Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Porsche 911
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Porsche 911 opens at $248,400. That makes the Porsche 911 the more affordable entry point by $30,500.
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 $273,240 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche 911 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Porsche 911.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds a 360-degree camera that the Porsche 911 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Porsche 911. 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 Porsche 911 responds with a Petrol making 290kW and 450Nm, paired to a 8-speed pdk driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 290kW. In the real-world sprint, the Porsche 911 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, 646mm longer than the Porsche 911 at 4,533mm (2,450mm 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 132L in the Porsche 911, giving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a 378L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m 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 $2,679/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and $3,164/year for the Porsche 911. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,679 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs $3,164 (Porsche 911). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saves you roughly $485 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 3 years / 999,999km (Porsche 911). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Porsche 911 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 Porsche 911?
The Porsche 911 is the cheapest at $248,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by $30,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche 911 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 has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes the most power at 320kW. The Porsche 911 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.1s.
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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