BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class opens at $105,900. That makes the BMW 3 Series the more affordable entry point by $16,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $98,890 and $116,490 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW 3 Series and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 3 Series and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets a 14.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 3 Series is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 240mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class at 4,949mm (2,961mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 60L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the BMW 3 Series and $1,796/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (BMW 3 Series) vs $1,796 (Mercedes-Benz E-Class). The Mercedes-Benz E-Class saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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