Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Polestar 5
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 30 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$105,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$193,100RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mercedes-Benz E-Class & Polestar 5
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 5 opens at $193,100. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $87,200.
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 $212,410 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Polestar 5. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
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.
Polestar 5
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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
103kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 350kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 350kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 5. The Polestar 5 counters with heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and Bowers & Wilkins audio. 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 Polestar 5 responds with a Electric Motor making 650kW and 1015Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds.
The Polestar 5 has the clear power advantage at 650kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Polestar 5 is 5.1s 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, 138mm shorter than the Polestar 5 at 5,087mm (3,054mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 365L in the Polestar 5, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 175L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 300kg 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 12.3m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.3m 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 E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 5). 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 Polestar 5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 62
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 62), taking 3 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Polestar 5 ahead by 45), safety (Mercedes-Benz E-Class ahead by 27), fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz E-Class ahead by 26). 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Polestar 5?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the cheapest at $105,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 5 by $87,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. ANCAP's published ratings include no record for Polestar 5, 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 Polestar 5 makes the most power at 650kW. The Polestar 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.2s.
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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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