BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE opens at $149,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQE the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $164,890 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
Both the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW i5 and 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 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 i5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i5 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQE. The Mercedes-Benz EQE counters with Burmester audio and ambient lighting. 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 EQE offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW i5 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE responds with a Electric making 215kW and 565Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The BMW i5 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 215kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (BMW i5) vs 90.6kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQE), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 571km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 170kW (Mercedes-Benz EQE).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 114mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz EQE at 4,946mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW i5 and 430L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE, giving the BMW i5 a 70L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQE leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m 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 11.8m 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 i5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQE if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. 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 EQE?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the cheapest at $149,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i5 by $6,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE has the most range at 654km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 205kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE 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 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i5 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i5 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
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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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