2023 BMW 5 Series vs. Competitors: Specs and Features Compared - Bimmer Mag (2024)

The 2023 BMW 5 Series stands out in the luxury sedan market with its blend of performance, cutting-edge technology, and refined comfort.

This article compares the 5 Series with competitors like the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus ES.

2023 BMW 5 Series Overview – How It Stacks Up Against Rivals?

The 2023 BMW 5 Series offers a versatile range of engine options, from a 2.0L inline-4 to a 4.4L V8, delivering between 248 and 523 horsepower. Acceleration ranges from 0-60 mph in 5.9 to 3.6 seconds, making it sportier than the Audi A6 and Lexus ES.

Starting at $56,000, it offers premium materials, an intuitive infotainment system, and a spacious interior with real-time traffic updates and advanced driver assistance systems. Its 130 mph top speed aligns with other luxury sedans but offers more dynamic handling.

Engine Performance and Speed

• BMW 5 Series: 248-523 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.9-3.6 seconds.
• Audi A6: 261-335 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.1-4.4 seconds.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 255-429 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.9-4.2 seconds.
• Lexus ES: 203-302 hp, 0-60 mph in 8.1-6.6 seconds.

Interior Comfort and Technology

BMW provides high-quality materials with standard leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital display, and customizable ambient lighting. It edges out the Lexus ES in terms of tech features, matching the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class with integrated smartphone apps, voice control, and a heads-up display.

Safety Features Breakdown

The 5 Series includes lane departure warning, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control as standard, competing well with rivals. Features like a surround-view camera and active parking assist are optional.

Driving Experience and Handling

BMW’s suspension and rear-wheel steering offer a balanced, dynamic drive. The 5 Series provides a sportier feel compared to the Lexus ES and a more engaging drive than the Audi A6.

Engine Performance and Speed

When it comes to engine options and performance, the 2023 BMW 5 Series sets a high standard among its competitors.

BMW 5 Series Engine Options:

• 2.0L Inline-4: 248 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
• 3.0L Inline-6: 335 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
• 4.4L V8: 523 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Audi A6 Engine Options:

• 2.0L Inline-4: 261 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
• 3.0L V6: 335 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Engine Options:

• 2.0L Inline-4: 255 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
• 3.0L Inline-6: 429 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Lexus ES Engine Options:

• 2.5L Inline-4: 203 hp, 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
• 3.5L V6: 302 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

All models are typically capped at 130 mph for standard trims, with some performance models (like the BMW M550i) capable of reaching 155 mph.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The interior quality and tech features of the 2023 BMW 5 Series set a high bar in the luxury sedan class.

BMW 5 Series Interior and Technology

• Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, iDrive 7.0 system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto included.
• Comfort Features: Optional leather upholstery, customizable ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control.
• Technology: Real-time traffic updates, heads-up display, and advanced voice recognition.

Audi A6 Interior and Technology

• Infotainment: Dual touchscreen setup (10.1-inch and 8.6-inch displays), MMI touch response, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.
• Comfort Features: Premium leather, tri-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
• Technology: Virtual co*ckpit, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and available Wi-Fi hotspot.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior and Technology

• Infotainment: 12.3-inch dual widescreen displays, MBUX system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.
• Comfort Features: Multicontour seats with massage function, premium leather, ambient lighting.
• Technology: Augmented reality navigation, Burmester surround sound, and gesture control.

Lexus ES Interior and Technology

• Infotainment: 8.0-inch standard touchscreen (optional 12.3-inch), Lexus Enform, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.
• Comfort Features: NuLuxe synthetic leather, dual-zone climate control, and 10-way power front seats.
• Technology: Mark Levinson sound system, navigation with remote touch interface.

• The BMW 5 Series offers a more driver-oriented setup compared to the Lexus ES, with superior tech integration.

• The Mercedes-Benz E-Class excels in luxury and tech features, but the BMW’s iDrive remains more user-friendly.

• Audi A6 impresses with its sleek dual-display layout but can feel more tech-heavy than intuitive.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2023 BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus ES all provide a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

BMW 5 Series Safety Features

• Standard Features: Blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, front collision warning, adaptive cruise control.
• Optional Features: Surround-view camera, parking assist, night vision.

Audi A6 Safety Features

• Standard Features: Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning.
• Optional Features: 360-degree camera, traffic sign recognition.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Features

• Standard Features: Active brake assist, cross-traffic alert, attention assist.
• Optional Features: Enhanced adaptive cruise, evasive steering assist, automatic parking.

Lexus ES Safety Features

• Standard Features: Pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control.
• Optional Features: Park assist, rear cross-traffic alert.

• The BMW 5 Series leads with seamless integration of driver assistance, offering nearly all key features as standard.

• Mercedes-Benz’s focus on enhanced adaptive systems makes it a strong contender for those who value additional safety layers.

• Lexus ES provides strong basic safety features but lacks some advanced options found in the BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

Driving Experience and Handling

The 2023 BMW 5 Series offers a balanced mix of comfort and agility, making it one of the most versatile sedans in its class.

BMW 5 Series Driving Experience

• Ride Quality: Balanced and smooth with precise steering and responsive handling.
• Suspension: Adaptive suspension with multiple drive modes for comfort or sport-focused driving.
• Handling: Rear-wheel steering (optional) enhances maneuverability in tight spaces and stability at higher speeds.

Audi A6 Driving Experience

• Ride Quality: Leans toward comfort but remains responsive.
• Suspension: Adaptive air suspension available, focusing on smoothing out uneven roads.
• Handling: Light steering with a focus on comfort; sportiness comes through in higher trims like the S6.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Driving Experience

• Ride Quality: Focuses on a plush, comfortable ride with minimal body roll.
• Suspension: Air suspension options with modes for comfort and sport.
• Handling: Prioritizes luxury over sport, though AMG trims bring sportier dynamics.

Lexus ES Driving Experience

• Ride Quality: Soft and comfort-oriented, ideal for relaxed cruising.
• Suspension: Fixed suspension focused on a smooth ride.
• Handling: Prioritizes comfort over sharp cornering, making it less engaging for spirited driving.

• The BMW 5 Series is the most dynamic and versatile in this group, balancing sportiness and comfort seamlessly.

• The Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class prioritize comfort but offer sportier experiences in their higher trims.

• The Lexus ES remains focused on smoothness and relaxation, ideal for long highway drives but lacking engagement in spirited driving situations.

Price – Which Offers the Best Deal?

Pricing plays a key role when deciding between these luxury sedans.

BMW 5 Series Pricing

• Base Price: Starts at $56,000.
• Top Trims: The M550i xDrive with a V8 engine starts around $78,000.

Audi A6 Pricing

• Base Price: Starts at $56,900.
• Top Trims: The Prestige trim with a V6 engine can reach $69,000.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pricing

• Base Price: Starts at $57,000.
• Top Trims: AMG E53 models can cost over $76,000.

Lexus ES Pricing

• Base Price: Starts at $41,000.
• Top Trims: The fully-loaded ES 350 F Sport reaches around $51,000.

• The BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sit at similar price points, both offering high-end luxury and performance.

• The Audi A6 provides similar tech and comfort but at a slightly lower cost for the mid-range trims.

• The Lexus ES is the most affordable, focusing more on comfort and value rather than performance.

FAQs

How reliable is the 2023 BMW 5 Series?

The 2023 BMW 5 Series has a solid reputation for reliability, with a well-built engine lineup and advanced technology. BMW also offers a comprehensive warranty package to cover any unexpected issues.

Does the 2023 Lexus ES offer all-wheel drive?

Yes, the 2023 Lexus ES offers all-wheel drive on select models, specifically the ES 250 variants.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Audi A6?

The 2023 Audi A6 gets an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine choice.

Does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have a hybrid option?

Yes, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a plug-in hybrid variant, the E 300e, which combines luxury with improved fuel efficiency.

Which luxury sedan is best for long road trips?

The Lexus ES is considered one of the best for long road trips, offering a smooth and quiet ride with excellent fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

The 2023 BMW 5 Series remains a top pick for those seeking a versatile luxury sedan, offering a balance of performance, technology, and comfort. It stands out with a broad engine lineup, high-end features, and sporty driving dynamics. If you prioritize performance, the BMW is a strong contender.

However, for a more tech-focused interior, consider the Audi A6. If comfort is key, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Lexus ES might be better suited to your needs. Choose based on what aligns best with your priorities.