2021 Mercedes E-ClassPricing and Which One to Buy
E350: $52,000 (est.)
E350e: $58,000 (est.)
E450: $59,000 (est.)


Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every E-class features an obedient nine-speed automatic transmission that pairs with three distinct engines. The E350 has a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The plug-in-hybrid E350e is only available with rear-wheel drive, but its four-cylinder engine works with an electric motor to generate a total output of 315 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. The E450 is powered by a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system that doubles as an electric supercharger. The setup sends 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft to either rear- or all-wheel drive. Since the E-class is a comfort-biased car, its handling is competent but not sporty. It leans in corners, but it rarely feels overwhelmed when pushed hard. With the optional air suspension in its Comfort setting, the ride is creamy, and the E-class is perfect for gobbling up lots of road. It glides over pavement imperfections with only slight notification of such unpleasantries communicated to the cabin. With the drive-mode selector set to either Comfort or Eco, the steering is nicely weighted—not too light, not too heavy—and feels accurate. The E-class tracks straight on the freeway with a solid and predictable nature, and feedback from the road is muted.


2021 BMW 5 Series
Pricing and Which One to Buy
530i: $55,195
530e: $58,195
540i: $60,445
M550i: $77,795


Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Smooth, powerful, and efficient, both the four-cylinder in the 530i and the six-cylinder in the 540i motivate this big sedan with authority. For 2021, the 540i's powertrain gains a little extra boost, care of a 48-volt hybrid system, which we have not yet tested. Each pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts intuitively and quickly, making the most of the available power. The 540i's six-cylinder is silky smooth and potent, and it makes delightful noises. Apart from the top-dog M5, which we review separately, the M550i is the athlete of the lineup, with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 under its hood. In our testing, the M550i sprinted through our acceleration runs quicker than the Audi S6 and Mercedes-AMG E53. All 5-series models are competent handlers, but they lack the kind of driving verve we expect from BMW. Steering feedback is light, and the ride—even in the performance-oriented M550i—appears to be tuned more for comfort than pure driving pleasure.
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998 cc
Power: 248 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 128 mph
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com

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