Publications
• The BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 both received updates for the 2020 model year
• The German duo are powered by turbocharged V8 engines
• New looks don't change what's under the hood
The battle resumes in 2020 as Germany's big two, BMW and Mercedes-AMG, unveiled their latest fast, luxury business sedans earlier this month.
The M5 and E63 are now more similar than ever sporting twin-turbo V8 engines and sophisticated four-wheel drive systems. Both can become rear-tyre shredding machines by virtue of pressing a few buttons. The Merc's two-wheel drive mode only works with the ESP off.
They have also undergone cosmetic changes to keep them looking fresh, but recognisable.
The M5 has five new paint hue finishes: Brands Hatch Grey and Motegi Red metallic, as well as the Tanzanite Blue II metallic, Aventurine Red II metallic and matt Frozen Bluestone metallic.
Image: BMW Press
There's also the option of fitting the 20-inch M double-spoke items in polished Orbit Grey from the M8.
While the Mercedes-AMG benefits from a newer front apron of which the Panamericana grille sits in, with a fresher headlight design also noted. The rear fascia has also been completely redesigned says the carmaker.
Image: Mercedes Media
Power
The M5 Competition, which arrives in South Africa later this year, has unchanged power figures. Nevertheless, its 460kW and 750Nm is nothing to be scoffed at. As before, the engine's characteristics can be altered between three modes: efficient, sport and sport +.
All that power is channeled to all four wheels, and only the rear wheels via the variable all-wheel drive system. An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission does duty.
The Competition will hit 100km/h from 0km/h in 3.3 a claimed 3.3 seconds and 305km/h on the top end with the delimiter boxed ticked.
Image: BMW Press
The Mercedes-AMG E63 counters with its S model, producing 450kW and 850Nm from a 4.0-litre biturbo motor. The top speed is 300km/h and it'll reach 100km/h from standstill in 3.4 seconds.
While the M5 has eight gears in its gearbox while the E63 has nine. For the recent update, the E63 uses 20-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
And while the big Merc can hit over 300km/h, it still needs to be comfortable. The carmaker has updated the adaptive damping system with revisions to the special spring and damper setup to offer a more comfortable ride than its predecessor.
Image: Mercedes Media
