Review by Peter Bleakney and Jeff Wilson, photos by Jeff Wilson
2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro vs 2014 BMW 535d xDrive vs 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic
Introduction, Peter Bleakney
Is diesel propulsion reaching a tipping point in North America where it could actually be considered cool? Is holding the yellow handle at your local fuel station a sign of enlightenment? Does the faint whiff of diesel oil on your Gucci gloves tell the world you’re Euro-chic?
If the recent influx of oil-burners from the premium German brands, not to mention those from Chevy, Jeep and Mazda (oh wait, scratch that Mazda), is any indication, it might be safe to say the spectre of the ‘70s Oldsmobile diesel V8 is finally fading.
  Diesel Luxury Sedan Comparison. Click image to enlarge |
Of course, the relative dearth of diesel-powered passenger cars in the US (and consequently here in Canada) can be blamed on more than just a hastily developed self-destructing GM gasoline-cum-diesel V8 from the fuel-crisis era.
We can also cite North America’s tough emission standards that haven’t favoured particulate and NOx emissions – two diesel bugaboos. Additionally, diesel has historically been more expensive than gas south of the border, and until not long ago the high sulphur content of our diesel fuel wouldn’t jive with the Euro-developed engines.
  Diesel Luxury Sedan Comparison. Click image to enlarge |
And with gas so cheap, who needed efficient diesel power anyway?
But the times they are a changin’. Fuel economy is now top of mind for most car buyers, and ever tightening international economy and emission targets mean the highly developed clean diesel engines from other markets can make a business case here.
It certainly has worked for Volkswagen, enjoying its happy little TDI niche for years.
Today we’re looking at the other end of the diesel spectrum. Meet the Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTec 4Matic, the BMW 535d xDrive and the Audi A6 TDI Quattro. All are 2014 models, all feature four driven wheels, and all aspire to keep you comfy, in the fast lane and away from the fuel pumps.
Is it safe to say those spending long dollars on premium Euro-diesel iron are not in it for the fuel savings? In the case of the BMW ($68,150 base) and Audi ($63,400 base), more than likely. You’re paying a premium for the torquey and frugal turbo-sixes, and these tester’s stratospheric as-tested stickers reflect a heapin’ helpin’ of options and packages.
But hold the phone. I feel a Sesame Street flashback coming on. One of these things is not like the others.
Mercedes-Benz is coming at this from a completely different tack. The four-cylinder E 250 BlueTec is the least expensive offering in the E-Class stable with a starting price of $57,800. And it’s certainly the value proposition here, especially in its modestly optioned guise.
The Audi A6 TDI and BMW 535d are pricey niche vehicles. Mercedes presents its diesel as the entry point to the E-Class family. Hmmm… someone is serious about selling premium diesel sedans in North America.
    2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic, 2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro, 2014 BMW 535d xDrive. Click image to enlarge |
Powertrain, Jeff Wilson
These three mid-size German sedans combine to offer Canadian consumers fifteen different engine choices. Each one can be spec’ed with everything from a sensible and efficient four-cylinder mill, to a boosted six-cylinder all the way up to a variety of exhilarating turbo V8s. Power ranges from 195 hp to darn near three times that figure (for darn near three times the cost when fully optioned).
Celebrating the awakening of North American acceptance for diesel engines, these luxury car makers have finally offered us state-of-the-art oil-burning power plants in their mid-size sedans and each one is simply magnificent.
Mercedes-Benz has been kind enough to share its E-Class diesels for decades with a mostly ungrateful market on this side of the Atlantic. This E 250 BlueTec is the smallest and least powerful engine in our trio. With only four cylinders (versus six for the other two) and just over 2.1L of displacement, the diesel variant represents the entry-level engine and trim level for the E-Class.
The four-cylinder BlueTec diesel feels anything but entry level. With an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque available between 1,600 and 1,800 rpm, the Benz (propelling the lightest car in the lot by nearly 50 kg) had no trouble playing with its more powerful competitors when we took to back-road hustling. Mercedes claims a 0–100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds, but thanks to that torque and well-matched gearing, it feels quicker than that. Still, with only 195 horsepower and a slightly coarser engine note, as good as it is, the Benz’s four-pot diesel feels a little outclassed against its larger opponents.
Audi’s 24-valve, direct-injected, turbo 3.0L V6 diesel is a smooth operator – and not just by diesel standards. Not many years ago Audi’s top-level V8s would’ve wished to be this creamy and could only dream of this engine’s 428 lb-ft of torque. With these figures, the Audi TDI (a mid-level entry for the A6 line) achieves a claimed 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds – quickest in our test.
When paired with the sensational eight-speed gearbox found in an increasing number of luxury machines these days, the result reminds drivers that Audi is the company that has won Le Mans several times with diesels, and singlehandedly squashed the notion that oil-burners can’t be sporty.
Although BMW has been producing some exquisite V8s (and more recently some industry-leading turbo-fours), the Munich company is best loved for its mastery of inline-sixes. The 535d’s engine stays true to this legendary prowess but sips diesel instead of petrol. The Bimmer’s 3.0L, 24-valve I6 (also mated to the prolific eight-speed) provides a top-of-this-group 255 horsepower and second-place 413 lb-ft of torque.
As the heaviest car in this group by 35 kg, the all-wheel-drive 5 Series is rated at six seconds flat to 100 km/h – well within the respectable realm of legitimate performance sedans. What’s more, that mountain of torque is available at only 1,500 rpm, meaning the 535 is a willing passing partner whenever you need it to be.
And if the Audi’s diesel is creamy smooth, the Beamer’s is slick, melted butter, thanks no doubt to its inline-six format helping passengers forget that diesels are supposed to be coarse and noisy. Plus with a deeper voice, the BMW sounds the best of this lot.
For these reasons, the BMW’s engine is our favourite.
Interior Environment, Peter Bleakney
Part of the E-Class’s 2014 refresh was a much-needed interior makeover. The basic blocky architecture remains, but materials and workmanship get kicked up a notch. There’s a new three-tube instrument cluster, redesigned console, richer dashboard grain and a very nice three-spoke Napa-trimmed wheel. The fine detailing of the wood and metal trim impresses, and the new-for-2014 analogue clock perched in the centre console is lovely.
Standard kit on the E 250 BlueTec includes a seven-inch LCD screen, navigation, dual zone climate control and 14-way front seats trimmed in “Artico” faux leather. The seats were universally praised for their fine blend of comfort and support. The fake hide is okay, but in this company it felt a bit outclassed. Real leather runs $2,500.
This tester had the $2,700 Premium Package that adds power trunk closer (meh), heated steering wheel (yay!) and rear window sunshade (whatever). Not such great value there. Also on the option list was the $800 Driving Assistant Package bestowing blind spot and lane departure warning.
    2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic. Click image to enlarge |
The driving position is good and outward visibility the best of the group thanks to the E’s stoic upright architecture. It’s too bad Mercedes does not do backlit gauges here. In certain light conditions it’s impossible to read the speedo and tach.
Jump into the BMW 535d and your sensibilities bask in a more lush, organic experience. It feels ultra premium in here. Sure, it’s all very BMW familiar, but the gentle flow of the dash, quality veneer and brightwork, and the huge infotainment screen make this car feel more expensive than the Benz.
The optional ($1,500) and aptly named comfort seats are exceptional. They are infinitely adjustable – but this is just fine-tuning of what have to be some of the finest chairs in the biz. Beautifully detailed stitching on the creamy hide, too, but no ventilation.
The thickly padded wheel fills your hands. BMW’s electronic shift wand is initially counter-intuitive (push forward for reverse?) but here, familiarity tempers contempt. I’m completely at home with it and have no issues. My wife on the other hand….
BMW’s iDrive interface has evolved into a very user-friendly system, and there are plenty of tactile buttons and knobs on he console to operate most car functions.
We found the Bimmer’s back seats to be the most inviting and accommodating of the group.
    2014 BMW 535d xDrive. Click image to enlarge |
And on to the Audi. Well, you could put a frame around this dash/console combo and hang it in the Museum of Modern Art. The exquisite design, detailing and craftsmanship elevate the A6 to another plane. The clarity of the backlit gauges tell you this cabin is more than just a styling exercise – ergonomic function plays large too.
Every surface is a delight to the touch – every control works with silken precision. Closer inspection of the dash inlays show that, yes, we are indeed looking at a cross section of thin aluminum strips layered with dark stained wood.
There’s a bit of theatre on start up too as the LCD screen glides into position.
So yes, the Audi’s cabin is a showpiece. If you had laid out the coin to be here, it will be a continuing reassurance of money well spent.
That said, we found the front seats to be not as cossetting as those in the Bimmer and Mercedes.
We can’t talk about interior ambience without addressing the audio experience. The standard Mercedes system gets a B from these ears. It’s just okay.
    2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro. Click image to enlarge |
The respective audio in the BMW and Audi move things up several rungs and expertly reflect each car’s personality.
Warming the BMW’s already comfy interior is a standard 12-speaker audio. It has a pleasant, full and natural sound. Crank it up and fills the cabin with a fine balance of accurate lows and highs that won’t tire the ears.
Our Audi A6 featured the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System that strips your billfold to the tune of $6,500. Ouch. For this you get fifteen active speakers, 1200 watts, true 5.1 surround sound and a couple of way-cool tweeters this rise from the dashtop when you fire this system up.
Like the Audi itself, this B&O audio showcase is clinical and perfect. Hence, I find it a bit shrill and in-your-face when underway. Sounds killer in the driveway though.
In the end, the Audi’s haute interior wins for its combination of artistry and functionality.
   Diesel Luxury Sedan Comparison & 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic. Click image to enlarge |
Efficiency, JW
By being the least expensive way into an E-Class, the 250 BlueTec gets a pass, but for the other two, the only reason a purchaser is likely to choose to spend more on the oil burner variant over Audi and BMW’s respective (and stellar) six-cylinder gasoline engines is for fuel efficiency. Okay, maybe that heaping serving of torque will influence a handful of customers in the know.
Unlike many recent experiences with so-called ‘efficient’ turbo gas engines, these diesels really deliver in real-world driving. Consider our comparison test day that featured rush hour urban slogging, high-speed, multi-lane highway cruising and aggressive country road storming. All of this with each car wearing less efficient snow tires and with heaters cranked to full blast during most of the windy -10°C day – hardly ideal conditions for measurements of efficiency.
And yet we still saw average figures of 8.2 (Mercedes), 8.7 (Audi) and 8.8 (BMW) in terms of litres consumed per 100 km during our test day.
It is safe to say that the similar gasoline-powered versions of these cars would’ve produced figures at least 2–3 L/100 km higher under these same circumstances.
It is also worth noting just how close the four-cylinder Benz’s consumption rate was to the two larger six-cylinder mills suggesting that the Mercedes was being flogged harder to keep up with the more powerful Audi and BMW even if it didn’t feel like it was working hard.
Under ideal circumstances, the Audi is rated at 8.5 L/100 km (City) and 5.3 (Highway); the BMW at 7.9 (City) and 5.3 (Highway); and the Benz at 7.4 (City) and 4.6 (Highway).
It’s no surprise that the smallest engine in the lightest car is the most efficient and although our test day experience produced numbers closer than expected, with less aggressive driving, the E 250 is expected to deliver appreciably better efficiency, making it the decisive victor in this category.
Handling and Comfort, PB
You can get a pretty good read on these sedan’s dynamic traits by their curb weights. The BMW 535d xDrive is the porker at 1,930 kg, followed by the Audi A6 TDI at 1,895 kg and the Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTec 4Matic at 1,835 kg.
On the highway the BMW settles into a relaxed and cosseting cruise. The diesel six is spinning not that far north of idle. The cabin is hushed, the massive torque under foot makes for laughably effortless overtaking, and the meaty steering displays excellent on-centre feel. And those seats… nothing but love here. This car tracks like the Flying Scotsman. We had no complaints with the BMW’s ride quality either.
As a long-distance tourer, the 535d is king.
The Mercedes also showed its mettle on the highway – laser-like path control, serene cabin, plenty of passing power and a compliant ride.
This E-Class is a wonderfully well-sorted car, and just so… well, Benz-ish. Which is to say not overly sporting (who said luxury had to be sporting anyway?), but certainly athletic enough while showcasing a masterful blend of ride compliance, body control and cabin isolation. The steering is light but accurate and linear – no questions as to what’s happening down front.
   2014 BMW 535d xDrive, 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic, 2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro. Click image to enlarge |
The Audi turned out to be a mixed bag. The variable effort and ratio steering is overly light at low speeds, and on the highway its slight sense of disconnect required constant correction to keep a straight and narrow path. Plus the A6 had a disappointingly busy ride. Even in the Comfort setting there’s a constant jittery flow of info entering the cabin. Select Dynamic Mode and you’ll be intimate with every crease and ripple that passes beneath.
It was all a bit much for Jeff Wilson and me. Senior Editor Yarkony was fine with the Audi’s ride.
And then we hit some marvellous winding snow-covered and largely deserted back country roads.
Here the BMW showed its heft. Yes, it’s a secure and a competent handler but hardly a lithe plaything. The Mercedes surprised us all with its composure and ability to hang with these more powerful cars when pressing on. It’s a balanced sedan, benefiting from a well-tuned chassis that doesn’t get upset over the rough stuff. And a little-engine-that-could.
Oh gosh. And then the Audi. Showing its rallying DNA buried deep within, the A6 TDI absolutely ate these roads up. Want a little oversteer? Put the power down when exiting a snowy curve and all those clever Quattro bits claw you out while kicking the arse out in a delicate, controllable manner. And that V6 is spectacular.
Problem is, no one’s buying a 90-grand diesel executive sedan to hoon around snowy back roads. But it’s nice to know you can.
So in this category, the Audi is the handling champ, the BMW the most comfortable, and the Merc finds the middle ground.
Features and Value, JW
Each of these cars represents the first tier down from their respective brands’ flagship full-size sedan class. As such, they’re first in line to receive trickle-down technology and features meaning each of our testers is very well equipped.
Unfortunately, for most of these tech advancements, a buyer is required to pay handsomely for them on these cars.
  2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro. Click image to enlarge |
For the initial cost of admission, a BMW 535d can be purchased at just over $68,000. The Audi A6 TDI in Progressiv trim is $63,400. The E 250 BlueTec 4Matic starts at $57,800. For this fee, you acquire the basic car with the engine and transmission specification outlined above. You’ll get a wholly decent stereo system and satellite navigation with a large, bright screen. In the Audi and BMW this screen will be even larger and of higher resolution than in the Mercedes. You’ll get a single sunroof, dual-zone climate control, paddle shifters and some lovely polished wood on the dashboard. A host of passive safety functions and airbags – now expected on compact cars costing less than half these cars are also present here.
The Audi and BMW come standard with heated leather seats; the Benz’s heated seats are ARTICO pleather, which will wear better over time and please animal lovers. The E 250 comes standard with LED low beam headlights – the other two do not.
Adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assistance, automatic high-beam LED lights, rear seat heaters, stereo system upgrades, power trunk lids that open if you dance near them, top-down 360° view cameras and power rear window screens are optional on all three of these cars.
The big difference in the value equation is how each of these manufacturers packages these popular features.
  2014 BMW 535d xDrive. Click image to enlarge |
Our Mercedes tester featured a Sport Package (primarily to enhance appearance), an LED lighting package, an affordable Premium Package that includes enough necessities to remind you that it’s a luxury car, and a downright cheap Driving Assistance Package (with useful passive notifications for lane departure and blind spot warnings). All in, the E 250 cost thousands less than the base price for either of the other two cars.
The BMW as equipped feels truly decadent, especially finished in its Mocha Napa Leather (with exquisite stitching). Its stereo was voted best in this group thanks to its balanced and full sound and the one must-have standalone option on any 5 Series is the $1,500 Comfort Seats option, again universally praised as the best of the bunch.
The Bimmer’s other option packages (Premium and Technology) do make for a better-outfitted car than the Benz, but arguably not worth the $13,000 BMW demands for it.
Our A6 TDI Technik (with the highest base price of $69,700) however, is both lavishly optioned and obscenely priced with $20,000 in extras. That said, removing the totally-not-worth-it Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System ($6,500!) and Black Optics Package ($1,800 fancy wood and those gorgeous 20-inch wheels) and the startling Active Lane Assist ($600), and you’ve got a diesel mid-sized Audi within a grand of the similarly equipped 535d.
At this point you’d need to ask yourself if the larger and less efficient engines along with a few other niceties are worth the nearly $20,000 premium over the E 250. To us, the bargain Benz is an absolute no-brainer for value.
  2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic. Click image to enlarge |
Styling, PB
We all loved the Audi’s ominous on-road presence. It looked spectacular in its dark grey hue, large-spoke 20-inch alloys, S-line trim and LED headlights. Seeing this thing loom large in your rear-view mirror is an intimidating sight. So angular, so high-tech. And that huge grille…
This BMW 5 Series has been around for a few years now but still looks sleek and elegant – especially here with the M Sport trim and wearing fat 19-inch wheels.
We weren’t completely sold on the Merc’s visuals. The 2014 refresh sees a sleeker snout grafted on to the old body (sans the previous car’s rear fender arches). It’s a bit at odds with the rest of the car, but the dual “fishhook” LED features in the headlights are pretty cool.
But hey, it’s a Benz, and as far as prestige goes you can’t get much more blue chip than that.
 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Bluetec 4Matic. Click image to enlarge |
Conclusion, PB
As Wilson, Yarkony and I huddled in the Audi after our long day of driving, we asked ourselves what car we’d take home, cost no object. Yarkony was all over the Audi A6 TDI. Jeff and I both went with the BMW 535d xDrive.
But this contest is more than just about our personal preferences. To a man, we declared the Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTec 4Matic the winner. And not just because it has the longest name.
It’s a marvelously well-rounded sedan with no vices. The four-pot diesel may not be as smooth or as strong off the line as the Audi and BMW sixes, but it punches well above its weight when on the go and returns the best fuel economy. Most of all, its position in the E-Class lineup is an invitation for all prospective customers to benefit from the efficiencies and environmental benefits of modern diesel power.
And we consider that to be a very good thing.
Pricing: 2014 Audi A6 TDI Technik
Base Price (Progressiv trim): $63,400
Base Price (Technik trim): $69,700
Options: Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, $6,500; Audi Active Lane Assist, $600; Vision Package, $4,000; Black Optics Package, $1,800; S-Line Sport Package, $2,200; LED Headlights w/ High Beam assist, $1,700; Driver Assistant Package, $2,300; Ventilated Seats, $900
Destination: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $91,795
Pricing: 2014 BMW 535d xDrive
Base Price: $68,150
Options: Premium Package, $4,200; Technology Package, $4,500; ConnectedDrive Services, $850; Comfort Seats, $1,500; Driving Assistant, $1,900
Destination: $2,095
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $83,295
Pricing: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 250 BlueTEC 4Matic Sedan
Base Price: $57,800
Options: Driving Assistance Package, $800; LED Lighting System, $1,300; Sport Package, $1,300; Premium Package, $2,700
Destination: $2,075
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $66,075
