BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 i5
From $155,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric
250kW
—
5★ ANCAP
490L
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
From $189,900
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid
500kW
6.1 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
280L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the BMW i5 & Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance opens at $189,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $34,000.
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 $171,490 and $208,890 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
81.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 205kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 205kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
6.1kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i5 stands out with wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance counters with ventilated seats and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i5 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW i5 uses a Electric producing 250kW 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 AMG C63 S E Performance responds with a Hybrid making 500kW and 1020Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 81.2kWh (BMW i5) vs 6.1kWh (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 218mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance at 4,842mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW i5 and 280L in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance, giving the BMW i5 a 210L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.1m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 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 i5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by $34,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i5 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance makes the most power at 500kW. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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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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