BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS

The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS opens at $209,900. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $46,200.

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 $230,890 respectively.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 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.

Both the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz EQS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW M3 and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz EQS.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQS packs more ADAS features with 8 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 EQS. The Mercedes-Benz EQS adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW M3 misses.

The BMW M3 features a 12.3-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 M3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQS. The Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 EQS offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW M3 and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz EQS.

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 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 M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW M3 measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 507mm 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 480L in the BMW M3 and 610L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS a 130L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 EQS). Both match on warranty length.