Spec comparison: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350d vs Audi A6 35 TDI vs BMW 5 Series 520d vs Volvo S90 D4 Inscription

Team OD Updated: August 14, 2019, 03:51 PM IST

When it comes to premium-class sedans, these four are the obvious choice for someone looking at comfort, luxury and performance. The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class was launched in India early this year. It is clearly one of the most popular and bestselling sedans in the segment. Second to that is the Audi A6, a sedan that boasts of features shared with the flagship offering, the Audi A8. Seen as more of an enthusiast's pick is the BMW 5 Series that claims to offer the best driving dynamics in this segment. And lastly, there is the Volvo S90, a sedan that has taken design and features to the next level with its futuristic look and a well-equipped cabin. Here is a specification comparison for all these sedans.

Mercedes E-Class LWB (2) The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the longest of the lot with a length of 5,063mm followed by the Volvo S90 at 4,963mm, Audi A6 at 4,933mm and the BMW 5 Series at 4,907mm. The long-wheelbase E-Class is 205mm longer than the previous-gen E-Class. The new E-Class is also the tallest with a height of 1,494mm. The Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series measure similar in height at 1,454mm, whereas the Volvo S90 has a height of 1,443mm. The widest of the four sedans is the Audi A6 with a width of 2,086mm that would also translate to a reasonably spacious cabin. The E-Class and the 5 Series measure an identical 1,860mm in width. The E-Class has a ground clearance of 123mm which is lower when you compare it with that of the Volvo S90's 152mm and the 5 Series' 158mm.

The Volvo S90

Powering the Volvo S90 is the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel that makes 190PS/400Nm. The 2.0-litre diesel units in the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series also produce a similar output as that of the Volvo S90. The most powerful of the four is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with its 2,987cc V6 that churns out 258PS and generates 620Nm of torque. We have already driven the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class where we stated that the motor is decently refined but not the quietest in class and gets quite audible under load. Whereas in the Volvo S90, we experienced enough low-end output for casual urban duties as well as highway runs. The engine never struggled even at lower revs. We also felt that the 2.0-litre unit can perform overtakes at city or highway speeds without any problem as the motor builds up pace quite briskly. Read our detailed Volvo S90 review here.

Audi A6 The Audi A6

The feature list of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a large panoramic sunroof, 13-speaker Burmester sound system and 34 degrees of adjustable seat recline. The Volvo S90 too comes equipped with some of the best options in the segment that include Bowers & Wilkins entertainment system, Apple CarPlay connectivity and Nappa leather upholstery. The 5 Series comes with rear-view camera, Harman Kardon surround sound system, front headrest-mounted entertainment package for the rear occupants, cornering brake control and a run-flat indicator for the tyres.

The new BMW 5 Series The BMW 5 Series

Now coming to the final aspect of the comparison. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350d LWB Exclusive is priced at Rs 88.35 lakh, making it the most premium sedan among the four. The Volvo S90 is Rs 9.71 lakh less expensive at Rs 78.64 lakh. In addition, the Volvo S90 also won the "CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE Import Car of the Year 2017". The BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6 are similarly priced a little above Rs 69 lakh. It is already known that BMW will be bringing the new-gen 5 Series to India in the next couple of months. We have already driven the 2017 BMW 5 Series, you can read our detailed first drive review here. About the new-gen Audi A6, it has been spotted doing testing and is expected to be launched in sometime next year in the international markets. We believe the same will make it to India by end-2018.