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BMW i5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2026 BMW i5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class — two compact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

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2026 BMW i5

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS1 – 3Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins 3 of 4 categories
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,150 a year less in fuel for the BMW i5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 10).

The two cars

The 2026 BMW i5 is a compact car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 310 miles and takes about 8 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,057 lb (Amg C43 4matic 4dr Sedan).

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Compact Cars
EV
Fuel
Hybrid
EV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

–
Best combined MPG
29 MPG
–
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
310 mi
EV range
–
$700
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,850

Performance & space

–
Length
187 in
–
Width
71.7 in
–
Height
56.7 in
–
Curb weight (lightest)
3,693 lb

Safety & reliability

1
Recalls (2026)
0
10
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
2
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
26,190

Buying used

–
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the BMW i5 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (310 miles)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if…

  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 10 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 BMW i5

  • Long EV rangeUp to 310 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 BMW i5 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →