BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

After making its global debut last year, the BMW i5 has finally made its way to Indian shores. Available in its most powerful M60 xDrive guise in India, the i5 electric sedan joins the i4 and the i7 in BMW India's lineup. Launched as a completely built unit (CBU) at Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom), the BMW i5 is the first derivative of the latest-generation 5 Series in India. The electric sedan is available in limited numbers and can be purchased through BMW-owned showrooms. Bookings for the model began on April 4. 

BMW has just brought in its most powerful 5 Series – the i5 M60 xDrive – which will compete with the top-spec Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic, already on sale at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.39 crore in India. We compare the two to see which one offers more value for the buck. 

Also Read: BMW i5 M60 xDrive Launched in India at Rs 1.20 Crore

BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: Battery, Motor

The new BMW i5 has a smaller 83.9kWh battery pack with a WLTP-certified range of 516km on a single charge, whereas the Mercedes-Benz EQE gets a larger 90.56kWh battery,w which offers a claimed WLTP range of 550km. Both models are equipped with dual motors and an all-wheel-drive system. The new entrant i5 makes more power (593bhp) than the EQE. And yet, it makes 63Nm less torque than that of the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: Charging

Both models are available with AC and DC charging options. The i5 can be charged at the rate of up to 205kW, whereas the EQE supports up to 170kW of DC fast charging. In both cars, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. Using a 22kW AC charger, the batteries of both the sedan and the SUV can be charged from 10 to 100 per cent in 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 hours, respectively. 

BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: Dimensions, Design

With a 5,060mm length, the BMW i5 is 197mm longer than the EQE. However, the latter's 1,940mm width and 1,685mm height make it 40mm wider and 180mm taller than the former. Moreover, it has a longer wheelbase of 3,030mm, while the BMW i5 sits at 2,995mm. 

The BMW i5, offered with the M Sport Pro package as standard, features a wide range of exterior enhancements. These include large air intakes at the front, flared side skirts finished in gloss black, an illuminated BMW kidney grille with a black surround, a BMW high-gloss shadow line, a rear apron with a diffuser insert, red brake callipers, an M-specific rear spoiler, and 20-inch M-division light alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 front and 275/35 rear tyres. Built on BMW’s CLAR platform, the sedan also gets adaptive LED headlights, flush door handles, and flat LED tail lights. 

In comparison, the SUV version of the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan sports a characteristic black panel grille with a three-pointed star logo and dual projector headlights with an LED light strip. In profile, the SUV gets sleek lines, flush-fitting door handles, and 20-inch aero-optimised alloy wheels. At the rear, its tapering roofline merges with the boot lid, featuring a full-width LED tail light. It comes with an off-road package as standard, which includes Mercedes-Benz’s Airmatic suspension, enabling the driver to raise the ride height by about 25mm at the touch of a button.

BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: Features

Like the exterior, the interior of the BMW i5 comes with a host of M-specific changes, including an M leather steering wheel, a carbon fibre trim on the dash, and performance-based dual screens for the infotainment system (14.9 inches) and instrument cluster (12.3 inches). The 14.9-inch unit runs the latest iDrive 8.5 OS. Electrically adjustable sports seats are standard, along with an active cooling system. Other standard bits include a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, a dark roof lining, 15-colour ambient lighting, and an 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system. 

On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz EQE comes with a 56-inch Hyperscreen, which consists of three distinct screens running the most recent version of MBUX OS. This, in turn, provides access to several connectivity features, such as voice control, remote start/stop, and OTA updates. Besides the Hyperscreen, the SUV gets a leather-free interior, powered front seats, a heads-up display, ambient lighting, turbine-styled air vents, a 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system, a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient interior lighting, four-zone climate control, and wireless charging. 

BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: Safety Kit

In terms of safety, the i5 gets six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), an electric parking brake with auto hold, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child mounts, an electronic vehicle immobiliser, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). 

Also Read: G-Wagon Goes Electric! Mercedes-Benz Unveils SUV with EQ Technology

The Mercedes-Benz EQE's safety kit also includes ADAS, multiple airbags (although 9 in number), ESC, ISOFIX mounts, ABS, and a 360-degree camera.