Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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
Track the Mercedes-Benz E-Class & BMW 5 Series
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW 5 Series opens at $114,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
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 $116,490 and $126,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 89% for the BMW 5 Series.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 6 in the BMW 5 Series.
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 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
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 5 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 ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series counters with 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW 5 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 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 5 Series is 2.7s 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, 111mm 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.
Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 520L in the BMW 5 Series, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 11.9m
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and $1,938/year for the BMW 5 Series. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW 5 Series: Level on the CarSorted Score at 68, ahead on the category wins, but the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is $9,000 cheaper
The BMW 5 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 68), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (BMW 5 Series ahead by 9), safety (Mercedes-Benz E-Class ahead by 6), technology (BMW 5 Series ahead by 6). The BMW 5 Series will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. 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 5 Series?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the cheapest at $105,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 5 Series by $9,000.
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: Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes the most power at 150kW. The BMW 5 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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!
