Ford Focus vs BMW 5 Series
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.
Reference image · overseas modelFord Focus
Price TBC
Sedan
Diesel
2.0L DOHC TDCi Turbo-diesel I4
120kW
5.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
BMW 5 Series
From $114,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
140kW
6.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Ford Focus: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Focus and BMW 5 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW 5 Series, against 0 on the Ford Focus.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Ford Focus and 6 in the BMW 5 Series.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Focus features a 5-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 5 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Ford Focus stands out with Sony audio — features our data doesn't list for 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 Focus uses a 2.0L DOHC TDCi Turbo-diesel I4 producing 120kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed powershift dual-clutch automatic to a FWD layout.
The BMW 5 Series responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The BMW 5 Series has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Focus measures 4,534mm long on a 2,648mm wheelbase, 526mm shorter than the BMW 5 Series at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.9m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 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.
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 $1,539/year for the Ford Focus and $1,938/year for the BMW 5 Series. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Ford Focus.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Ford Focus) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series). The BMW 5 Series has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 6yr (Ford Focus)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Focus if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 5 Series takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Ford Focus will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The BMW 5 Series 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, Ford Focus and BMW 5 Series?
The BMW 5 Series is the cheapest at $114,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Focus uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Ford Focus and BMW 5 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 5 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 5 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 5 Series makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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