Mercedes-Benz EQS vs BMW M5
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 EQS starts from $209,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW M5 opens at $259,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQS the more affordable entry point by $50,000.
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 $230,890 and $285,890 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW M5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz EQS and 89% for the BMW M5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQS packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the BMW M5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQS and 6 in the BMW M5.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 EQS stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the BMW M5. The BMW M5 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQS uses a Electric producing 245kW and 568Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2 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 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 107.8kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQS) vs 18.6kWh (BMW M5), giving WLTP ranges of 708km and 69km.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz EQS measures 5,216mm long on a 3,210mm wheelbase, 120mm longer than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 610L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS and 530L in the BMW M5, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS a 80L advantage.
For towing, the BMW M5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 12.4m
Based on 12.4m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 EQS and BMW M5?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the cheapest at $209,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M5 by $50,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQS and BMW M5 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 EQS has the largest boot at 610L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The BMW M5 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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