Classic fight, new rivals?
The luxury sedan segment, will in, in 2024 see two classic rivals Duke it out for space. We are talking about the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series both of which will get a generational upgrade by the end of 2024. The luxury market may be lapping up SUVs by the dozen but sedans still hold a special place for those that choose to be driven around especially in urban areas and in the centre of this fight are these two cars.
Launch timelines
BMW has officially sold out its entire stock of current 5 Series while Mercedes has said that its stock of the current LWB E-Class has almost dwindled and it is working on intermediate measures for potential buyers ahead of the new car’s debut at the end of this calendar year. The 5 Series too will arrive around the same time with BMW officially having stated a timeline of Q3 of this new FY.
New E-Class
Showcased exactly a year ago, it embodies the formula of the current car but with a new feature list, upgraded looks and even more wheelbase over the already lengthy current car. It will be offered with both petrol and diesel power both of which will get a hybrid setup in the form of torque assist and stop-start assist. It will of course be joined by multiple AMG versions as well an all-electric EQE sedan (in SWB form) to ensure that it has all bases covered in terms of the potential buyers.
New 5 Series
There might be bigger anticipation for the new E-Class but BMW has made the first move and will launch the all-electric i5 before bringing in the new 5 Series to the market. Like the E-Class, the new 5 Series is longer and more tech-laden than the outgoing model. It too will be offered with hybrid petrol and diesel engines and be followed by a new M5 which has been previewed in Touring guise for the first time in this new generation.
Local assembly
Cost will be the key here and both manufacturers will locally assemble the cars at their respective factories outside Pune and Chennai. Given their significant leap in terms of value addition, we expect both cars to have an on-road price of over Rs 1 crore when launched. To give you a perspective, 10 years ago, the E-Class and 5 Series were in the range of Rs 45 lakh to 55 lakh while the W222 S-Class which had been launched in 2013 had an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.15 crore.