Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW i3
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 E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $116,490 and $120,890 respectively.
The BMW i3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out with panoramic roof and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i3. The BMW i3 counters with heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.
The BMW i3 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i3 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class measures 4,949mm long on a 2,961mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 280L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW i3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW i3?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the cheapest at $105,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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 E-Class has the largest boot at 540L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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