ride comfort
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 3
E350e
ride comfort
When looking for my next car two weeks ago, I, mostly, wanted the best ride comfort I can get for my budget.
I knew before, that Mercedes E class can be my best candidate but tried also Infinity Q70 and Lexus GS. They were both less comfortable than the Merc.
I read lately a few comparison reviews between the E class and The 5 series and most of them said that the ride comfort in the BMW is better. I have asked for a test drive and have no idea what were these reviewers thinking. It was not even close, ride comfort wise.
I agree that the engine/transmission works better in the BMW. It feels smoother. Noise isolation is as good or even better in the BMW but the BMW is nowhere near in ride comfort and I haven't even opted for the air suspension.
Very strange.
What do you think?
I knew before, that Mercedes E class can be my best candidate but tried also Infinity Q70 and Lexus GS. They were both less comfortable than the Merc.
I read lately a few comparison reviews between the E class and The 5 series and most of them said that the ride comfort in the BMW is better. I have asked for a test drive and have no idea what were these reviewers thinking. It was not even close, ride comfort wise.
I agree that the engine/transmission works better in the BMW. It feels smoother. Noise isolation is as good or even better in the BMW but the BMW is nowhere near in ride comfort and I haven't even opted for the air suspension.
Very strange.
What do you think?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 289
Likes: 59
E220d
I think an awful lot comes down to what size wheels you have and whether the car has run flats or not. 17 inch non run flat E class wipes the floor with a 19 inch on run flats for comfort. So it's depends what spec each car was in those reviews/group tests. Maybe the beemer was on balloon tyres!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 1,104
.
I own both an E Class and a 5 Series. The BMW 535i cabin is much noisier than the MB E300. The E300 technology and interior appointments is superior to the 535i. The E300 (steel suspension) ride comfort on 18" run flat tires is better than the 535i on 17" non run flat tires. The performance and handling of the 535i is superior to the E300 in every way.
The bottom line is that one must choose between performance and comfort. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
The bottom line is that one must choose between performance and comfort. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 3
E350e
I own both an E Class and a 5 Series. The BMW 535i cabin is much noisier than the MB E300. The E300 technology and interior appointments is superior to the 535i. The E300 (steel suspension) ride comfort on 18" run flat tires is better than the 535i on 17" non run flat tires. The performance and handling of the 535i is superior to the E300 in every way.
The bottom line is that one must choose between performance and comfort. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
The bottom line is that one must choose between performance and comfort. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
When looking for my next car two weeks ago, I, mostly, wanted the best ride comfort I can get for my budget.
I knew before, that Mercedes E class can be my best candidate but tried also Infinity Q70 and Lexus GS. They were both less comfortable than the Merc.
I read lately a few comparison reviews between the E class and The 5 series and most of them said that the ride comfort in the BMW is better. I have asked for a test drive and have no idea what were these reviewers thinking. It was not even close, ride comfort wise.
I agree that the engine/transmission works better in the BMW. It feels smoother. Noise isolation is as good or even better in the BMW but the BMW is nowhere near in ride comfort and I haven't even opted for the air suspension.
Very strange.
What do you think?
I knew before, that Mercedes E class can be my best candidate but tried also Infinity Q70 and Lexus GS. They were both less comfortable than the Merc.
I read lately a few comparison reviews between the E class and The 5 series and most of them said that the ride comfort in the BMW is better. I have asked for a test drive and have no idea what were these reviewers thinking. It was not even close, ride comfort wise.
I agree that the engine/transmission works better in the BMW. It feels smoother. Noise isolation is as good or even better in the BMW but the BMW is nowhere near in ride comfort and I haven't even opted for the air suspension.
Very strange.
What do you think?
Hope this helps in your decision.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I own both an E Class and a 5 Series. The BMW 535i cabin is much noisier than the MB E300. The E300 technology and interior appointments is superior to the 535i. The E300 (steel suspension) ride comfort on 18" run flat tires is better than the 535i on 17" non run flat tires. The performance and handling of the 535i is superior to the E300 in every way.
The bottom line is that one must choose between performance and comfort. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
The bottom line is that one must choose between performance and comfort. Both cars have their strengths and weaknesses.
If you have time test drive the current 540i. I think you will find the ride, quietness of the cabin materials and room inside are on par or exceed the E Class.
Last edited by JTK44; Sep 11, 2025 at 06:52 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,373
Likes: 1,104
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You are comparing much older cars. Things are different now. The 5 series is not longer "the driving machine". The 5 series has grown in size, the rear seat has more legroom than the E Class, and has moved more to a luxury executive car.
If you have time test drive the current 540i. I think you will find the ride, quietness of the cabin materials and room inside are on par or exceed the E Class.
If you have time test drive the current 540i. I think you will find the ride, quietness of the cabin materials and room inside are on par or exceed the E Class.
Last edited by ua549; Sep 11, 2025 at 08:03 AM.
