BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class opens at $105,900. That makes the BMW i4 the more affordable entry point by $17,000.
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 $116,490 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 E-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the BMW i4 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 i4 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets a 14.4-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 E-Class. The Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
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 5.5 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 i4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 166mm 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 390L in the BMW i4 and 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 150L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.8m
Based on 11.1m 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
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 E-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i4 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, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i4 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The BMW i4 is the cheapest at $88,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by $17,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the largest boot at 540L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i4 makes the most power at 210kW. The BMW i4 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.5s.
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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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