Mercedes-Benz S-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 S-Class starts from $278,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW M5 opens at $259,900. That makes the BMW M5 the more affordable entry point by $19,000.
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 $285,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW M5 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 M5.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW M5. The BMW M5 counters with power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 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 320kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 1.4s 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, 83mm longer than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm 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 530L in the BMW M5, giving the BMW M5 a 20L 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and $2,879/year for the BMW M5. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,480 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs $2,879 (BMW M5). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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