BMW M5 (1998 – 2004) vs Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors (1996 – 1998): specs compared
The BMW M5 is the more powerful of the two, with up to 400 hp against 394 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 4.6 s against 6.6 s. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors uses less fuel, from 12.6 L/100 km against 13.9 L/100 km. The BMW M5 is the lighter car, from 1,695 kg against 2,045 kg. At 5,065 mm, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors is 282 mm longer than the BMW M5. The BMW M5 dates from 1998 – 2004, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Klasse and predecessors from 1996 – 1998.
| Specification |
BMW
M5
1998 – 2004
|
Mercedes-Benz
CL-Klasse and predecessors
1996 – 1998
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Documented years | 1998 – 2004 | 1996 – 1998 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 1 | 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Automatic |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 400 hp | 279 – 394 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 400 – 570 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.6 s | 6.6 – 8.5 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 13.9 L/100 km | 12.6 – 15.6 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,783 mm | 5,065 mm |
| Width | 1,801 mm | 1,913 mm |
| Height | 1,438 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,944 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,695 kg | 2,045 – 2,205 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.