This is almost becoming absurd. Now that the new BMW M5 is out, it’s being endlessly compared to the Mercedes-AMG E63 S. For good reason, admittedly, as they’re both the two best super sedans on the market. So, naturally, enthusiasts want to know which is better. But this rivalry is becoming so big that it’s almost the new Mustang/Camaro or Corvette/911. That doesn’t mean we don’t love watching another comparison video. But it’s almost getting out of hand.
In this new video from Edmunds, they put the two aforementioned super sedans against each other in a straight-line drag race and then on a bit of a twisty, drifty course. So which car is better? You’ll find out in this video.
But let’s talk about each car for a second. The BMW M5 uses a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 with 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It gets an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive, as well. While the AMG uses a 4.0 liter twin0turbo V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. It has a nine-speed auto and all-wheel drive. Though, both cars are capable of shutting their all-wheel drive modes off and using just rear-wheel drive. So let’s see how they did.
First was the drag race. With both cars in launch control, they set out for a quarter-mile race. Except that the M5’s launch control decided to act up. So rather than launch properly, it told them it was damaged. After a long chat, the M5 decided it was going to cooperate again. Once working properly, the BMW M5 was actually faster in a straight line. The Bavarian recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.17 seconds, with a 1/4-mile time of 11.9 seconds. While the AMG did a 3.24 second 0-60 mph time and a 11.14 1/4. Those are both incredibly fast times for stock luxury cars with heated/cooled, massaging seats, four doors and big trunks.
Next up was the twisty stuff, where they drove both cars on a bit of polished tarmac, where grip is low. Both cars effortlessly drift on that surface, as 600 hp makes overwhelming the tires’ grip levels quite easy. Plus, both cars have surprisingly balanced chassis for such big heavy cars, which makes them easy to point and hold a drift.
In the end, Edmunds’ Mark Takahashi picked the BMW M5 as his favorite while Carlos Lago preferred the AMG. However, they needed a way to split the difference and they used top speed. The BMW M5 has a slightly higher top speed, so it took the win, by the smallest of margins. Both of these cars are astonishingly brilliant and I’d give a kidney to own either.