Mercedes no longer makes the E63. So we put BMW's 535kW M5 against AMG's new E53 Hybrid and a used E63 S V8 to find the best super sedan to buy in Australia.
By Varun Punyamurtula · · Updated
The BMW M5 is the fastest and most complete super sedan you can buy new. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid is the smarter buy for most people, nearly as quick in real life, more luxurious and about $63,000 cheaper. If the V8 is the point, a well kept used E63 S is the enthusiast's choice.
BMW M5 from about $263,000 plus on road costs. Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ $199,900 plus on road costs. Used E63 S roughly $150,000 to $230,000.
About $278,400 drive away in NSW for the BMW M5. See VIC and QLD
For 20 years, the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 were the great V8 rivalry in the business sedan world. Then Mercedes stopped making the E63.
There's no E63 in the current E-Class range, and Mercedes-AMG's boss has said the V8 won't return to it. So if you walk into a Mercedes dealer today wanting an M5 rival, you'll be shown the Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+, a plug in hybrid six cylinder. If you still want an E63, you're buying used.
So we've lined up all three: the new BMW M5, the new AMG E53 Hybrid, and a used AMG E63 S, the last of the V8s.
Quick answer: The M5 is the fastest and most complete super sedan you can buy new, but it costs about $63,000 more than an E53. The E53 is the smarter buy for most people. If you want V8 drama for less, a used E63 S is the enthusiast's pick.
BMW M5
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+
The last E63 S 4MATIC+ was built until 2023, finishing with a Final Edition that cost $311,900 plus on road costs. It had a 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 with 450kW and 850Nm, ran 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and had a Drift Mode that sent all the power to the rear wheels.
When the new E-Class arrived, AMG chose a six cylinder plug in hybrid for its hottest version instead. Earlier talk of a V8 comeback was shut down by AMG's own chief executive. If you love the old car, the used market is now the only way in.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+ (2020 to 2023)
The M5 is a big, muscular car. It is wider than a regular 5 Series, with flared arches front and rear and an aggressive face that you will either love or hate. It leaves no doubt that it's the top dog.
The E53 is more subtle. It wears AMG's vertical slat grille, 20 inch wheels and quad exhaust tips, but most people will see a smart E-Class rather than a 450kW missile. That is exactly what some buyers want.
BMW M5
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+
Winner: M5 for presence. E53 if you prefer to fly under the radar.
Both are plug in hybrids now, but they're built for different jobs.
The M5 pairs a 430kW V8 with a 145kW electric motor for a combined 535kW and 1000Nm. That's more torque than many supercars. BMW claims 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0 to 200km/h in 10.9 seconds, and in Australia the M Driver's Package is standard, raising the top speed to 305km/h for track days.
The E53 uses a 330kW turbo six and a 120kW motor for 450kW and 750Nm with launch control. It runs 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is still extraordinarily quick for a family sedan.
And the old E63 S? At 3.4 seconds it's still a match for the M5 off the line, and it's several hundred kilos lighter than both new cars.
Winner: M5. It's in a different league for outright pace.
This is where the E53 fights back. Its bigger 21.2kWh usable battery gives it about 100km of electric range on the WLTP cycle, against about 68km for the M5. For many owners, that means a week of commuting without using petrol.
Both have an official WLTP figure under 2L/100km when you keep them charged. With a flat battery, they're thirsty: BMW quotes about 10.3L/100km for the M5 and Mercedes about 9L/100km for the E53. The old V8 E63 S was rated at 11.6L/100km and uses plenty more when driven hard.
Winner: E53, comfortably.
The M5 gets BMW's curved display, a 14.9 inch touchscreen and 12.3 inch driver screen in one panel, plus M sport seats, an 18 speaker Bowers and Wilkins stereo, four zone climate and a panoramic glass roof.
The E53 gets the latest MBUX screens, full Nappa leather and Burmester audio, with Mercedes' typically plush ambience. It feels more like a luxury car. The M5 feels more like a driver's car.
BMW M5
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+
The old E63 S has Mercedes' widescreen cockpit from the previous generation. It's still a lovely place to sit, but its tech looks a generation older than both new cars.
Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+
Winner: Draw. M5 for the sporty feel, E53 for luxury.
Both cars seat four adults comfortably, with five at a squeeze.
BMW M5
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+
The boot is where the hybrid hardware costs you. The M5 has 466 litres and the E53 about 370 litres, because its battery sits under the boot floor. The old E63 S, with no battery, had 540 litres. If you need more space, BMW sells the M5 Touring wagon in Australia, while Mercedes doesn't offer an E53 wagon here.
The M5 is also rated to tow 2,000kg braked, which is handy for a jet ski or small trailer.
BMW M5 boot
Winner: M5, and the M5 Touring if you need a wagon.
Want one? Tell us what you're after and we'll use our network to find the best deal anywhere in Australia, on a new, demo, near new or used M5, E53 or E63 S. Get the best deal. Got a car to move on first? We can help you sell your car too.
Both come loaded with active safety tech: adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, surround cameras and AEB.
On ratings, the standard 5 Series has a five star ANCAP rating from 2023, which ANCAP says applies to all variants. Confirm with BMW that it covers the M5. The E-Class also has five stars from 2024, but that rating only covers the E200 and E300, and ANCAP lists the E53 as unrated. E63 S models built from 2023 are also unrated.
Winner: M5, narrowly.
Here's the big number: the M5 costs roughly $63,000 more than the E53. You get 85kW and 250Nm more, a bigger boot and a properly special V8, but you give up 30km of electric range and some luxury.
Then there's the used E63 S. Recent asking prices for 2021 to 2023 cars sit very roughly between $150,000 and $230,000 depending on age and kilometres, with Final Edition cars higher. That's V8 performance for less than a new E53, though you take on an older car with no factory warranty left on early examples and higher fuel bills.
Nobody should pay full list price for any of these. Super sedans sit on dealer floors longer than everyday cars, and demo stock is common.
Winner: E53 for new car value. Used E63 S for performance per dollar.
It's the best all round performance sedan you can buy new. It is heavy and very expensive, but nothing else does family car and supercar this convincingly.
Most buyers will be happier with it. It's nearly as quick in real life, smoother, more luxurious, better on fuel and a lot cheaper.
The last of the V8 E63s is already a future classic. Buy one with a full service history and get a pre purchase inspection first.
Our pick: the BMW M5 if you want the best. The AMG E53 Hybrid if you want the smartest buy.
No. The current E-Class has no E63. The top AMG model is the E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+, and Mercedes-AMG has said the V8 won't return to the E63.
The M5 sedan launched at $259,900 plus on road costs, and 2026 builds are listed at about $263,000. The M5 Touring wagon costs a few thousand dollars more.
The M5. It has 535kW against the E53's 450kW and runs 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds against 3.8 seconds.
Yes. It's a plug in hybrid with a 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 and an electric motor, and it can drive about 68km on electricity alone.
Recent asking prices for 2021 to 2023 cars range very roughly from $150,000 to $230,000, depending on age, kilometres and history. Final Edition cars cost more.
Australian prices exclude on road costs and were checked on 7 October 2026. BMW raised M5 prices slightly for 2026 builds, so confirm the exact figure with a dealer. Used prices are indicative asking prices only. Figures for weight, boot space and fuel use are manufacturer claims where published. Images: BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz AG (manufacturer media).
An estimate for a private buyer. Pick your state.
| BMW M5 | Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ | |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $263,000 | $199,900 |
| Luxury Car Tax (already in the list price) | $39,540 | $24,978 |
| Stamp duty (NSW) | $12,350 | $9,195 |
| Rego and CTP, 12 months | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Dealer delivery (typical) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Drive away, about | $278,400 | $212,100 |
Why a new car loses value so fast: about $15,350 of the drive away price is stamp duty, rego, CTP and dealer delivery. You never get that back when you sell, because the next owner pays their own. GST and any Luxury Car Tax are built into the list price, so they fade with the car's value over the years rather than vanishing on day one. The rest of the drop comes from age, kilometres and demand.
Estimates only, using 2026-27 rates. Rego and CTP depend on the car's weight, your insurer and postcode, and dealer delivery varies (some brands sell at one national drive away price). Ask the dealer for a written drive away quote.
Tell us what you're after and we'll use our network to help you find the best deal anywhere in Australia.
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Sell your carTags: BMW, Comparisons, Performance, Sedans, Hybrid
Sources
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