BMW M5 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 M5
From $259,900
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
535kW
10.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
530L
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
From $189,900
Sedan
Hybrid
500kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
359L
Price Breakdown
The BMW M5 starts from $259,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance opens at $189,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance the more affordable entry point by $70,000.
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 $285,890 and $208,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW M5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BMW M5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 stands out with wireless charging, Bowers & Wilkins 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.
Drivetrain
The BMW M5 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 535kW and 1000Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD 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 BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 500kW. 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 M5 measures 5,096mm long on a 3,006mm wheelbase, 254mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance at 4,842mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the BMW M5 and 359L in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance, giving the BMW M5 a 171L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m 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 M5 and $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M5) vs $1,967 (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance). The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, 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 want the lower entry price, 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 and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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