BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 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 $13,800.
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 $164,890 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz EQE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW M3 and 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQE packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW M3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M3 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE. The Mercedes-Benz EQE adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW M3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M3 features a 12.3-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 M3 stands out with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQE. The Mercedes-Benz EQE counters with wireless charging and 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 EQE offers synthetic 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 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 M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 215kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 2.9s 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, 237mm shorter 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 480L in the BMW M3 and 430L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE, giving the BMW M3 a 50L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQE leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m 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 M3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 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, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. 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 EQE?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the cheapest at $149,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $13,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M3 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M3 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 M3 has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
