Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 3 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
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW 3 Series opens at $94,700. That makes the BMW 3 Series the more affordable entry point by $11,200.
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 $116,490 and $104,170 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- REC-006530 · published 14 Jan 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the transmission wiring harness may chafe against the front drive shaft and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006187 · published 21 Nov 2024Due to a software issue in the engine control unit, the fuel injectors may deactivate when exiting coasting mode.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- REC-006122 · published 18 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the electrical connector in the transmission wiring harness may allow moisture to enter resulting in a short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- 42 more on the model page.
BMW 3 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-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- 6 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
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 3 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW 3 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 3 Series is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class measures 4,949mm long on a 2,961mm wheelbase, 236mm longer than the BMW 3 Series at 4,713mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 480L in the BMW 3 Series, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 60L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 62, but the BMW 3 Series is $11,200 cheaper
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 62), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Mercedes-Benz E-Class ahead by 34), performance (BMW 3 Series ahead by 15), technology (Mercedes-Benz E-Class ahead by 7). The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by $11,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW 3 Series, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the largest boot at 540L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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