HEAD TO HEAD
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday January 29, 2011
BMW 520d TOURINGVALUE Matches the Merc for most parts but adds auto park assist, a reverse camera, satnav, dual-opening tailgate, head-up display and audio streaming via Bluetooth.INSIDE Regular five-seater with split-fold rear seat. Partial electric front seats. Electric park brake welcome.ENGINE A 120Nm torque deficit is offset by 130-kilogram lighter body and silky smooth eight-speed auto.HOW IT DRIVES Well-weighted steering, longer wheelbase and beautifully nimble handling entices driver involvement. Run-flat tyres noisier than E-Class.SAFETY Six airbags; stability control; five-star ANCAP crash rating.VERDICT Where it lacks in grunt, it compensates with superior athleticism, economy and value. MERCEDES-BENZ E250 CDI AVANTGARDE ESTATE VALUE Though $12,700 more, gets leather trim, electric tailgate, parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights, partial electric front seats, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloys.INSIDE Rear-facing third-row seats, integrated rear booster seats. Boot offers 985 litres. Foot-operated park brake detracts.ENGINE Powerful 2.1-litre twin-turbo delivers diesel V6-like performance but has to make do with a five-speed auto.HOW IT DRIVES Composed ride glides over bumps. Bigger car than BMW with lighter steering at speed. Cabin well insulated from tyre noise.SAFETY Nine airbags; Mercedes Pre-Safe collision warning system.VERDICT Mighty diesel engine and refined road manners but price disparity mightn't sway some buyers.
© 2011 Sydney Morning Herald