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HomeComparisonsBMW M5 vs Porsche 911
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

BMW M5 vs Porsche 911

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.

SpecBMWPorsche
Price (RRP)$259,900$296,700
Fuel typePlug-in HybridPetrol
Range (WLTP)69km
Battery18.6 kWh
Electric range67km
Power535kW290kW
0-100 km/h3.5s4.1s
Fuel Economy10.3 kWh/100km (as hybrid)9.4 L/100km
Boot Space466L132L
Towing2,000kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited3yr / Unlimited
ANCAP SafetyNo dataNo data

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.

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Price Breakdown

The BMW M5 starts from $259,900 before on-road costs, while the Porsche 911 opens at $296,700. That makes the BMW M5 the more affordable entry point by $36,800.

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 $326,370 respectively.

The BMW M5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Porsche 911, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M5 by roughly $10,925 in fuel alone.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Charging Times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

How long to charge

18.6kWh usable

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

Feature Showdown

The BMW M5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Porsche 911 gets a 10.9-inch display and 12.6-inch instruments.

The BMW M5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Porsche 911. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW M5 gets merino leather upholstery while the Porsche 911 offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW M5 and 2-zone in the Porsche 911.

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 Porsche 911 responds with a Petrol making 290kW and 450Nm, paired to a 8-speed pdk driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.

The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 290kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 0.6s 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, 563mm longer than the Porsche 911 at 4,533mm (2,450mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 466L in the BMW M5 and 132L in the Porsche 911, giving the BMW M5 a 334L advantage. The BMW M5 seats 5 vs 4.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

11.2m to 11.9m

TightestPorsche 911 CarreraTightest turn at 11.2m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Porsche 911 Carrera
11.2mTighter
Best
BMW M5 Sedan
11.9m
Worst
BMW M5 Sedan
11.9m · Average

Based on 11.9m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Porsche 911 Carrera
11.2m · Average

Based on 11.2m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestPorsche 911Tightest turn at 11.2m, needs the least road to swing around
BMW M511.9 m
Average△ 3-point
Porsche 911Tightest11.2 m
Average△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $494/year for the BMW M5 and $2,679/year for the Porsche 911. That is a $2,185 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.

Estimated annual total: $494 (BMW M5) vs $2,679 (Porsche 911). The BMW M5 saves you roughly $2,185 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 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche 911). The BMW M5 has longer coverage.

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, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Porsche 911 if: You or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The BMW M5 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M5 will save you roughly $2,185 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M5 has a clear edge. The BMW M5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 Porsche 911?

The BMW M5 is the cheapest at $259,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Porsche 911 by $36,800.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

None of BMW M5 and Porsche 911 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.

Which has the most boot space?

The BMW M5 has the largest boot at 466L.

Which can tow the most?

The BMW M5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.

Which has the best warranty?

The BMW M5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.

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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