The Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic and BMW M5 M xDrive. Two Teutonic luxury performance sedans at the top of their game. In fact, they are so closely matched that an obvious choice is not exactly possible. So, as a result, FERDI DE VOS took it upon himself to arrange a bit of a tiebreaker.
It happened during the recent Soccer World Cup in Russia: Japan and Senegal ended with four points apiece following the closing games of their group stage. And this complicated things somewhat. To determine who would advance to the knockout stage, a new tiebreaker rule needed to be determined.
Both teams won and lost a game in the group matches, tying each other on that front. Both teams also scored four goals, and conceded four — rendering the goal difference rule moot. However, Senegal was penalised with six yellow cards to Japan’s four — and it was this disciplinary ruling — introduced by FIFA only in 2016, that secured Japan’s place in the next round.
So, what do the (sometimes inscrutable) rules in the world of soccer has to do with our two titanic Teutons? Well, after spending a good deal of quality time testing these sedans, it became clear that never in their on-going battle for supremacy have they been so evenly matched.
Therefore, in order for us to pick a winner on level terms, and avoid having to draw on a stack of Trump Cards to settle this battle, we introduced a tiebreaker — hopefully, to crack this deadlock.
But first, let us unpack the voluminous virtues and disseminate the stupefying performance figures delivered by our two German automotive engineering masterpieces.
DIVERGENT DESIGNS
Exclusive power bulges, exaggerated wheel arches, chrome details and carbon fibre components in abundance are de rigueur in confirming the status of the two über sedans in their respective model ranges.
In past incarnations, the M5 used to be the more flamboyantly outfitted, but lately, the S variant of the AMG E63 with its V-shaped bonnet bulges, deep front spoiler, 20” wheels and chrome exhaust pipes looks the more muscular and menacing of the two.
While perhaps slightly less ostentatious, the BMW still displays all the hallmarks of an M-car, down to the intakes with M-badges on the side, the carbon fibre-reinforced-plastic roof, the M-specific side mirrors and (optional) 20” alloys. Its conspicuous Snapper Rocks Blue exterior further contributes to its sharp and purposeful look.
Inside, both are garlanded with exquisite Nappa leather and bespoke AMG and M specific details, while on the comfort front, the seats in the Merc offer a slightly superior range of adjustment. Another plus for the E63 is its instrument binnacle, with multifunction display and two monitors that give a less cluttered feel compared to the BMW’s layout.
That said, the cabin and driver display of the M5 has a sportier feel to it, emphasised by the flat-rimmed M steering wheel with red driving-mode switches to access pre-configured performance settings and well-crafted front seats and headrests that comes with backlit badging.
IT’S IN THE PERFORMANCE
Probably the biggest change in the most powerful E-Class and 5 Series is the use of all-wheel-drive that feeds power to the wheels. A couple of years ago, this would have been unthinkable but, with these sedans now producing power and torque akin to supercars, the Affalterbach and M-engineers had no choice but to incorporate systems that are usually found on Audis to distribute power to all four wheels.
The sixth-generation M5 is now fitted with a fully variable xDrive system which, much like the AMG 4Matic+ system, channels most of the available torque to the rear wheels with just enough twist and turn sent to the front to eliminate unnecessary wheelspin.
However, different driving modes that include complete rear-wheel-drive are available.
Two of the most advanced V8 power plants on the planet bequeath both contenders with incredible power and torque figures. The twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in the AMG, mated to a nine-speed auto transmission, delivers 450 kW and 850 Nm, while the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the M offers 441 kW and 750 Nm that is routed to the wheels via an eight-speed auto.
And what the Bimmer lacks in power and torque, it slightly compensates for in the weight departments since it weighs 100 kg less than the AMG.
POWER TO THE ROAD
The advantage of all-wheel drive and a launch control setting (that is easier to activate in Mercedes) gives the latest M5 and E63 S staggering performance figures. With their ability to launch off the line without excess wheel-spin, both Germans are capable of dashing forwards with the speed of an Anderson first serve.
The roaring Merc recorded a best zero to 100 km/h time of 3.38 seconds, while the BMW bettered this by a fraction in a time of 3.34 seconds. In the 400-metre sprint, the Merc recorded a time of 11.48 seconds at 204.23 km/h, while the M5 managed it in 11.25 seconds at 209.96 km/h.
However, we found that in some of our runs, the Merc was again quicker than the BMW, and in real terms, there wasn’t much to choose between the two. The M5, with optional carbon-ceramic brakes, was also marginally better in our brake tests — 2.8 seconds from 100 km to standstill, compared to 2.9 seconds for the Merc.
Despite better performance figures, the BMW also recorded slightly better fuel consumption figures during our test period, even with the Amga’s cylinder deactivation technology.
ON THE ROAD
There is nothing subtle about the E63 S. From the moment, you press the starter button and it bellows into life this brawler shows its real intent. Once on the move, it shrugs like a cat as all its fancy drive systems click into place. And while it sounds the aggression part, provoke it, and it will show you just how bad-tempered it really is.
Yes, with a closed exhaust flap in Eco setting, the Merc can demurely potter around town, but the ride quality is taut and quite harsh — despite its air suspension. Still, the Merc’s firmer edge suits its character, and with four-wheel-drive, its all-round driving experience is just better.
In contrast; the new M5 has a more mature and less impetuous demeanour with a menacing, yet muted, exhaust note. On the flip side of the performance coin, its ride quality, specifically in comfort mode, is impressively supple and relaxed. However, its character can change in an instant. Selecting race-ready mode via the red pre-set button on the steering and it shrugs off its nerdy glasses and transforms into Superman, blasting down the road with gusto.
On the track performance front, there is also not much of a difference in times. The BMW, though, does feel a bit sharper and nimbler in sport and race settings, while the Merc feels slightly larger but not unwieldy so – partly thanks to its all-wheel-drive system.
And with its throaty bark, it brings out the latent racer in you, egging you on all the time.
The impressively instinctive M xDrive system of the BMW combined with its lockable rear differential allows it to behave like a rear-wheel-drive car when you want it to. When you hustle it, it stays sharp and precise — delivering a rewarding driving experience.
LAST WORD
So, in terms of looks, kit, performance, ride and handling there isn’t much to choose between our two German rivals. The way they shift their two-tonnes bulk is simply extraordinary, and in this sense, they behave more like full-blooded sports cars rather than luxury sedans. Just as impressive is the way that they now transfer all that power to the road.
Besides a gap of around R130,000 in price (the soon-to-be-released and more powerful M5 Competition will fill that void), there is virtually nothing separating the E63 S and M5. Therefore, if you’re a Merc man, stick with the E63 S … you will certainly not be disappointed. Similarly, if you favour the blue and white roundel, go for the M5.
But, if you are undecided; here’s the tiebreaker. In our view, the BMW will be the easier car to live with on a daily basis, mostly because of its superior ride, and smoother, more effortless everyday driving manners.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © RYAN ABBOTT (TCB MEDIA)