New Audi A6 vs BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Has the Audi A6 made sufficient ‘progress through technology’ to surpass the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and class-leading BMW 5 Series luxury cars?...
Our verdict
The old Audi A6 was well off the pace, so the fact that this latest iteration feels vastly improved is no surprise. In this test, it proves the most practical option, too. But it’s a shame that it couldn’t closer push the BMW 5 Series in other areas, such as ride, refinement and the ease of use of its infotainment. Still, those first two aspects might prove better when we try versions with different suspension and wheel options.
The Mercedes E-Class remains a fine choice. It has a very practical boot and a smart interior, and if you specify air suspension, aspects of its soothing ride are unequalled by its rivals. The issues that hamper it are its refinement at speed and its awed driving position.
Which leaves the 5 Series continuing to reign supreme. At the start, we called it the consummate all-rounder, and this test simply proves the point. If you want your luxury car to be comfortable, quiet, beautifully built, tech-filled and easy to use, it’s still the heavyweight champion.
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1st – BMW 5 Series
For Best ride; quietest cruiser; driving position; best infotainment; cheapest to run
Against Smallest boot; lumbar adjustment is extra; grumbliest engine
Recommended options Adaptive dampers (£985), Driving Assistant (£895), lumbar adjustment (£275)
Rated 5 out of 5
2nd – Audi A6
For Quiet, flexible engine; nimble handling; great visibility; roomiest inside; biggest boot
Against Suspension noise; unsettled ride; jerky gearbox; fiddly touchscreens
Recommended options Technology Pack (£1495), City Assist Pack (£1375)
Rated 4 out of 5
3rd – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
For Supple ride on air suspension; stylish interior; slick gearbox; four-wheel drive traction
Against Flawed driving position; rear space; most road noise; highest company car tax; highest PCP costs
Recommended options Comand Online (£1495)
Rated 4 out of 5
Find a great Mercedes-Benz deal
Specifications: Audi A6 40 TDI 204 S line S tronic
Engine 4cyl, 1968cc, diesel
List price £42,000
Target Price £40,000
Power 201bhp at 3750-4200rpm
Torque 295Ib ft at 1750-3500rpm
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
0-60mph 8.1sec
Top speed 153mph
Gov't fuel economy 62.8mpg
Test MPG 46.8mpg
CO2 emissions 117g/km
Specifications: BMW 5 Series 520d M Sport
Engine 4cyl, 1995cc, diesel
List price £40,775
Target Price £37,095
Power 187bhp at 4000rpm
Torque 295Ib ft at 1750-2500rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 7.9sec
Top speed 146mph
Gov't fuel economy 62.7mpg
Test MPG 44.3mpg
CO2 emissions 119g/km
Specifications: Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220d 4Matic AMG Line
Engine 4cyl, 1950cc, diesel
List price £41,970
Target Price £37,998
Power 191bhp at 3800rpm
Torque 295Ib ft at 1600-2800rpm
Gearbox 9-spd automatic
0-60mph 7.8sec
Top speed 149mph
Gov't fuel economy 55.4mpg
Test MPG 44.1mpg
Best luxury cars 2024 – tested, rated and the ones to avoid
A luxury car should have sumptuous materials, ride comfort worthy of a magic carpet, and a super-smooth engine. Here's our run-down of the top 10, and the one we'd avoid
