The executive sedans - BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90 - are due a facelift, all of which are expected to arrive sometime this year in Malaysia. But before that, let’s refresh our minds and see how they stack up against each other.

To recap, there are 3 variants of the G30 BMW 5 Series currently available:

• 520i Luxury – RM 318,589
• 530e M Sport – RM 333,692
• 530i M Sport – RM 372,061

Prices stated are on-the-road without insurance, with SST exemption and extended warranty + free service package. Valid until June 2021.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class also has 3 variants to choose from:

• E200 SportStyle Avantgarde – RM 318,270
• E300 Exclusive – RM 367,062
• E350 AMG Line – RM 384,523

Prices stated are on-the-road without insurance, with SST exemption. Valid until June 2021.

Like the other two, the Volvo S90 has 3 variants available as well:

• S90 T5 – RM 320,194
• S90 T8 Inscription – RM 350,234
• S90 T8 Inscription Plus – RM 369,484

Prices stated are on-the-road without insurance, with SST exemption. Valid until June 2021.

For this comparison, we’re taking the range-toppers – the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus, the mild hybrid Mercedes-Benz E350 AMG Line, and since the S90 T8 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), we’ll compare it against the BMW 530e M Sport.

Powertrain

The BMW 530e has a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that is supplemented by an electric motor to produce a combined output of 252 PS/420 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic. Claimed maximum EV range is 48 km. 0-100 km/h sprint is claimed at 6.1 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz E350 is a mild hybrid featuring 48-volt technology with a belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine churns out 299 PS/400 Nm, while the starter-alternator is able to provide a temporary boost of 14 PS/150 Nm at revs of up to 2,500 rpm.

Sending power to the rear wheels is a 9-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h is claimed to be achieved at 5.9 seconds.

The Volvo S90 T8 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder engine that powers the front wheels, making 320 PS/400 Nm. At the rear axle, there’s an electric motor that provides 87 PS/240 Nm, this makes the Volvo S90 T8 an all-wheel drive model with a combined output of 407 PS/640 Nm.

Transmission duty is handled by an 8-speed automatic that spins the front wheels. Volvo claims up to 50 km of pure electric range. 0-100 km/h is rated at 4.8 seconds. In terms of straight-line performance, the Volvo S90 T8 is the winner here.

Exterior

All three cars have fairly similar exterior dimensions, with the Volvo S90 being ever so slightly longer and wider. But the BMW 530e has the longest wheelbase.

The Volvo S90 T8 is the heaviest here at 2,069 kg. Being PHEVs, both the BMW 530e and Volvo S90 T8 are heavier than the Mercedes-Benz E350. 

All three cars ride on 19-inch wheels. The Volvo S90 T8 has a squared setup with 255/40 profile tyres all-round. The BMW 530e and Mercedes-Benz E350 have staggered setup whereby the rear wheels are wider than the front, measuring 275/35 R19 at the rear and 245/40 R19 at the front.

All three cars feature adaptive suspension. The Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus has a party trick - the air suspension at the rear axle that levels the car regardless of load.

Interior

Inside the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus, the seats are upholstered in Nappa leather, dashboard and door panels are covered in leather, with wood and metal trims to elevate the dark-coloured interior. The crystal gear knob adds a premium touch. Overall build and material quality is at least on par with the other two.

It gets the 1400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 19 speakers, which is unanimously agreed by our team as the best-sounding audio system in this company. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes as standard.

Over to the Mercedes-Benz E350’s interior, it also features Nappa leather seats, metal trim inserts, panoramic sunroof, 590-watt Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers, wireless charging, with dual-widescreen displays across the dashboard. The Comand Online infotainment system supports Apple Carplay/Android Auto.

Moving on to the the BMW 530e M Sport, it’s a monochromic theme with dark leather seats with silver and gloss black trim. There’s four-zone automatic climate control (vs two-zone in the S90 and three-zone in the E350) and a 205-watt HiFi sound system with 12 speakers. Apple CarPlay is available on a subscription basis.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

The BMW 530e M Sport is equipped with Driving Assistant package that bundles AEB, LDW, RCTA and BSM. No adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow here. There’s Parking Assistant that helps in parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres.

The Mercedes-Benz E350 AMG Line features 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assist, and Driving Assistance package that includes AEB, LKA, BSM, and Pilot Distance Distronic (adaptive cruise control with stop and go function). With the Driving Assistance package, the E350 has level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.

The Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus gets the whole suite of IntelliSafe with AEB, LKA, CTA, BLIS, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and Run-off road Mitigation.

There’s Pilot Assist, a level 2 semi-autonomous driving feature which can give steering assistance from stationary up to 139 km/h. There’s also 360-degree camera and Park Assist Pilot for both parallel and perpendicular parking.

Conclusion

So there we have it, a quick comparison of the executive sedans. The Mercedes-Benz E350 AMG Line may be the priciest here but it backs up the asking price with a commendable equipment list.

The BMW 530e M Sport is the least expensive here and it’s reflected in the specs sheet. There’s no premium audio system or supple leather seats and it’s the only one here without adaptive cruise control.

Overall, the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus has most attractive value proposition. It has the most power with the quickest 0-100 km/h sprint time, a premium interior with a banging audio system, and a full suite of ADAS system.

However, this is merely an on-paper comparison. The driving experience and overall ride comfort are important aspects to consider, which is why we’d recommended testing the cars individually before you decide.