One of the most unusual comparisons and one that we would see moving forward, is between the newly launched BMW 5 Series GT and Mercedes-Benz highly controversial R Class, R350 Blue Tec.
While some us believe that the two cars are not really competing for the same customers, the german journalists at Autozeitung decided to put the cars head-to-head.
BMW 530d GT is powered by a 3.0 liter straight-six diesel engine outputting 245 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 540 Nm/398 lb-ft from 1,750–3,000 rpm. Still a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the 530d GT uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. As tested by Autozeitung, the 530d GT runs from o-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and it’s limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). Average fuel consumption to the EU standard is measured at 6.5 liters/100 kilometers – 36.8 MPG.
The price of the 530d GT as tested by the german magazine is 55,200 euros.
Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue Tec is powered by a 3.0 liters V6 turbo engine producing 210 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 398 ft lb/540 Nm at 1,600 rpm. The R350 Blue Tec engine is matted to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The car tested by the same journalists runs from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. Combined fuel economy was measured at 11.7 liters/100 km – 20 MPG.
Price as tested? 59619 euros.While our german is still being worked on, allow us to share the final result:
BMW won every category except “bodywork” with a total score 3189 points vs. 3008 points. Some of you might think of bodywork as exterior design, but Autozeitung looked at several other things: space in front and rear, cargo load, towing capacity, quality and functionality.
If you’re interested in all the details, feel free to read the entire article as translated by Google.
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/11/20/bmw-5 ... benz-r350/