BMW M5 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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 M5 starts from $259,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class opens at $278,900. That makes the BMW M5 the more affordable entry point by $19,000.
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 $306,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 stands out with power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 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 S-Class responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 520Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 320kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 1.4s 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, 83mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class at 5,179mm (3,106mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the BMW M5 and 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, giving the BMW M5 a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 100kg 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 12.0m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 M5 and $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M5) vs $2,480 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saves you roughly $399 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 S-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. 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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