BMW M5 vs Polestar 5
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Polestar 5 opens at $193,100. That makes the Polestar 5 the more affordable entry point by $66,800.
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 $285,890 and $212,410 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Polestar 5. The Polestar 5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M5 gets merino leather upholstery while the Polestar 5 offers synthetic 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 Polestar 5 responds with a Electric Motor making 650kW and 900Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds.
The Polestar 5 has the clear power advantage at 650kW vs 535kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 5 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.6kWh (BMW M5) vs 106kWh (Polestar 5), giving WLTP ranges of 69km and 670km.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M5 measures 5,096mm long on a 3,006mm wheelbase, 88mm longer than the Polestar 5 at 5,008mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the BMW M5 and 365L in the Polestar 5, giving the BMW M5 a 165L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.3m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.3m 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 M5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 5 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M5 and Polestar 5?
The Polestar 5 is the cheapest at $193,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M5 by $66,800.
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 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 BMW M5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 5 makes the most power at 650kW. The Polestar 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.2s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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!
