agreed...seems the Bmw always gets a good launch and the benz seems to reel it in... then the Bmw pulls a bit harder

about equal.

Great real-life comparo, well with the exception of the masked drivers, I suppose that’s russian style speeding and avoiding the cameras to ID them
BMW is a bit quicker from the get-go apart from getting jumped a couple of times but the MB has a little extra on the top.
Quite even on the street.

true I think I stand corrected. It appears the m5 also had a passenger.

I would say overall the m5 seems a slight bit faster than the e63s.

I’ve driven both cars now for about a week each and in my humble opinion, there is no way the M5 has more character. In fact, that’s probably my only criticism (that and no touring version) of the M5.

Not at all:

M5:

Overall summary: A superb all rounder that if it did a touring version, would be above the E63 for everything other than engine sound and character (inc design).

Very comfortable ride in all modes. Comfort was a joy, Sport+ firmer but didn’t feel like a sports car, a bit of body roll which I was surprised by

Extremely fast but didn’t seem to really open up until I’d got the revs past 5,000 and by that point I was nearing the speed limit so the real potential of the car felt somewhat wasted. It was fast, real fast but it was so smooth it almost passed me by. When you got into high revs, the whole car transformed but it almost felt like it needed more torque early on which I know it has but subjectively it didn’t feel that way.

Engine - quite good but even with Sports Exhaust, it lacked character and I was a bit disappointed.

Steering felt very light and easy, not as much feel as I would like or heavy enough for me but it cornered superbly and to be honest, it was a dream to drive - did not feel heavy at all.

Outside design I felt a bit cold, not a great deal different to a 5 series so wasn’t inspiring.

Inside, much nicer and they really have stepped up a gear. Lovely seats and leather. Display is nice and modern etc.

Technology wise, super awesome. The infotainment system is well ahead of Merc and I loved the little touches like being able to tweak the transmission on the gear stick.

E63:

A wild beast that you just want to keep getting out to try and tame. Visceral experience that never gets dull.

Ride comfort is the biggest let down on this car. It’s harsh, no matter what people say, on UK roads, it’s rough and you feel it. It should be more comfortable in comfort with air suspension.

Speed wise, right up my street, loads of torque and power in low revs, it’s perfect for my type of driving where I’ve got to be careful of speed limit and need sharp acceleration in low speeds.

Engine - need I say anything? It’s the best in the business, what a noise, what a character!

Steering is heavy and I like that though my wife complained that her arms got tired after a while and it was a bit of a pain for her.

In terms of handling, again superb, especially for a Estate car but of course you do feel that length and weight.

Design - absolutely fantastic, streets ahead of the M5 for me, outside and inside. I love the Estate look and the interior looks classy.

Tech wise, not as great as the M5. COMAND is not as quick or slick as iDrive and not as many features or cool bits to it. I’ve also yet to see a better Sat Nav than on the BMW.

Practicality - a big one for me, massive and huge boot means happy wife and kids! Big tick!!!

In summary - the BMW probably is the better all rounder and more complete car for every occasion. But it’s not a Estate, it’s a bit dull to look at and it lacks character for me.

Hope that helps? The M5 was a super awesome car and in different circumstances, the perfect car for me, just not right now!

Thanks that was helpful. As per your review, it’s nice that your trying to be nice to Bmw saying the m5 is better all around, but from the sound of it the e63s seems to be more fun, and a level up from the m5.

Thats a good point, I agree and my wife noted that too and she is quite an audiophile

Thanks, we got to hear the 3D version in my friend’s car. He is pretty well off and has an array of cars and was the first stop when I started looking at Mercs and AMG’s. You are right, it is off the chain!

I’ve just done a long drive in the E63 and can say the M5 is easier to drive and less taxing physically.

The steering is massively lighter and more nimble. My arms actually ached from the drive which was about 2 hours.

I honestly think the M5 is a better all round car, nicer for passengers and more comfortable but definitely doesn’t have as much character as the E63.