The best premium sedans in Australia in 2026, including the new Lexus ES, the all new BMW 3 Series, Audi A5, Genesis G80, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with current pricing on each.
By Varun Punyamurtula ·
SUVs may dominate the sales charts, but a luxury sedan still does some things better. It sits lower, handles better, rides more quietly and usually uses less fuel. And in 2026 there is a wave of new ones, led by an all new BMW 3 Series and a fresh generation Lexus ES.
Here are the best premium sedans you can buy in Australia right now, from about $75,000 to $160,000, with current pricing on each.
Quick answer: The best luxury sedan for most Australians is the Lexus ES, from $75,000 plus on road costs for the ES 300h hybrid. The best driver's choice is the new BMW 3 Series, from $83,900 plus on road costs when it arrives in early 2027. For more space and executive comfort, the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are the benchmarks.
Our verdict in one line: the new Lexus ES and BMW 3 Series make 2026 the best time in years to choose a sedan over an SUV.
The all new eighth generation ES is a big step forward, with a far more modern cabin and a choice of hybrid or fully electric power for the first time.
The all new 3 Series arrives in Australia in the first quarter of 2027 and it is better equipped than ever. Adaptive M suspension and a head up display are standard across the range, and there is an electric i3 for the first time.
The new A5 replaces the A4 as Audi's mid size sedan, and the plug in hybrid e-hybrid quattro is the standout. It pairs a turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for strong performance and the ability to do short trips on electricity.
Genesis is Hyundai's luxury brand, and the G80 offers a big, plush executive sedan for less than the German alternatives. It comes with a long list of standard equipment and Genesis's ownership benefits.
The 5 Series is a large sedan that drives like a smaller one. The cabin is roomy and high tech, and there is an electric i5 alongside the petrol 520i.
If you want a sedan that feels like a smaller S-Class, the E-Class is it. The ride is soft and quiet, the interior is lavish, and the technology includes Mercedes' latest screens and driver assist systems.
If you want a premium feeling sedan without a luxury price, the new entry Model 3 RWD is hard to ignore. It has up to 572km of claimed range and access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
At the top of the market sit the BMW 7 Series and i7, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS, and the Audi RS e-tron GT. We compare them in our guide to the best BMW i7 rivals in Australia.
Go for it if: you mostly drive on sealed roads, want a quieter and more efficient car than an SUV, and enjoy driving.
Skip it if: you need a high driving position, a big boot for prams or regular gravel road access.
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Our pick is the new Lexus ES, from $75,000 plus on road costs for the ES 300h hybrid. If driving matters most, the new BMW 3 Series from $83,900 plus on road costs.
Among the cars in this guide, the Lexus ES 300h at $75,000 plus on road costs is the cheapest traditional luxury sedan. The Tesla Model 3 RWD costs less at $45,900 plus on road costs.
BMW Australia expects the new 3 Series in the first quarter of 2027, priced from $83,900 plus on road costs for the 320.
A sedan usually rides and handles better, is quieter and uses less fuel. An SUV gives you a higher seat, easier access and more cargo space. If you rarely need the extra space, a sedan is often the better car to drive.
For value, the Lexus ES 500e at $84,000 plus on road costs. At the top end, the BMW i7, Mercedes-Benz EQS and Audi RS e-tron GT.
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Prices checked on 28 October 2026 against published Australian pricing. All prices are manufacturer list prices plus on road costs. Images: Lexus Australia, BMW Group, Tesla and Wikimedia Commons contributors as credited.
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Sell your carTags: Sedans, BMW, Hybrid, Comparisons
Sources
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