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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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.
The BMW M5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M5 by roughly $9,500 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 paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M5 gets merino leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers nappa leather.
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 $494/year for the BMW M5 and $2,394/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is a $1,900 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.
Estimated annual total: $494 (BMW M5) vs $2,394 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class). The BMW M5 saves you roughly $1,900 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, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You 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 BMW M5 will save you roughly $1,900 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The BMW M5 is the cheapest at $259,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by $19,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M5 has the largest boot at 530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The BMW M5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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