Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW M3
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 M3 opens at $163,700. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $57,800.
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 $180,070 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by roughly $3,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW M3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 97% for the BMW M3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 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 E-Class and 6 in the BMW M3.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the BMW M3. The BMW M3 counters with heated front seats, ventilated 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 M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 4.8s 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 M3 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 480L in the BMW M3, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 60L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leads with a 2,100kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs $2,879 (BMW M3). The Mercedes-Benz E-Class saves you roughly $770 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). 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, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class will save you roughly $770 a year in fuel. 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 M3?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the cheapest at $105,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $57,800.
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 and BMW M3 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 M3 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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