Subaru Liberty vs BMW 5 Series
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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Liberty and BMW 5 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 5 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Liberty.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Liberty features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 5 Series gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Liberty stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Liberty uses a FB25 Boxer producing 129kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds.
The BMW 5 Series responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The BMW 5 Series has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 129kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 5 Series is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Liberty measures 4,795mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 265mm shorter than the BMW 5 Series at 5,060mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 493L in the Subaru Liberty and 520L in the BMW 5 Series, giving the BMW 5 Series a 27L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 5 Series leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.9m
Based on 11.2m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Subaru Liberty and $1,938/year for the BMW 5 Series. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the BMW 5 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Subaru Liberty) vs $1,938 (BMW 5 Series). The BMW 5 Series saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Liberty if: You or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 5 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 5 Series takes 5 of 5 key spec categories. The BMW 5 Series will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Liberty and BMW 5 Series?
The BMW 5 Series is the cheapest at $114,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 5 Series uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Liberty and BMW 5 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 5 Series has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 5 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 5 Series makes the most power at 140kW. The BMW 5 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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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