I went from a 5 series to an e class. Both a few years old now.
5 series was more fun to drive, e class is more ‘comfortable’ and suits pootling around. 5 series was a manual, which took a little while to track down. e class is always bought as an auto, even though that’s an extra. I do miss the openable rear window on my 5 series, that was ace, but the e class is a nice car
Got a taxi in October, the boss of the taxi firm picked me up, he likes to do the odd airport run. E53 turned up to take me to the airport, was VERY nice. Egged him on a bit to show me how much poke it has, lovely car.