5 Series vs S-Class
Brand preference aside, the 5 Series and the S-Class are close competitors, both pitched at midsize luxury car buyers. Trade-offs cut both ways here: pick the 5 Series and you gain on fuel economy & range; pick the S-Class and you gain on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance S-Class wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 5 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.2
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The S-Class has 187 hp more power
On this line of the spec sheet, the S-Class is in a different league: 442 hp, next to 255 hp for the 5 Series. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 5 Series has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the 5 Series leads by a wide margin: 31 mpg versus 24 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The S-Class has 118 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 413 lb-ft to the 5 Series’s 295 lb-ft, the S-Class has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 5 Series has better city fuel economy
Put simply, the 5 Series is far ahead here: 28 mpg compared with 21 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 5 Series has the better rating here.
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The 5 Series has better highway fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the 5 Series (35 mpg versus 31 mpg). The 5 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
S-Class leads
No contest in engine & performance: the S-Class is the stronger of the two. Point to the S-Class for 187 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the S-Class has the edge.
Total system output
5 Series: 255 hp S-Class: 442 hp The S-Class’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
5 Series: 295 lb-ft S-Class: 413 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
5 Series leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the 5 Series leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The 5 Series takes this one with better fuel economy. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the 5 Series is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
5 Series: 31 mpg S-Class: 24 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
5 Series: 28 mpg S-Class: 21 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 5 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The 5 Series and the S-Class match each other closely in this area. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the 5 Series and the S-Class differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 5 Series | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 442 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 5 Series | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 5 Series | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 5 Series | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 5 Series | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 5 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Choose the S-Class if…
- you want more power (442 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (413 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Mercedes-Benz and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 5 Series or the S-Class?
The 5 Series and the S-Class split the comparison (fuel economy & range for the 5 Series, engine & performance for the S-Class), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
The 5 Series and the S-Class are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the 5 Series brings better fuel economy. Beyond that, better highway fuel economy gives the 5 Series another edge. The S-Class has a trump card of its own in 187 hp more power.
I think of the 5 Series as the one for fuel economy & range and the S-Class as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let fuel economy & range versus engine & performance settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.