Abbreviations have become a very popular element in modern communications and, in many cases, they are interpreted as an informal method of using language. From Germany, Mercedes-Benz and BMW use abbreviations to vividly describe their most colored and meaningful production vehicles, such as AMG, which started as an independent performance house specializing almost solely in Mercedes-Benz modifications (three Mitsubishi models were extended the AMG badge). Mercedes-Benz purchased AMG in 1999, and its ace tuning skills have since been tested against BMW's M-lettered cars.
In the middle of this German slug fest, we have the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG; two performance vehicles that are embroiled in a tight match up that may prove enigmatic to the odds makers in Vegas. Let’s save the odds makers from late-night calculations, and let our car-versus-car square off between the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG from Stuttgart and the BMW M5 from Munich begin.
2008 BMW M5
MSRP: $82,900Engine: 5.0-liter, 40-valve V10
Horsepower: 500 hp @ 7,750 rpm
Torque: 383 lb-ft @ 6,100 rpm
MPG: City: 11; Highway: 17
Performance - 19/20
Paying homage to the Formula 1 racing efforts with a V10 configuration, the BMW M5 contains the same zest for performance. Designed to deliver the maximum 500 horsepower at 6,100 rpms, the BMW M5 roars assertively with the aid of either a seven-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) with paddle-shifter controls or the more conventional six-speed manual transmission.
Granting the driver the ability to shift his seven-speed automatic with Drivelogic control, the BMW M5's SMG transmission hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the six-speed manual jumps from a standing start to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
Resisting the temptation to give all the credit to the 500 horsepower V10, we have to say that the BMW M5's performance DNA is embedded throughout the entire sedan, starting with the all-aluminum chassis and suspension. World-class handling is delivered through the variable M-differential lock that’s married to the fully operational Dynamic Stability Control system and Electronic Damping Control.
Exterior design - 18/20
Sporting the 5 Series’ already ultra-modern outer appearance, the M5’s details brilliantly compliment 21st century premium motoring. A sportier front fascia design not only emphasizes the already existing curves along the grille, but it also increases air intake to the V10. And lightweight, 19-inch wheels are specially mounted to the M version of the BMW 5 Series for a styling and technical edge.
Matching the high-performance attitude of the M5, exterior lighting proves to be an extension of BMW's modern touches to motoring. Ultra-bright Xenon headlamps incorporate sensors that adjust the light beam’s direction and brake lights are illuminated in accordance to stopping force to maximize the warning for your many followers.
Interior design - 9/10
Advertised as a race car for four, the BMW M5 sedan provides a sure way for a driver to gain three close friends. With much of the interior a familiar sight to BMW fans, the fine, German build quality can be witnessed throughout the well-appointed cabin. Catered for varying tastes of performance and luxury, the M5's interior can be trimmed with brushed aluminum, olive ash wood or Madeira walnut wood interior accents.
Special M5-embroidered sport seats are draped with Extended Merino Leather and offered in eight colors. Once you’re firmly planted in the M5's seats, there are 18 standard ways to adjust the power seats and to further define this as a driver's car, power adjustable side bolsters firmly contain the front seat occupants. While the front seats come standard with a heating function, the same luxury is offered as a $350 option in the rear.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Running though a 13-speaker surround sound Logic7 system, the BMW M5’s entertainment amenities include a CD/MP3 player, an integrated iPod adaptor and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, in addition to its very rare high-definition radio set.
A leading fixture to the M5's driver electronics is BMW's infamous iDrive control on the center console. Attempting to enhance driver ergonomics iDrive, while manageable when stationary, features a multi-directional control knob that is a certified nuisance for driver's at speed. If you can master iDrive, you'll find an interface that isolates audio, climate and navigation functions into a set of menus viewable on the dash screen.
For the BMW M5, an added incentive for learning iDrive is MDrive, which expands the driver's ability to customize the sedan's handling characteristics. As an added convenience, BMW included its Voice Command system for hands-free phone and some navigation controls at the push of a button.
Bang for your buck - 16/20
At $82,900, the BMW M5 satisfies a motorist's sense for performance prestige greater than the savings of dollars and cents. Keeping in mind that the M5 comes with a thirsty 500 horsepower engine, this luxury sedan also comes with an outstanding range of power features. This is the excuse you can tell your spouse after you take a detour from shopping for some meagerly powered crossover vehicle and end up at BMW's front door.
Driving experience - 19/20
The ultimate driving-machine title fits on the BMW M5 like a glove. The sensation behind the wheel of the M5 feels like a natural extension of your body as acceleration is applied with velvet smoothness thanks to the V10's double-Vanos camshaft control.
Overall score - 88/100
Released to North America in 1988, the BMW M5 was the original launching board of the M moniker as a special, street-legal performance model. Twenty years later, the lead sedan in the BMW M family continues to reign.
2008 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
MSRP: $85,775Engine: AMG 6.3-liter, 32-valve V8
Horsepower: 507hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 465 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
MPG: City: 12; Highway: 19
Performance - 19/20
Rewarded with an engine that’s wholly AMG developed, the 6.3-liter aluminum block is the belly of the beast for this modified Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Erupting to a high-revving 507 horsepower chiefly using raw displacement, the E63's engine also employs a very unique variable-intake manifold to regulate the combustion chambers' airflow. The driver-adaptive, five-speed automatic transmission will help you to achieve a 4.3-second 0-60 mph time. For extra speed, the optional P30 AMG Performance Package features an adjustable Airmatic suspension system and the ability to tweak the electronic speed limiter to bring it up to 186 mph. Thanks to AMG engineering, a front set of six-piston disc brakes delivers stopping power as confidently as the horsepower is fed under acceleration. Karl Benz would be proud to have his name on this vehicle.
Exterior design - 16/20
Avoiding an attempt to drown the E-Class' simple, yet dignified, exterior styling with aggressive body kits, AMG kept the Mercedes-Benz E63's outer enhancements on the tasteful side (even the chrome Mercedes-Benz hood ornament remains on board for this very fast ride). Any retouches done to the sedan's body were executed with an emphasis on function. Within the low-profile rubber are five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels that seductively show off the disc brake rotors, which are so exposed for greater brake cooling.
The redesigned, forward air dam features an Formula 1-inspired shaping that also contains a meshing within the air intakes. Including the additional rear spoiler and apron, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG achieves a very sharp 0.29 drag coefficient, while optimizing down force.
The end result of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG exterior design is the highway equivalent of a stealth attack toward any self-loving, two-seater sports car.
Interior design - 9/10
When the Mercedes-Benz E-Class arrived at AMG's Affalterbach facility, they weren't content with simply spiking the horsepower, so they enhanced the interior aesthetics as well. Interior modifications to the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG inspire not only a greater image of performance, but they also raise Mercedes-Benz’s already high luxury bar. On the floor, a set of brushed, stainless steel foot pedals provide a serious reminder of the vehicle's performance aspirations. Sticking with wood trim, the cabin appearance has been enhanced with Black Birdseye Maple or with a carbon fiber trim, if desired. As a finishing touch, Alcantara leather was used to upholster the heated sport seats up front, the rear bench and the steering wheel, which also features multifunction phone and audio controls for an ultra-luxury feel.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
For ultimate entertainment in menacing traffic jams, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG offers a six-disc CD changer that feeds anything from punk rock to Pavarotti into a Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system that plays in crystal clear tones.
In a somewhat puzzling expense inside of a top-tier luxury car, iPod integration is offered as a $425.00 option.
Another optional system called COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) integrates radio, phone and added DVD-based navigational in a single unit. Having found the right music, there are four individual climate-controlled zones in the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG that provide uncompromising comfort to nearly every passenger.
Bang for your buck - 16/20
For the price of one Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, you could almost buy two Mercedes-Benz SLK roadsters. But, considering the fact that the two entry-level SLKs only produce a collective 496 horsepower, the E63 is perhaps a great deal for a high-performance super sedan (plus, you gain an extra seat).
Driving experience - 19/20
To seek the unrestricted potential of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, find a closed racing course to let the full 507 horses prance. While doing this, make sure to have fun with the Racetimer program inside the AMG instrument cluster for a wealth of performance-related data -- including lap times.
Overall score - 86/100
Without drawing too much attention to its 507 horsepower, 6.3-liter engine, there is little more than a set of AMG badges outside that clearly identifies the beautifully engineered powerplant. This unwilling deviation from Mercedes-Benz's drive for luxury is truly a positive aspect to the E63 AMG sedan.
and the winner is…
At the end of 12 rounds, both competitors remain standing, knowing that they are competing against a worthy opponent for this German performance sedan title bout. Relying on the scores of our six categories, exterior design rules that the BMW M5 wins this epic fight between German heavyweights. With respect to the outcome, it's obvious that both Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW M cars clearly speak in numbers as fluently as in letters.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.edmunds.com/
http://www.bmwusa.com/
http://www.caranddriver.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/index2.html
http://www.mbusa.com/models/main.do?modelCode=E63
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