BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
BMW M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
From $189,900
Sedan
Hybrid
500kW
6.9 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
359L
Price Breakdown
The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance opens at $189,900. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $26,200.
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 $180,070 and $208,890 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW M3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by roughly $12,740 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M3 features a 12.3-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 M3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW M3 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 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 353kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M3 measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 133mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance at 4,842mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 359L in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance, giving the BMW M3 a 121L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,879/year for the BMW M3 and $331/year for the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance. That is a $2,548 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M3) vs $331 (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance). The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance saves you roughly $2,548 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 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, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance will save you roughly $2,548 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M3 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 M3 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by $26,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M3 has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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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