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Few areas of the new car market are more fiercely fought for than the executive car class. Which
explains why Mercedes has launched a revised version of its E-Class after just four years.
However, it's not the only premium brand big-hitter with a revised model out - because BMW has
just pulled the wraps of its new BMW 5 Series, or at least, it claims it has, because this
one looks ... well, exactly like the old one. OK, so there have been some minor changes,
including tweaked headlamps, reprofiled bumpers and a range of new paint colours. There have
been even fewer changes to the classy and beautifully built cabin. In fact apart from
the option of a new, larger i-drive controller, you could be sitting in the old car. As before,
there's a 520-litre boot. That's 20 litres less than the Mercedes. But you have to pay
an extra £420 for a split fold rear seat. At least Mercedes has been bolder with its
facelift with the E-Class, bringing you redesigned flanks, bold LED headlamps and a completely
new grille. Even so, it looks a little straight laced alongside the sporty 5 Series. It's
a similar story inside, with the upright dash and square-edged design making the Merc feel
a little old fashioned. Still, theres no doubting the 24-carrot quality and the E-Class steals
a march on the BMW with its roomier 540-litre boot. Like its styling, the Mercedes is a
bit sensible to drive. The standard adaptive dampers do give a really soft ride and the
steering is direct and well-weighted. But, it just doesn't encourage you to have fun
and the 2.1-litre diesel is a bit gruff and while our car's optional automatic gearbox
delivers smooth shifts in auto mode, it's a bit slow to respond to the steering wheel
paddles. There is a manual gearbox as standard but it's a bit springy and vague so it's probably
worth forking out extra on the automatic. BMW has built a fine tradition for building
fun-to-drive cars and the latest 5 Series is really no exception. For starters, it's
the only executive car that really feels right with a manual transmission. There is an eight-speed
automatic option which in fairness is superb but the standard six-speed is slick and precise
and really, you wouldn't want anything else. It's the way BMW goes through corners - it's
beautifully balanced rear-wheel-drive handling, direct steering that's well-weighted and even
this 520D, well, it can be a bit of a hooligan as well if you want. But, most of the time,
it's the refinement that impresses. The 2.0-litre engine is a really punchy performer, but only
at idle are you aware it's a diesel, the rest of the time it's just smooth and really responsive.
Driving impressions are all very well, but ultimately both the BMW and the Mercedes are
going to be chosen as company cars. So it comes down to the bottom line, and, well,
there's very little between them. Both cost around £32,000, the Mercedes puts out 120g/km
with a manual gearbox, the BMW, 119g/km. So, it's pennies basically. OK, so your fleet
manager is pushing you for a decision, Mercedes or BMW? Well, the Mercedes is a lovely thing,
it's very comfortable, quiet, and there's no doubt in the kudos of the three-pointed
star. But, the BMW is equally desirable, more importantly, it's better to drive, it's got
a nicer interior and it doesn't cost you any more to run. So that means the new BMW 5 Series
is still the executive car king of the company car park.