Mercedes-Benz EQE vs BMW i3
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 EQE starts from $149,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the BMW i3 the more affordable entry point by $40,000.
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 $164,890 and $120,890 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQE features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE stands out with panoramic roof, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i3. The BMW i3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQE uses a Electric producing 215kW and 565Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
The BMW i3 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 215kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 90.6kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQE) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 571km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Mercedes-Benz EQE) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz EQE measures 4,946mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 237mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQE a 170L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQE leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m 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 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 EQE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQE if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQE takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 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 EQE and BMW i3?
The BMW i3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQE by $40,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE has the most range at 654km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQE 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 EQE has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The Mercedes-Benz EQE is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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