Despite a slight difference in power and torque output, the 2018 BMW M5 and 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S are extremely well matched when it comes to acceleration and braking.
During this performance test executed by Carwow, the M5 and E63 S engaged in drag racing from a standstill as well as a rolling start, plus a brake test from 70 mph (112 km/h). Technically speaking, none of these tests ended in a draw.
Before you find out who came out on top, here are some numbers to consider: there’s a 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 in the BMW and a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 in the Merc, but the latter is more powerful, with 612 PS (604 HP) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque, compared to the Bimmer’s 600 PS (592 HP) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft).
So, for what it’s worth, the Merc boasts an extra 12 PS and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) of torque, but it’s not like either of this cars will just destroy the other when it comes to straight line speed. Yet, the fact that one of them is consistently quicker does earn it certain bragging rights.
The only controversial result came after the braking test, where the driver of the E63 S apparently hit the pedal a bit too soon. Even so, it still came down to a matter of inches.
Until the all-new 2019 Audi RS6 is launched, these are the two German super-saloons you’ll have to choose from. So, drag racing apart, since none of the two is lacking for power and the differences are small anyway, which one would you rather have: the M5 or the E63 S?