Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs BMW i5
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 S-Class starts from $278,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i5 opens at $155,900. That makes the BMW i5 the more affordable entry point by $123,000.
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 $306,790 and $171,490 respectively.
The BMW i5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW i5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 6 in the BMW i5.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands out with ventilated seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i5. The BMW i5 counters with power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the BMW i5 offers vernasca leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2-zone in the BMW i5.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses a Petrol producing 320kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The BMW i5 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class measures 5,179mm long on a 3,106mm wheelbase, 119mm longer than the BMW i5 at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 510L in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 500L in the BMW i5, giving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a 10L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz S-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.
11.9m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is the cheapest at $155,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by $123,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW i5 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 S-Class has the largest boot at 510L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes the most power at 320kW. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
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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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