nm. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, Rear-Wheel Drive.
- Mercedes E-Class LWB:
o E200: 2.0L I4 turbo petrol, 48V mild-hybrid, 204 hp (+23hp boost), 320 Nm (+205Nm boost).
o E220d: 2.0L I4 turbo diesel, 48V mild-hybrid, 197 hp (+23hp boost), 440 Nm (+205Nm boost).
o E450 4MATIC: 3.0L I6 turbo petrol, 48V mild-hybrid, 381 hp (+23hp boost), 500 Nm (+205Nm boost). All Mercedes models use a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Performance (0-100 km/h): Quick Getaways
The 530Li is quick at 6.5 seconds. The E200 takes 7.5 seconds, the E220d takes 7.6 seconds, but the E450 is in a different league at 4.5 seconds.
Suspension & Ride Quality: Magic Carpet Aspirations
BMW 5 Series LWB: Standard ‘Comfort Suspension’ (passive) is surprisingly excellent, often feeling more composed and quieter over bumps than the E-Class.
Mercedes E-Class LWB: E200/E220d & E450 use ‘Agility Control’ steel suspension. Smooth on good roads, but can be less composed over bumps with more body roll compared to the BMW.
Handling: Engaging Dynamics vs. Serene Isolation
The BMW 5 LWB, despite comfort tuning, retains its Rear-Wheel Drive engagement and good steering feel, feeling more planted than the E-Class. The Mercedes E-Class is safe and predictable, prioritizing smooth isolation over driver thrills.
Variants Available
- BMW 5 Series LWB: 530Li M Sport (with Titanium Bronze or Aluminium Satinated accents).
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 LWB: E200, E220d, E450 4MATIC.
The Final Word: Choosing Your German Chariot
The new BMW 5 Series LWB is a spacious, tech-focused disruptor with a surprisingly great ride/handling balance and fantastic standard audio. However, it misses key rear luxury features like powered recline and standard sunblinds, which might be deal-breakers for the chauffeur-driven buyer.
The Mercedes E-Class LWB remains the ultimate chauffeur’s choice, prioritizing rear-seat pampering (powered recline, standard blinds) like no other and offering that desirable diesel option. The persistent ADAS settings are a significant real-world advantage.
Recommendation:
- Chauffeur-driven ultimate luxury: Mercedes E-Class LWB still reigns supreme for back-seat bliss.
- Spacious, techy, and surprisingly good to drive (if rear feature omissions are acceptable): BMW 5 Series LWB is a brilliant and compelling new entrant.
Drive them both, especially focusing on that crucial back seat, to find your perfect German chariot!
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Feature |
BMW 5 Series (530Li M Sport LWB) |
Mercedes E-Class (E200 LWB) |
Mercedes E-Class (E450 4MATIC LWB) |
| Length (mm) | 5175 | 5092 | 5092 |
| Width (mm, excl. mirrors) | 1900 | 1880 | 1880 |
| Height (mm) | 1515 | 1493 | 1493 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3105 | 3094 | 3094 |
| Boot Space (L) | 500 | 540 | 540 |
| Engine Type | 2.0L I4 Turbo Petrol | 2.0L I4 Turbo Petrol | 3.0L I6 Turbo Petrol |
| Mild Hybrid System | 48V | 48V | 48V |
| Power (bhp) | 258 | 204 | 381 |
| Torque (Nm) | 400 | 320 | 500 |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Auto TC | 9-Speed Auto TC | 9-Speed Auto TC |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD |
| 0-100 km/h (claimed, s) | 6.5 | 7.6 (est.) | 4.5 |
| Suspension (India Std) | Comfort Suspension (Passive) | Agility Control (Passive) | Agility Control |
| Headlights (Standard) | Adaptive LED | LED High Performance | LED High Perf. (Digital Opt.) |
| Dashboard Display | Curved Display (12.3″+14.9″) | MBUX (12.3-inch touchscreen in the front passenger area+14.4-inch central display”) | MBUX (12.3-inch touchscreen in the front passenger area+14.4-inch central display”) |
| AC Zones (Standard) | 4-Zone | 4-Zone | 4-Zone |
| Front Memory Seats | Driver Only | Driver Only | Driver & Passenger (Std) |
| Front Ventilation | Yes (Standard) | No | NA |
| Rear Recline | No (Fixed Angle) | Yes (Powered) | Yes (Powered) |
| Rear Thigh Support | No | Yes (Powered Ext.) | Yes (Powered Ext.) |
| Sound System (Std) | B&W (18 spk) | Burmester 4D (17 spk) | Burmester 4D (17 spk) |
| Wireless Charging (Rear) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Window Sunblinds | No (Accessory Only) | Yes (Powered) | Yes (Powered) |
| Rear Windscreen Blind | No | Yes (Powered) | Yes (Powered) |
| 360° CAMERA | Yes (Standard) | Yes (Standard) | Yes (Standard) |
| Price (Ex-Showroom, Approx) | -₹ 74.40 Lakh | -₹ 79.50 Lakh | ~₹ 92.5 Lakh |
(Note: Prices mentioned are approximate, starting ex-showroom for the specified variants as of May 2025 and subject to change. Features listed are based on available information for Indian specification models and may vary slightly. Always confirm specifics with the dealer.)