Audi A6 vs Mercedes E klase vs BMW serije 5

If we as a nation or state, and especially if our (not) responsible politicians applied at least a small part of the practice of the three companies, we would certainly know where to (go), when (we come) and how (to do).

We would probably not have experienced hearing in the media so far unheard of – “we are going to work seriously from now on” after the first three years of the Government mandate. I cannot help it to ask myself – “Have you been joking last three years?” The youngest German premium brand, Audi (although many do not know that Audi is originally Horch, very luxurious and prestigious car brand in the past), threw the gauntlet to its competitors and legendary brands more seriously than ever with the new generation A6.

Where did Ingolstadt get the courage to do that? It is probably from the fact that it has been showing unambiguously clear vision, strategy and plan for a decade, striving for the final goal – “to be the best”. The goal justifies the means, of course, especially when the funds are very good products. The new A6 found itself between the Mercedes-Benz E Class with aristocratic manners and the metrosexual – irresistibly dandified BMW 5 Series.

The Laser Precise Design of the new A6
The first live encounter with the new generation A6 gives a clear indication that every detail is laser precisely sculpted. Silhouette, joints, sport and elegant appearance, pleasant clear contours with mild curves… it is the first impression. The second and the third are no different. It is appealing in every detail and uncompromising in quality. There are more attributes, but more about them a little bit later…

Many would say that all cars look alike lately. Well.., they’re right. Such a trend has been evident throughout the industrial world. It is clear that cars are no exception. The Connoisseurs of motorcycles, cars, planes, trucks and ships have always known that such tendencies are the result of serious market analysis and forecasts of the moving of capital stock.

Like or not, Audi’s task is clear this time – to make a significant difference from the previous models and rivals, and keep the family image of a good, healthy, and well built athletic guy. Realizing that each successive generation of car classes grows, the designers said “Stop!” this time. The new A6 is even shorter for a couple of millimeters, but the wheelbase is longer compared to its predecessor. The interior is cozy and comfortable.

The Audi does not come in a strictly business suit like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but it does not try to look like faded jeans and fancy shoes like BMW either. The A6 symbolizes the well-tailored elegant sports clothes that you can wear with sneakers – good taste, comfort and sportiness.

Is the Challenge in Details?
We observed them closely, compared in detail, sat on every seat, and watched every interior and exterior component. The time came to test them on a special test site, local roads and extremely fast autobahns. I will go one by one; for a personal touch must be present and it will take a final prevail.

The Mercedes-Benz E Class 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is (no wonder) sleek, comfortable, traditional and flawless in its entirety. Apart from analog-digital instruments, there is hardly anything in it that can be described as particularly innovative. Regarding the central console and a bunch of tiny buttons, it reminds us that we talk about the oldest member of the trio. The ergonomics is brilliant without question, but the control pattern is quite illogical, so typical of this brand, and I would say that it has been annoying me for decades. On top right of the steering wheel is placed automatic gear lever. The turn signal lever in combination with windshield wiper switch is positioned too low. There is the cruise control lever where the aforementioned switches are supposed to be. As a result, I often activated cruise control instead of direction indicators.

Nonetheless, it takes some time to get used to it or to have a particular logic. The central screen is the smallest in size in this test. The seats deserve all the praise. They are the most comfortable and I would say they are worth the money, especially those active in the body support when driving in a curve. Harman Kardon audio device is very satisfying, but not much more convincing than the Audi’s Bose or Bang & Olufsen systems that come as a standard or as an option. Thus, at least according to the command configuration, one could conclude that the cockpit has not been designed for the pleasure, but for a professional driver who is paid to drive and keep quiet.

The Audi A6 3.0 TDI, unlike the MB has some very pronounced features. It seems more distinguished, designed for the driver and his “irrational” enjoyment. Everything is focused on specific details. The choice of materials sets new standards in the segment. Every instrument, button or lever is made of pure metal, and every “on-off” click is heard and felt as in the old analog switches. It applies to the air conditioning controls, MMI interface, external mirror controls and radio. You won’t find any piece of plastic, and it immediately catches the eye. The wooden applications are made of real wood. There are no shiny “ultraplast” details that catch the eye in the rival cabins. The workmanship is more than impressive.

The BMW 530d is driver oriented with same passion as the Audi, if not even more. As usual, The Bavarian “chokes” the interior with excessively fattened central console that simply engulfs the driver and front passenger. The central display is the largest in this test, the interface is quite logical, but the car features the weakest sound insulation of all three; perhaps with a good reason to portray BMW’s sport spirit. The gear lever is impressive, as removed from the space-shuttle. There is one thing I cannot forgive though – the size and legibility of the speedometer and rev counter. They were made precisely without any doubt, with great visibility of efficiency, economy and energy recuperation data, and all other kind of nonsense. The hardest thing to me was to concentrate on reading the speed data! It looks like the designer of this important instrument was influenced by the famous Teleoptik’s gauge from a small truck that was produced in former Yugoslavia in the last century.

Everything is there but you can’t see the main thing. With the indicators such as these, it is no surprise that BMW is among the first car manufacturers that introduced a head-up display with digital readout of speed. I recommend it with all my heart if you do not want be seduced by speed and fall under attack of our Minister’s of Internal Affairs “radar engineers” in blue.

Something for Everyone
At the end, we will give you the impressions regarding drivetrains and subjective and objective impressions related to driving dynamics.

The BMW 530d boasts the dominant 3.0 l diesel engine in this competition, which has extraordinary reserves of power and aggressiveness of the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Nevertheless, it does not show the exciting driving dynamics that has marked it for half a century because of the increased weight and larger dimensions. The steering wheel is too indirect; the vehicle’s behavior in cornering is neutral but rather sluggish considering BMW’s standards. The impression can’t even compensate the perfect automatic transmission and really generous engine. In addition, the “5er” is surprisingly sensitive to bumpy roads, and especially to side wind blows. The exceptional fuel consumption of just 8.5 l of diesel per 100 km is unmatched in this category.

Mercedes-Benz E Class 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY uses a proven recipe that it “is not a car for everyone”. The conservative and rather successful and mature population that wants to show its status will like it. However, there is no too much “candy” for the driver. Everything is impeccable and far above the standard of competitors, but from the driver’s point of view it is pretty dull and lacking in character. However, it boasts the absolute supremacy in terms of convenience when driving on a rough road, seat comfort, space offer and cabin insulation. There is nothing new, but everything is perfect and balanced… and as some would say – “Das Beste oder Nichts” (The Best or Nothing).

Audi A6 3.0 TDI gives the strongest personal impression. It could be called “Jack of All Trades” or an appealing compromise of its competitor’s characters. Besides being the “youngest”, it offers the best price. Audi took advantage of the benefits of development. The A6 brings the greatest satisfaction and technological jewels. Those who enjoy driving and strive for perfection and long rides in a fast pace will like it because of the direct steering wheel, quick response on gas pedal without losing comfort. There is a barely noticeable lack of power in high revs though. The feeling in the Audi is very specific. It is in the middle between sporting and comfortable.

All in all, generally speaking, the cards are dealt out evenly in this test. Coincidence? Of course not! Planned economy was not invented in socialism but in advanced capitalism. There is something for everyone, but some have too much. It is the same situation with the cars in this test. Something for everyone! Make a choice according to the car’s and your character!

Before purchasing, you should first take a look at yourself in the mirror, and only then you will not make a mistake in choosing the model.