BMW 5 Series vs Proton Persona
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.
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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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
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 that you will not find on the Proton Persona. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 5 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Proton Persona offers leather.
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 Proton Persona responds with a Petrol making 82kW and 148Nm, paired to a 5 speed manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The BMW 5 Series has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 82kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 5 Series is 5.9s quicker. 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, 583mm longer than the Proton Persona at 4,477mm (2,600mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the BMW 5 Series and 430L in the Proton Persona, giving the BMW 5 Series a 90L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
5.4m 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 5.4m 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 cars1 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 $1,881/year for the Proton Persona. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Proton Persona.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (BMW 5 Series) vs $1,881 (Proton Persona). The Proton Persona saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series) vs 3 years (Proton Persona). The BMW 5 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Proton Persona if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Proton's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 5 Series takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Proton Persona will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 5 Series has a clear edge. 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 Proton Persona?
The BMW 5 Series is the cheapest at $114,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Proton Persona uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 5 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 5 Series has the largest boot at 520L.
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. The BMW 5 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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
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