Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance vs BMW M3
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.
Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance
From $189,900
Sedan
Hybrid
500kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
359L
BMW M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance starts from $189,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW M3 opens at $163,700. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $26,200.
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 $180,070 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance and BMW M3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW M3. The BMW M3 counters with Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance has the clear power advantage at 500kW vs 353kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance measures 4,842mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 133mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the BMW M3 a 121L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance) vs $2,879 (BMW M3). The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M3 has a clear edge. 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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