Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance vs BMW i5
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.
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
From $189,900
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid
500kW
6.1 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
280L
BMW i5
From $155,900
Sedan
Electric
Electric
250kW
—
5★ ANCAP
490L
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.
Track the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance & BMW i5
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance starts from $189,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $34,000.
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 $208,890 and $171,490 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.
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
6.1kWh usableEstimates 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.
How long to charge
81.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 205kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 205kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance stands out with ventilated seats and Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance gets nappa leather upholstery while the BMW i5 offers vernasca leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance uses a Hybrid producing 500kW and 1020Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds.
The BMW i5 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 6.1kWh (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance) vs 81.2kWh (BMW i5).
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance measures 4,842mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 218mm shorter than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW i5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance and 490L in the BMW i5, giving the BMW i5 a 210L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 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, Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance and BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by $34,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i5 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance makes the most power at 500kW. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
Track the cars you're comparing
Sign up free for price-drop alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown covering launches, deals and reviews. 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!
