BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The BMW i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the more affordable entry point by $12,000.

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 $97,790 and $84,590 respectively.

The BMW i4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the BMW i4 and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-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 i4 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW i4 stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW i4 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers synthetic leather.

The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW 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 C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The BMW i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 32mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 470L in the BMW i4 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the BMW i4 a 15L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.