BMW 5 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
When we compare the BMW 5 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the BMW 5 Series has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and interior volume. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 5 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a better car than the BMW 5 Series.
Pricing: For a new model, the BMW 5 Series's price is between $79,398 and $89,227, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced between $89,195 and $108,950.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 5 Series loses 63.7 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 54.8 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 5 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 5 Series is 7.0 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW 5 Series being ranked 15 out of 27 Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 5 out of 27. Out of 37 Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, the BMW 5 Series is ranked 21 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ranked 11.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 5 Series is 7.1 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 5 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 5 Series’s base engine makes 483 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 671 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 5 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
79398 - 89227
Starting MSRP:
74800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize Cars)
130275
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize Cars)
74800 - 200500
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
89195 - 108950
Starting MSRP:
86050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
69800
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
52100 - 86050
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize Cars)
127446
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize Cars)
127446 - 127446
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
91022
Price Range:
76388 - 111386
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
71873
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
51802 - 91022
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
47660
Depreciation %:
0.63716018
Resale Value $:
27140
Residual Value %:
0.36283982000000004
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize Cars)
0.63658757
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Midsize Cars)
0.53865621 - 0.63716018
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
47345
Depreciation %:
0.55020042
Resale Value $:
38705
Residual Value %:
0.44979958
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
0.54194225
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
0.49895027 - 0.5503047
BMW 5 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 5 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7721588118427967
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.8 - 4.2
BMW 5 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
11 out of / 37Ranking
15 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 37Ranking
21 out of / 37Ranking
21 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 27Ranking
35 out of / 37Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
15 out of / 27Ranking
23 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
BMW 5 Series Trim Levels
550e xDrive
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 63 S E Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
483 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
516 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.099 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
671 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
752 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.139 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 22 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4894 lbs
Width:
84.9 inches
Height:
59.6 inches
Length:
199.2 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4817 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
57.4 inches
Length:
190.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Oxide Grey Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Taupe/Atlas Grey
Black
Black / Black/Atlas Grey
Brown
Copper Brown/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown
Gray
Silverstone II Atlas Grey
Purple
Dark Violet/Atlas Grey
Red
Burgundy Red
White
Smoke White
Green
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Black w/ Gray Stitching / Black w/ Yellow Stitching
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Not available
Purple
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Green
Titan Grey/Black w/ Black/Red Stitching
