Ford F-150 vs BMW 5 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Ford F-150 starts from $124,216 before on-road costs, while the BMW 5 Series opens at $114,900. That makes the BMW 5 Series the more affordable entry point by $9,316.
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 $136,638 and $126,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 5 Series by roughly $10,545 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.
Feature Showdown
The Ford F-150 features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the BMW 5 Series gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford F-150 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford F-150 uses a Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) producing 298kW and 678Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a 4x4 layout.
The BMW 5 Series responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Ford F-150 has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford F-150 measures 5,908mm long on a 3,697mm wheelbase, 848mm longer than the BMW 5 Series at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford F-150 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford F-150 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 2,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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 $3,819/year for the Ford F-150 and $1,710/year for the BMW 5 Series. That is a $2,109 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.
Estimated annual total: $3,819 (Ford F-150) vs $1,710 (BMW 5 Series). The BMW 5 Series saves you roughly $2,109 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford F-150) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford F-150 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford F-150 and BMW 5 Series trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW 5 Series will save you roughly $2,109 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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