BMW 5 Series vs Ford Focus
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.
BMW 5 Series
From $114,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
140kW
6.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Reference image · overseas modelFord Focus
Price TBC
Sedan
Diesel
2.0L DOHC TDCi Turbo-diesel I4
120kW
5.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Ford Focus: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the BMW 5 Series & Ford Focus
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 5 Series and Ford Focus hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW 5 Series, against 0 on the Ford Focus.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 5 Series and 6 in the Ford Focus.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 5 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Ford Focus gets a 5-inch display.
The BMW 5 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Ford Focus. The Ford Focus counters with Sony audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 5 Series uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.
The Ford Focus responds with a 2.0L DOHC TDCi Turbo-diesel I4 making 120kW and 340Nm, paired to a 6-speed powershift dual-clutch automatic driving the front wheels.
The BMW 5 Series has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 5 Series measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 526mm longer than the Ford Focus at 4,534mm (2,648mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the BMW 5 Series and $1,539/year for the Ford Focus. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Ford Focus.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Ford Focus). The BMW 5 Series has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —6yr (Ford Focus).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Focus if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 5 Series takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Ford Focus will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The BMW 5 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 5 Series and Ford Focus?
The BMW 5 Series is the cheapest at $114,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Focus uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BMW 5 Series and Ford Focus all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 5 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 5 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 5 Series makes the most power at 140kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
