Mercedes-Benz EQS vs BMW M3

The Mercedes-Benz EQS starts from $209,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW M3 opens at $163,700. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $46,200.

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 $230,890 and $180,070 respectively.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW M3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW M3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz EQS and 97% for the BMW M3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQS packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW M3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQS and 6 in the BMW M3. The Mercedes-Benz EQS adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW M3 misses.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS stands out with wireless charging and Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW M3. The BMW M3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS uses a Electric producing 245kW and 568Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds.

The BMW M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.

The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS measures 5,216mm long on a 3,210mm wheelbase, 507mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 610L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS and 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS a 130L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). Both match on warranty length.