BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
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.
Overseas model shownBMW i5
From $155,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric
250kW
—
ANCAP: no data
490L
Mercedes-Benz EQS
From $209,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric
245kW
—
5★ ANCAP
610L
Track the BMW i5 & Mercedes-Benz EQS
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS opens at $209,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $54,000.
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 $230,890 respectively.
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
108.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). 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 EQS 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 — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz EQS. The Mercedes-Benz EQS counters with ventilated seats, 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 EQS offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW i5 and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
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 EQS responds with a Electric making 245kW and 568Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The BMW i5 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 245kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW i5 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 81.2kWh (BMW i5) vs 107.8kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQS), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 708km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 200kW (Mercedes-Benz EQS).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 156mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS at 5,216mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW i5 and 610L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS a 120L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.4m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m 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 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 EQS). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 EQS?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS by $54,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the most range at 780km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 205kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz EQS holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW i5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the largest boot at 610L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 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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