Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW M5
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW M5 opens at $259,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $154,000.
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 $285,890 respectively.
The BMW M5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M5 by roughly $8,120 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW M5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 89% for the BMW M5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW M5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
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 M5. The BMW M5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M5 counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 M5 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 535kW and 1000Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 4.8s 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, 147mm shorter than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 530L in the BMW M5, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 10L 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and $485/year for the BMW M5. That is a $1,624 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs $485 (BMW M5). The BMW M5 saves you roughly $1,624 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M5 will save you roughly $1,624 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW M5?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the cheapest at $105,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M5 by $154,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW M5 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.
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 M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The BMW M5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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