Holden Cruze 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.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Holden Cruze: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 4 others.
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.
No price
- no option data for this car
$114,900RRP
- with the Holden Cruze's standard kit: $114,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Holden Cruze & BMW 5 Series
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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 Holden Cruze 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 Holden Cruze.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Holden Cruze and 6 in the BMW 5 Series.
Recalls on our record
Holden Cruze
- REC-000526 · published 11 May 2016A condition has been identified whereby, over an extended period of time, fretting corrosion may develop in a wiring connector at the Engine Control Module (ECM).Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-000527 · published 20 May 2015If the park brake lever is not applied as far as possible, and the brakes are at a sufficiently elevated temperature, it may be possible for unintended vehicle movement to occur sometime after the vehicle is parked.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-000525 · published 5 May 2015The contact grease used for lubrication within the vehicle ignition switch may carbonise with frequent usage.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 6 more on the model page.
BMW 5 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006667 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may be able to enter the starter motor causing corrosion and result in the engine not starting.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2020
- REC-006556 · published 6 Mar 2026The air conditioning (A/C) wiring harness may become damaged during routine microfilter (cabin air filter) replacement.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 12 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
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.
Interior trim differs: the Holden Cruze gets cloth upholstery while the BMW 5 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Holden Cruze uses a Petrol producing 104kW and 176Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual 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 104kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the BMW 5 Series leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg 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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Holden Cruze and $1,938/year for the BMW 5 Series. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Holden Cruze) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series). The BMW 5 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Holden Cruze if: You or prefer Holden's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (50 vs 72). The Holden Cruze 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 $57 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, Holden Cruze 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 BMW 5 Series uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Holden Cruze 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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